Felt Equilink Technology ~
Equilink "No Bob" Suspension ~
The Challenge ~
Riders' expectations can seem contradictory at times: they want more travel
and greater durability, yet they want lighter weight. They want their suspension
to remain active at all times, but they will not sacrifice any measure of
efficiency. They want it to be predictable and consistent throughout the range
of travel regardless of gear selection. And of course, riders want all of these
qualities wrapped up in a single design that is not only easy to understand, but
simple to service. Felt's engineers are the first to meet ALL these difficult
challenges!
The Goals ~
After nearly 3 years of extensive testing and evaluation a revolutionary
and patented suspension technology named "Equilink" was born. The magic of the
system lies within the red Equilink positioned vertically behind the seat tube.
This innovative yet mechanically simple link counteracts weight transfer on its
own, allowing the drivetrain to do only what it was meant to do: propel the
rider forward! By equalizing the forces of acceleration and rider input, the
suspension remains open and active while moving you forward with the greatest
proven efficiency.
1. Fast ~
Unrivaled efficiency, no bob, no pedal kickback. Always
predictable and consistent. Active in and out of the saddle, regardless of which
gear you are in. Sensitive to the smallest bumps.
2. Simple ~
Fine tuning is an option, not a requirement! No
hard-to-find sweet spot to keep you scratching your head. Whether it's the
initial set-up, on the trail adjustment, pro-tuning, or servicing, the Felt
Equilink makes everything simple.
3. Lightweight ~
Because there is no need for interrupted frame design or a
beefed up front triangle to handle the loads, no need for gusseting or oversized
tubing, and because the Equilink is quite compact itself, the Felt Virtue is one
of the lightest full suspension frames available, just 5.9 pounds.
4. Comfortable ~
A comfortable rider can focus all his/her energy on
pedaling rather than constantly shifting body position due to terrain changes.
Over time, efficient shock absorption conserves energy and increases power
output. A more comfortable rider is both stronger and safer.
5. Durable and serviceable ~
The Felt Equilink features cold-forged links for strength
and are CNC-machined for precision and even lighter weight. Identical and
commonly-available sealed cartridge bearings are used at all pivots. Felt bikes
won't spend time sitting in the shop waiting for parts!
6. Easy setup and tuneability ~
Riders should be able to set up their bikes quickly,
easily, and without a narrow window for error. Unfortunately, many suspension
bikes today require complicated, time-consuming, and very specific setup
procedures to allow them to perform at their potential. The Felt Equilink
performs correctly from the very beginning. Future adjustments, for the
extra-discriminating, are easy and straight forward. You don't need a mechanical
engineering degree to ride a Felt!
7. No single sweet spot ~
Many suspension bikes are known for their "sweet spot" in
technical conditions. Finding and adjusting your bike to find this sweet spot
can be time-consuming and frustrating. The Felt Equilink has no special sweet
spot because it's free of bob and pedal kickback throughout its range. You can
adjusting for a little softer or firmer ride without negatively affecting the
rest of the ride.
8. No obsolescence ~
Most suspension bikes designs are dependent on one type of
shock made by one shock maker tailored to a specific rider weight and size. The
Equilink, on the other hand, was designed to accept any brand of shock and all
around conventional shock length. If you want to try out the latest platform
valve shock of the future, it's no problem!
Felt Virtue Design ~
"A truly active suspension design works
equally well in or out of the saddle, pointed up or down, and is sensitive to
the tiny stuff as much as the bigger hits."
1. Predictable and consistent ~
On most bikes, the level of anti-bob varies greatly
depending on which gear combination you are in. The result is suspension that is
inconsistent and unpredictable. With the Felt system, the red Equilink does the
work normally carried out the chain itself. The result is a stable and
consistent anti-bob ride in every gear combination!
2. No pedal kickback ~
Near vertical axle path ensures smooth pedaling cirecles
regardless of gear selection and terrain input.
3. In/out of the saddle ~
Equilink is not prone to shifts in spring rate regardless
of whether the rider is seated or standing. Equilink remains active when
sprinting out of the saddle, hanging over the back on a downhill, or seated on a
long, slow uphill grind.
4. Small bump sensitivity ~
When you over-damp a shock to hide rider induced shock
movement you also stop the shock from reacting to smaller terrain induced
movement. Felt's Equilink is active all the time in order to pick up the small
as much as the gig hits. This enhances traction as well as comfort. With the
Equilink, platform valving is only used to smooth out unwanted shock
movement due to jerky pedaling, not to counteract bob caused by rider weight
transfer!
