Suspension for the Front Range
Frames
– We could go on and on, but the most important thing about a frame on the Front Range is whether you like the geometry and the way the suspension (if you have any) works FOR YOU. This is done by trying out bikes, not by reading magazines or listening to your buddies. We offer demo bikes for this exact reason. Once you find your bike, you will know it. You will be beside yourself. And mountain biking will fill your being with the “crazy love.” We obviously fell in love with Santa Cruz, Knolly and Kona for suspension mountain bikes. Let’s see what we can do for you.
Santa Cruz
– Uses the Virtual Pivot Point Suspension design. The specific idea is simple. The path the wheel takes is shaped to be efficient for pedaling hard. When you aren’t pedaling, it is plush as can be. We have found that there is a greater range of acceptable preload setups with VPP than most other types of suspension.
The pedal forces are counter rotating against the suspension, so it feels almost locked out during high cadence climbs and flat out sprints.
Knolly
– FourbyFour Linkage system. A brilliantly simple system that works all of the time.
The shock forces laterally are isolated so that the shock does exactly what you would expect on command. It stiffens up the bike to the point that you start to feel flex in everything else you ride.
Kona
– Four Bar Linkage system.
Kona makes bikes that last for a long long time. They pedal well and are squishy as can be on decents. Many of Salvagetti’s staff started out on Kona full suspension bikes and learned quickly that it catches mistakes you make and forgives you for it afterward.
Suspension
is a very personal thing. It is not defined by your riding style or where you ride. It is defined by what you prefer. And to figure this out, you need to ride the bikes. One of the systems will feel better than the others.
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