There are bikes designed to handle every type of terrain. Mountain bikes can handle off-road conditions, for example. Their thick, knobby tires roll through mud and over roots and rocks. Special disc brakes enable the bike to stop in wet conditions and control the bike at high speeds. Mountain bikes also utilize suspension in the front, and when a bike pivots in the middle, this refers to the bike's rear suspension.
Full Suspension
A full suspension mountain bike, also known as a "full-susser" or "dualie," is designed to handle gnarly off-road conditions. A pivot is the key to full suspension as these pivots provide for different points of rotation on the bike. A full suspension bike has a front suspension fork and a middle suspension that is designed as a triangle or pivoting bracket. This is opposed to a hardtail bike that offers only a front suspension fork. The suspension keeps the bike in control, damping any excess vibration to produce a smoother ride. There are a variety of pivot suspension systems, each designed to produce a slightly different ride.
Types of Shocks
When full suspension bikes first came on the market, the shock was a coil shock. This shock is a coil spring made from titanium or steel. The shock is very durable, yet adds a good deal of weight to the bike. Coil shocks are still popular for downhill mountain bikes, which require something solid and durable and weight isn't an issue since the bike isn't used for climbing uphill.
For cross-country riders and racers, however, the air shock is a more favorable choice. This shock is filled with air, which can be adjusted to achieve a soft or firm ride and is much lighter than a coil spring.
Amount of Travel
Full suspension mountain bikes come with varying amounts of travel. This is the amount of up and down movement provided by the shock. The more rough and bumpy the terrain, the more travel that's needed. For instance, freeride and downhill mountain bikes require more travel than cross country bikes. These bikes typically come with 6 or more inches of travel, which cross country bikes average 5 inches.
Other Considerations
Different shocks and suspension designs produce a different ride. To experience the most efficient ride, look for a bike that has a good pedaling platform and little to no bobbing as you pedal. Be sure to dial it in, or ask your bike shop to help you, to ensure you're experiencing the smoothest and most responsive ride possible. Also keep in mind that full suspension bikes tend to be more expensive than hard tails and are heavier.
Types of Pivots
There are several types of pivot points that rotate in the middle of a full suspension bike. The pivot is such an integral part of this bike's design that there is even a company called Pivot Cycles. These pivots allow the frame to move as it dampens vibration. A unified rear triangle is one of the simplest pivot designs, employing a pivot between the rear and front triangle. A split pivot system is designed so that there is a separation between braking and accelerating. One company's system uses a virtual pivot point that reacts depending on the type of vibration picked up by the suspension system.
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