Precision in Every Detail: How We Refine Suspension, Right Down to the Bearings

At Karbon Bikes, we understand that the quality of the suspension pivots in full-suspension mountain bikes is crucial. The suspension design doesn’t just absorb shocks; it plays a significant role in the bike’s overall performance, handling, and durability. That’s why we’ve engineered our bikes with a unique suspension design that truly stands out.

The Basics of Suspension Pivots and Bearings

Full-suspension mountain bikes utilize bearings on their suspension pivots, typically featuring one bearing per side. These bearings manage the oscillating motion of the suspension, which generally moves no more than 90°, often much less. Given that these bearings don’t rotate fully, the focus shifts from smooth rotation to load-bearing capacity.

We recognize that choosing the right bearing is crucial. A bearing that excels in load-bearing capacity ensures that the suspension design remains robust under intense riding conditions, providing our riders with confidence and reliability.

Our Dual-Bearing Design

At Karbon, we go beyond the standard by incorporating two bearings per side in the suspension pivots of our PowerLine eMTB. This dual-bearing setup significantly enhances the bike’s ability to handle loads, distributing forces more evenly across the suspension design. By doubling the number of bearings, we ensure that each pivot point can withstand greater stress, reducing wear and tear and extending the lifespan of the suspension.

Enduro MAX Bearings: The Gold Standard for Suspension Bearings

All our bikes feature Enduro MAX bearings, widely regarded as the best bearings for suspension applications. These bearings are specifically designed to handle the unique demands of suspension pivots. Unlike standard bearings that are optimized for rotational motion, Enduro MAX bearings are engineered for oscillating movements, providing 35-40% more load capacity than standard radial bearings and making them ideal for the limited range of motion in suspension designs.

These bearings feature larger balls compared to standard bearings, which increases their load capacity. The absence of an internal cage also allows for more balls inside the bearing, further enhancing its ability to distribute loads. The additional balls, combined with deep race grooves in these bearings provide greater lateral support for the twisting and multi-directional forces associated with mountain bike pivots. This design is perfect for the suspension pivots of our bikes, where the goal is to manage substantial forces without compromising smoothness or durability.

The Benefits of Our Suspension Design

The combination of our dual-bearing design in the PowerLine and Enduro MAX bearings across all our bikes provides several key advantages:

1. Enhanced Durability: With two bearings per side in the PowerLine and the robust design of Enduro MAX bearings across all our models, our bikes’ suspension is built to last, even under the most demanding conditions.
2. Improved Performance: The dual-bearing setup in the PowerLine ensures that the suspension design remains responsive and reliable, offering consistent performance whether you’re tackling technical trails or cruising on rough terrain.
3. Increased Load Capacity: The larger balls and cage-free design of the Enduro MAX bearings mean that our suspension design can handle heavier loads, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring a smooth ride.
4. Reduced Maintenance: The high-quality bearings reduce the need for frequent maintenance, allowing our riders to focus more on their ride and less on upkeep.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Karbon, our commitment to top notch quality is reflected in everything we do, right down to the bearings we use. Our approach to suspension design demonstrates our deep understanding of what serious mountain bikers want. By using two bearings per side in the PowerLine and opting for the superior Enduro MAX bearings in all our bikes, we designed a suspension that excels in durability, performance, and load capacity. This thoughtful engineering ensures that our bikes are not just machines but reliable companions for tackling the toughest trails.

For riders who demand the best in their equipment, our bikes deliver a suspension design that is truly top-of-the-line, offering peace of mind and unparalleled performance in every ride.