ELLSWOTH SUSPENSION COMPARISONS

HOW DOES ELLSWORTH STACK UP AGAINST THE COMPETITION IN THE 3 CORE PERFORMANCE NEEDS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING?

BUMP ABSORBTION

Bump absorption characteristics can either enhance your ride or hinder it. Ellsworth suspensions are described by many riders as "plush” – a critical factor over the course of a lengthy endurance race, and for the weekend trail rider it means the difference between a sore rear end or a silky-smooth ride.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency is a primary feature of all Ellsworth bicycle designs. While competitors’ designs in many cases absorb pedal inputs, wasting energy, our patented ICT and ATLAS suspensions do an incomparable job of converting pedal power into forward motion—so Energy Efficiency is maximized

BREAKING

Braking is a critical control factor, and is largely ignored in modern suspension designs—not here. Ellsworth does much more than create lightweight, nimble-feeling bikes. Our Brake Torque Isolation enhances control by maintaining fully-active suspension under braking and reducing skidding.

PSEUDO-4-BAR

INSTANT CENTER TRACKING

ATLAS

Bump Assertion

POSITIVE

Pseudo 4-bars which pivot at the seatstays, can feel really plush with excellent bump absorption. Pseudo flex bars have only fair bump absorption characteristics.

NEGATIVE

Diagonal axle path causes resistance to bump forces. The Flex bars lack of chainstay pivots provides harsh quality suspension.

 

POSITIVE

Excellent plush bump absorption quality for all size hits. The Fully-active ICT design is consistently compliant over all varied terrain.

NEGATIVE

May cause increased comfort, extended ride time, creating problems at home, due to lack of chore completion.

 

POSITIVE

Good absorption for small and large bumps, fully-active and consistently compliant over varied terrain.

NEGATIVE

Surprisingly supple ride feel realized on demo rides may lead to flooding market of other bike brands, causing excessive eBay™ sales of used bikes, and decrease of competing brand market values.

Energy Efficiency

POSITIVE

Pseudo 4 bars are not very efficient pedaling bikes. Flex bars have a slightly more efficient pedaling feel.

NEGATIVE

Diagonal axle path causes pedal kick-back decreasing efficiency and promoting bob. Flex bars have slightly better pedaling characteristics masked by lacking pivots.

 

POSITIVE

Excellent power output on all terrain. The only 100% pedal energy efficient full suspension design.

NEGATIVE

Fresh feeling and energy reserves after endurance races may annoy friends and other competitors.We recommend using energy stores to help other teams load their truck to counteract irritability.

 

POSITIVE

Good power output on all terrain. Unique pivot location leads to power output that rivals the best 4-bar linkage bike designs.

NEGATIVE

While your friend with the ICT equipped bike loads competitors’ truck, avoid riding wheelie's in the pits or riding home—don’t be a show-off.

Braking

POSITIVE

Not fully-active. Decent initial braking over small bumps and/or under light braking loads.

NEGATIVE

“Stink Bug” effect under braking causes suspension to bind, making for a rigid suspension, increases skidding and decreases control under braking.

 

POSITIVE

Fully-active suspension ensures consistent rear wheel contact with terrain providing superior braking control regardless of load.

NEGATIVE

Close-following riders on other bike brands must increase braking distance to avoid overshooting turns.

 

POSITIVE

Good braking over all bump sizes, optimized rear wheel contact with terrain and control. Low and forward pivot location provides neutral suspension under braking, avoiding “jacking” effect and maximizing braking efforts.

NEGATIVE

Later braking capability in turns may necessitate waiting for friends to catch up.