03
02
EQUILINK EXPLAINED
Equilink is a patented 6-bar linkage system that allows our engineers to deliver a
unique ride quality with no compromises. Typical short-link 4-bar systems can be
optimized for bump absorption or efficient pedaling, but not both. The suspension’s
bump performance is dictated by the leverage curve (how much the shock
compresses relative to the rear wheel travel), which is governed by the rotation
of the upper link. The pedaling efficiency is determined by the anti-squat curve,
which is related to the motion of the lower link. When the upper and lower links
are connected through a 1-piece rear triangle (like the image below on the right),
any changes the designer makes to the upper link to optimize the leverage curve
will change the rotation of the lower link, affecting the anti-squat curve. Likewise,
any changes to the lower link to optimize anti-squat will compromise the leverage
curve.
The solution? Connect the upper and lower links with the ‘equilink.’ This allows
our engineers to tune the rotation of the upper and lower links independently, to
optimize both leverage and anti-squat curves. The result is a leverage curve that’s
progressive, providing small bump sensitivity, mid stroke support, and bottom-out
resistance; and an anti-squat curve that provides the appropriate amount of
pedaling support in the beginning of suspension travel (where pedaling occurs),
while limiting pedal kickback on big compressions, keeping things active.
Efficient Pedaling //
To accomplish efficient pedaling,
the suspension is designed with
an ideal amount of anti-squat. A
key benefit of the Equilink is that
it allows for a downward sloping
anti-squat curve which falls off
more rapidly around 60% travel.
This translates to a bike that
pedals well and is able to absorb
bumps at the same time.
Large Impacts //
To provide support on large impacts, the bike has a progressive
leverage ratio. This means that the suspension gets progressively harder to
compress as it moves through its travel.
Small-Bump Sensitivity //
For small-bump sensitivity, the shock is tuned with very little
compression damping. Because the linkage is providing the pedaling efficiency
and large impact support, the shock can remain active and absorb bumps when
needed. The added benefit of doing this is the shock is not compensating for any
shortcomings of the linkage design, therefore it is not working as hard which leads
to less heat buildup and more consistent performance.
EQUILINK EXPLAINED
CONT.
LEVERAGE RATIO
EQUILINK
100%
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3.0
0
40
80
120
160
AN
TI-S
QU
AT
LE
VE
RA
GE
RA
TIO
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (MM)
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (mm)
-100%
0
50
100
150
0%
4-BAR SYSTEM
DURING THE DESIGN
PROCESS, OUR ENGINEERS
CAN MOVE THE EQUILINK
MOUNTING POINTS TO
BEST CONTROL THE
ROTATION OF THE UPPER
AND LOWER LINKS.
VARIABLE
DISTANCE
FIXED
DISTANCE
2019 Compulsion Series Supplement Manual_V6_21119.indd 2-3
2/11/19 9:20 AM
