Vector from 1907

[DugB]

Check out this old bicycle patent:

http://bicyclepatents.com/early-front-bike-suspension/119/

Looks like out forks, and really like a lot of old motorcycle suspensions, like the one on my old '41 Zundapp (which sadly and happily isn't mine anymore):

http://www.zundappfool.com/images/visitors%20bikes%20I-X/visitors_bikes/IMGP3537%20-%20resized_a.jpg

[shovelon]

Well what a find. Looks like those are very workable linkage forks.

[whisperdancer]

Looks like the Cannondale had some inspiration here:

http://bicyclepatents.com/the-first-front-suspension-bicycle/134/

[DugB]

Just thinking...that old 1907 design wouldn't have one thing that our bikes do: the J path. The Girvin behaves like that because the top linkage arms are actually shorter than the bottoms, right? I think that 1907 design is actually more similar to the Fournales than our forks.

Just wondering...

- Doug

[shovelon]

I think you are right. But I think the girvins take a direct hit better because the fork leg is allowed to rotate the upper link forward in a see-saw fashion. Sooo, when I brake the front wheel tucks under as well as compresses?

Terry