Mountain Bike Rear Suspension Types

Mountain bike suspension systems help provide a smoother ride over bumpy trails and rough terrain. Although there are dozens of types of rear suspension systems for mountain bikes -- many of which are proprietary designs -- finding the right one is a matter of riding style and budget as much as design specifications.

  1. Soft Tail

    • Adapted from motorcycle rear-wheel suspension systems, soft tail suspension systems are one of the simplest type of rear-wheel suspension available to bicyclists. Using a spring-and-piston structure, soft-tail suspension can be modified to riders' preference by replacing the spring with one that has more or less tension. In addition, the amount of give in the suspension system -- termed travel -- can be adjusted on some bikes to allow for tighter, less responsive suspension. Soft tail suspension is one of the lighter forms of suspension, and many riders claim it doesn't interfere with traction as other types might.

    Single Pivot

    • Frames equipped with single-pivot use a spring-based shock absorber mounted laterally beneath the saddle to absorb rear-end bumps. The back wheel and chain mount is affixed to a pivot point on the frame, and all rear-wheel movement comes from this. Because of its single-axis pivoting, single pivot suspension bikes don't handle bumps as efficiently as more complicated systems, although their low-tech design makes them much more affordable.

    Specialized FSR

    • Specilized's FSR series of mountain bikes replace the rear fork and wheel mount with a levered wheel mount and suspension cassette that uses fluid to absorb bumps. As the suspension's built into the frame, the FSR works well as an all-purpose rear shock, adapting to climbs and descents equally, with many riders praising its ability to find traction on climbs almost akin to that of a bike without rear suspension.

    Fox Shox Float RP2

    • Many riders complain about the loss of traction when climbing on a bike equipped with a rear shock. Fox Shox's Float RP2 series meets that complaint head-on, allowing riders the option to install a remote lock-out feature that, when engaged, shuts off this air shock's suspension system, turning it into a hard tail. Dampers allow riders to fine-tune the suspension's response to make the shock ride more firmly at the bottom or top of its travel.