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3.3.3
Suspension
Both forks and suspension forks are fitted in this
model series.
3.3.3.1 Rigid fork
Rigid forks do not feature suspension. They transfer
the used muscle and motor power to the road to
optimum effect. ebikes with rigid forks consume
less energy on steep roads and have a greater
range than ebikes with suspension.
3.3.3.2 Suspension fork
A fork travel when a coil 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 ebike prevents an impact, such as
one caused by a stone lying in the ebike's path,
from being channeled directly into the body via the
fork. The impact is absorbed by the suspension
system instead. This causes the suspension fork to
compress.
After compressing, the suspension fork returns to
its original position. If the bike has a damper, the
damper will slow this movement down. It thus
prevents the suspension system from springing
back in an uncontrolled manner and the fork from
oscillating up and down. Shocks which dampen
compressive deflection movements, i.e. a
compression load, are called compression
dampers or compression dashpots.
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Figure 7: Without suspension (1) and with suspension (2)
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 the handlebars are fastened to the
fork steerer. The wheel is fastened to the axle.
Description
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