MTB Suspension - Unsprung Weight Explained 8

Product / Technical
Heavy unsprung weight can impact the suspension performance by reducing the contact between tires and ground over bumpy surfaces. Learn more in this video with intuitive and visual dynamic simulations.
Credit: andrextr
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How-To / Instruction
Suspension
Product / Technical
8 comments

View replies to: MTB Suspension - Unsprung Weight Explained

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Aceman
4 years ago
I rode my bike today. It was fun. Some people just overcomplicate stuff they shouldn't.
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Sesame Seed
4 years ago
Another gem.

Provided a rider stays neutral and offers absolutely no counter-input over the bike, the evidence is compelling.

Given laws of Inertia and, a smidge of bike handling ability makes conventional bicycle design much more palatable and fiscally minded.

What's next, variable-current magnet pedals and Ginger Infused Bike Saddles??
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Jonathan_Montague
4 years ago
Funny, I was thinking that too, but the model in this video doesn't take into account the spring/damper action of the tire (and insert if you have them). That would be interesting to see added in a video like this. I.e. - where is the "balance" point of added weight (via DH casing and/or insert) vs traction? There is probably a point of diminishing returns.
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F1234K
4 years ago
Nice video. Makes it very clear.

I would say though, a cassette and derailleur is probably more like 800g->1kg and the weight of a single speed ring is roughly 40g. Much more weight difference than 500g as mentioned.
Plus, to note, the weight of the gearbox is added to the sprung mass so that actually increases for gearbox bikes and so this would also affect the ratio.

By my very rough calculations it is closer to a 2% difference in ratio from derailleur based vs gearbox.
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Jonathan_Montague
4 years ago
I dropped ~ 550 grams from my rear wheel the other day - new cassette, new tire (still with CC XC) and new carbon wheel. Of course lots of variables at play, but it was definitely noticeable improvement of suspension performance. Everything felt "quicker" while not bouncy.
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Aye
4 years ago
By running a gearbox, you get a more centralized weight distribution, slightly stabilized weight as well, I think (?).