Monopivots Alive and Well @ K2!!!!

[Tom_A.]

Well...it appears that with the introduction of the new Lithium, K2 now has 4 bikes (4!...count'em...4!) using virtually the identical monopivot-style swingarm..i.e. no pivot between the main (frame) pivot and the rear wheel dropout. [smiley=disbelief.gif]



The only differences between these frames is the configuration of the overly fancy (extra pivoted) mechanisms used to actuate the shocks.



Am I the only one to see this?



Interesting marketing strategy.

[Simon]

No your not,mentioned this on a prevoius posting,they are effectivly a single pivot design just with the shock actuated by a linkage, if they fitted the extra pivot (horst link) near the dropout they would have to pay specialized for the privilage as they own the patent,the linkage is supposed to give  better tuning possibilities so they can design it to a more linear or progressive or rising rate etc system,but with the latest technology spv shocks linkages may not be required but looks like the vpp systems are the way to go at present,would like to of see them incorperate some of the latest technology in there latest designs,Simon

[Old Proflexer]

it's nice to know my classics have the latest in frame design and technology.  i've ridden many of the other bikes and prefer mine as it's tweaked to my style and my koobi seat fits my butt.  

i looked at that intense spyder vpp again    and caught myself, not only staring but had a little dribble of drool running from the corner of my mouth down my jaw.  it's the looks alone - i'm sure of it.  last time that happened to me was the first time i saw my wife.

you ever get a chance to work out that geometry thing we chatted about on the crosslink?

OP

[TCP]

The one other thing that a horst link design does better than a monopivot is stay active during braking.  I have a 2000 K2 evo, 2001 K2 attack 4.0 and a 2001 specialized enduro and the only thing the specialized does noticably better is keep the rear wheel following the terrain on steep and loose downhills.  climbing and very rough but reasonabley flat terrain is equal (but different for each frame).

[Simon]

The one other thing that a horst link design does better than a monopivot is stay active during braking.  I have a 2000 K2 evo, 2001 K2 attack 4.0 and a 2001 specialized enduro and the only thing the specialized does noticably better is keep the rear wheel following the terrain on steep and loose downhills.  climbing and very rough but reasonabley flat terrain is equal (but different for each frame).

On a single pivot design this can be overcome if your running disc's by fitting a floating caliper system,havn't tried one but read some positive reviews,have intended for a while to make my own just haven't got around to it, looks simple enough but I think there a bit ugly and spoil the lines of a bike when fitted,
OP I thought I was the only one drooling over the Intence spyder vpp,just been reading an article on the Intence company in my regular mtb mag they paid Intence a visit, great workmanship and attention to detail. Simon [smiley=nod.gif]

[Dennis]

OP and Simon,
you like Intense bikes? me too, just about to pick up the Intense-made Haro frame, but check this mofo out:



yes, those flames are formed into the aluminum.

[smiley=groucho.gif]

[Matno]

Speaking of mono-pivots, floating discs and spoiling the lines of the bike...    

I'm a fan of flames, but I'm not so sure I like them built into the frame. Doesn't seem like it would do anything good for strength or weight, and it would be a pain to clean. Not that bikes aren't already a pain to clean...

[Simon]

Have to agree with Matno here don't think I could live with those flames notice the model shown is also using a floating caliper, impressive as that one is,I'm more into the new Intence spyder vpp.Simon

[smiley=nod.gif]

[Scott]

Dennis-that bike simply looks too fast for me to want to be caught riding it-there's no way my riding ability could live up to the advance biling of flames AND a full floater!  Is it an '04?  I haven't seen a review and I'm a magazine junkie.  

[Dennis]

Scott,
yeah, it an '04. I saw it on the Foes Racing site a couple days ago. every once in a while I go there to look at the Fly and drool!!
seems they dumped the DHS Tube, and added the Inferno just under the Fly. The Fly has adjustable 6-8inch rear travel, while the Inferno has 7.5 inch travel, so is a bit less expensive. also, Foes describes it is a light weight, super long travel, traibike. the Fly is more of a freerider/DHer.
I agree with you about the looks. You would have to have a lot of sef confidence about your riding ability to ride a bike with flames formed into it!!
Just thought it was interesting, as it has a monopivot and floating brake. I still would like a Fly.
Here's a description from Go-Ride.com:
The FXR's big brother, the Inferno is a long-travel, all-day trailbike.  With 7.5" of  travel via a 3" stroke Curnutt shock, the super-low leverage combines with the Curnutt's anti-bob technology.  This provides riders with an ultra-long-travel trail bike that remains incredibly efficient.   The floating brake option allows for neutral brake forces.  These frames are designed for riders that want a comfortable yet sporty all-day bike that can take care of some serious back-country business.
by the way, the Fifth Element and other stable platform shocks are built under license from Curnutt. Foes is currently working on an SPV fork. It was originally supposed to come out this past summer, but is now scheduled for this coming spring. seems its a bit harder to do than they originally thought!!
this is the Foes that would compete with the Intense Spyder:

again, from go-ride.com:
A huge hit for 2003 and designed around the Curnutt XTD technology, the FXR is the first bicycle frame ever produced to utilize a "position sensitive" damper in a cross-country application.  Perfect for "epic rides," rough terrain XC, or for those who need a bit more suspension in their trail riding adventures, but don't need the weight or brute strength of a freeride style frame.  Travel is adjustable from 5 to 5.75 inches.  
[smiley=groucho.gif]