2010 STEVENS — AheAd since '91

suspension coMpeTence:
ThomaS
kAMM
ThE gErMAN CoMPANy ANSWEr BIKE TEChNoLogy
gMBh SPECIALIZES IN ThE dEVELoPMENT
oF hydrAuLIC dAMPENINg SySTEMS. ThoMAS
KAMM ANSWErEd A FEW quESTIoNS ABouT our
FuLL SuSPENSIoN BICyCLES.
Since 2006 you have been working closely with
STEVENS. You designed the Fluent and Glide
series, two very successful and renowned full
suspension bikes. What were your goals during
the development of the enduro Ridge 2011?
don’t you always have to combine opposites in suspension
development? on the one hand you want
comfort and great suspension characteristics, on
the other you try to create stiff and efficient frames.
How do you achieve a good balance between
the two?
That’s exactly the challenge! using a 4-pivot “horst-
Link” (or: classic 4-pivot) already lays the foundation
to a lightweight but stiff chassis. But then, especially
with large suspension travel, you have to adjust
the kinematics with great care so that there are no
disadvantages for the suspension characteristics.
I’m quite proud of the successful combination of all
these properties on the STEVENS ridge.
Both STEVENS Glide and Ridge 2011 feature a
modified concept for the rear section, the Fluent
now has 120mm of suspension travel in the back
and the front. Is there a trend towards increased
22
suspension travel? What did you change?
definitely, bikes in all categories are getting more
suspension travel. But this is due to the fact that the
kinematics are getting better and better, while variable
suspension travel eliminates all disadvantages.
Additionally, for 2011 STEVENS bicycles come with
superb balance of the front and rear suspension,
and the glide and the ridge feature stiffer frames
and X12 through-axles.
What’s the secret of the “Anti-Squat Kinematics”
of the STEVENS full suspension bikes?
Anti-squat means the ability to transform the pedaling
force into propulsion without loss of energy.
Reviews in magazines point out the difference
between pedal bob and pedal feedback. What’s
more relevant?
This is a very difficult question, as there’s no right or
wrong answer. The STEVENS rear sections follow
the “as much as necessary and as little as possible”
principle. The advantages of the first need to
eliminate the disadvantages of the latter. Specifically:
if I don’t want to have pedal feedback (this is
only possible in one specific gear and with specific
adjustment), I automatically get pedal bob. If I don’t
want any pedal bob (i.e. 100% anti-squat), I will have
to put up with some pedal feedback. My completely
personal opinion is this: Anti-squat (no energy
loss uphill) has slightly higher priority, because it
improves the kinematic response characteristics
(better downhill characteristics) at the same time.
Actually, in practice modern kinematics with these
priorities show only very minimal pedal feedback.
Can you give a few hints for a long and problemfree
lifetime of a suspension bike?
First of all you need sound bearings for the rear
section, but you should also take care to avoid
common mistakes: Steam cleaning should never be
used to clean anything but the tires, if at all. Never
steam clean bearings or drive train components!
Apart from that, STEVENS rear sections are built
with proven technology, and in case service really is
necessary, parts can be repaired or replaced even
after many years of use. Maintenance-free, doubly
sealed rolling bearings as well as special bearings
are used, each kind in the places where it’s the most
appropriate.