MY22H03 - 32_1.0_04.10.2021
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Overview
3.3.3
Suspension
3.3.3.1 Suspension fork
A fork deflects when a steel spring, air
suspension, or both suspension types act on it.
Unlike rigid forks, suspension forks improve
contact with the ground and thus enhance comfort
using two functions: suspension and damping.
The suspension in a pedelec prevents an impact,
such as one caused by a stone lying in the
pedelec's path, from being channelled directly into
the body via the fork. The impact is absorbed by
the suspension system instead. This causes the
suspension fork to compress.
Figure 7: Without suspension (1) and with suspension (2)
After compressing, the suspension fork returns to
its original position. If there is a damper, it
decelerates movement, preventing the
suspension system from springing back in an
uncontrolled manner and stopping the fork from
vibrating up and down. Dampers which dampen
compressive deflection movements, i.e. a
compression load, are called compression
dampers or compression dashpots.
Dampers which dampen rebound deflection
movements, i.e. a rebound load, are called
rebound dampers or dashpots.
The compression can be disabled in any
suspension fork. A suspension fork will then
behave like a rigid fork.
The stem and handlebars are fastened to the fork
steerer. The wheel is fastened to the axle.
Figure 8: Overview of suspension fork, using Suntour as
an example
1
Fork steerer
2
Sag setting wheel
3
Crown
4
Dust seal
5
Q-Loc
6
Axle
7
Fork end
8
Stanchion
9
Compression setting
1
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
7
