Whistler Helmetcam footage...

Here is some helmetcam footage of 'No Joke' (Garbonzo, Whistler bike park) That my mate Ben and myself took back in summer 2005 while we were guiding out there. Man this brings back some good memories! Hope you enjoy.

Now thats good ole time hockey!!!

This was too funny not too share, it's like watching South Park with live actors.


Pee Wee Hockey Brawl - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Techinical details on the VF4B linkages.

I've had a lot of people interested in the suspension attributes of each of the 3 VF4B linkage designs (on the Rampant, Pyre and Rune)

Although they each use similar looking linkages, the geometry and performance is targeted to be optimal for its target market, as the following posts will give you a glimps of the thought that goes into each linkage design.

Axle Paths

You can clearly see that all of the bikes have an initially rearward axle path. This means that the rear wheel will initially move backwards slightly as the suspension compresses. The more rearward the axle path (to a point) the better the suspension will react to small square edge obstacles (for example braking ruts).

(the chainstay lengths are not the same for each bike, this graph just shows the exaggerated axle path from its uncompressed origin)

Rampant :

The slightly rearward axle path adds to the pedal efficiency when combined with a progressive leverage ratio. However it is important that there is not much chain stretch on a 4X race bike to allow for explosive acceleration out of the gate. 4X racers want an agile almost twitchy bike.

Pyre:

The axle path is similar to the rampant, again the rearward axle path allows for good bump absorption, and optimal pedalling efficiency, but the axle path arcs forward half way through the travel to minimise chainstretch and pedal kickback which is of highest importance on an XC style full suspension bike.

Rune:

The rune has a more rearward axle path to make the bike more stable at speed over rough terrain than the other 2 bikes in the VF4B range, as this it more important for a trail riding / light freeride bike. The pedalling efficiency will still be great by using chain tension to help reduce pedal bob, all tho there will be slightly more pedal kickback than the other designs (partially because of having more travel).

Leverage ratios and force curves.

This first graph shows the leverage ratio of the 3 designs. Some people may think that the leverage ratio should be progressive throughout the travel. This certainly is the case for a freeride bike that is designed to take big hits, however with the advancement of suspension technology the curves are changing.

Modern air shocks are both strong and very progressive. If an air shock is used on a constantly progressive design then the design will become incredibly progressive, to the point that you will not be making use of the full range of travel under normal riding. The Pyre and Rune use a slightly progressive to slightly regressive design to optimise pedal performance and suspension 'feel' for trail riding. The result is almost like having a pedal platform between 25-50% the way through the travel where the suspension will have minimal 'bob' even under aggressive cranking on those pedals. (just as any pyre rider how well the bike pedals even over rocky terrain and up tech rooty sections). The Rampant has a purely progressive leverage as a 4X racer wants to bike to work like a hardtail until he needs the suspension to take a big landing. So the leverage is designed to be very progressive and stiff.


The next graph is a graph showing the forces required to compress the suspension at the axle. (although perhaps not too clearly, sorry!) These are not preset by any means as the shock setup controls this. However these were taken with the average settings for an air shock, so that you can make it more progressive feeling, or more linear as you desire.

You can see here that the Pyre is the most linear of the designs, to give a smooth

feeling suspension for all day rides both up and down hill.

The Rune has a much more progressive feel than the Pyre to cope better with taking bigger hits (small drops, rock gardens etc), and will over that more bottomless plush feeling.

Rune Geometry

That is how it stand just now, please leave me your feedback once again so that I can improve it to meet your requirements!

Thanks,

Keith

Some more realistic pics...

These (higher resolution images) might give you a better idea of what the frames might look like in real life (exclude all model edge lines etc...)

Colours are just random, nothing to do with what we are going to spec.

I hope you like...

Rune

Rampant

Wildcard