What is your philosophy on damping/suspension?

Mid stroke support and control is critical. Mid stroke characteristics defines the ride dynamics and dynamic geometry the most. It influences stability, control, cornering and it’s critical to good deep stroke control while maintaining good push through for consistent use of travel.

Additionally, balancing the mechanical system (kinematics) with the shock and vice versa is very important for a balanced performance. I’ve never understood how some designers can claim that you don’t need compression damping if you have a certain mechanical system. Dampers are transient devices where a mechanical system is not, meaning that a mechanical system operates the same regardless of type of input/bump whereas a damper is very sensitive to the type of bump.

Dynamic geometry. That’s an easy topic to discuss Jose?!

Dynamic geometry is definitely not an easy topic but such a critical one for great handling and great bike characteristics. Dynamic geometry is the culmination of geo numbers, kinematics, shock and fork characteristics, rider weight bias, tuned frame stiffness…there’s quite a bit to it for sure.

What effect will poor dynamic geo have on performance, handling and rider fatigue?

Besides the bike handling like crap and not being fun to ride, it tasks the rider a lot and introduces both mental and physical fatigue very quickly. As a test rider, I’ve ridden bikes that I was so glad to get off of it after I concluded my test requirements. It was not only not fun to ride, but it was mentally draining and physically tense because you felt on that edge all the time and couldn’t ride with confidence and relaxed.

How important is it that riders adhere to your base settings?

You know, base settings are just that – it is a good starting point to get you in the ballpark. Our base settings are derived from a lot of field testing with different level riders – all the way from Elite to the novice rider. Ultimately, we want to present a starting point that will allow the rider to get close enough to the designed performance in the bikes that it will be a positive experience right out of the gate.

But it is just a base setting and recommended starting point. There are rider preferences and styles that may require additional tweaking to get it optimal for them. However, it’s much easier to get there if you have a good starting point.

How close is your relationship with the frame designer? How does the business of kinematics and damper tuning work out in reality?

That relationship is very, very tight. Our frame development crew and our suspension development crew are basically one team. We discuss each platform up front and determine what the requirements are, what kinematics are desired for that chassis, what shock technology we need, what leverage rate and ratio will complement a specific shock technology, overall requirements, etc. There’s quite a bit of back and forth before we cut any metal. And then, we also roll in the suspension partner into that mix at some point. It’s a pretty involved process… but that’s what it takes to build great riding bikes.

How do you validate what you are doing with suspension?

We have numerous tools and processes that we use which includes both scientific and subjective analysis. We have a pretty structured field test program that documents and controls our ride testing. We firmly believe that ride testing and rider feedback is the most important data point. But we also use and quantify with data acquisition, high speed cameras, suspension dyno, timing of different sorts, heart rate monitor, GPS…

What/are there any different challenges balancing a bike that is going faster through rough ground with reference to 29 vs 27.5?

The main thing we’ve found is that you’re able to carry more speed on the 29” wheel and you’re a bit more stable due to the greater self-correcting nature of the bigger wheels, so you can drive in more “monster truck” like. Also, the bump frequency changes a bit when compared to going through the same section on 27.5” wheels. Fast cornering also becomes calmer on the 29” wheel which influences things as well.

How much do you work on ‘the system’ – flex/stiffness within chassis, wheels, components and suspension performance?

Quite a bit actually. Like you state, it’s a system and it is the system that adds up to optimal performance and ride characteristics. Terrain tracking and control goes well beyond suspension performance. There’s also frequencies and inputs that are difficult for the suspension to react to so it’s these other elements that contribute to ride characteristics in those moments.

How much work do you do with factory riders?

We use the factory riders at specific times during a development but you need to remember that those riders are focused on results and doing their job between the tape. Their success depends on having stuff that is proven, dialled for their specific style and that they are completely familiar with in the way it’s going to respond and act. It’s what allows them to push to the fine edge at the highest levels. What I’ve found in the many years of working with Elite level riders is that they don’t always end up with the optimal set-up for pure suspension performance for example. But it is the set-up that allows them to perform at their very best with full confidence. In many cases, they don’t even enjoy riding those set-ups outside the tape!

Does your research show 29 to be faster than 27.5” on a downhill bike in every situation?

When racing the clock, the 29” wheel is basically more efficient, stable and faster. And with today’s geos and component development, such as Boost wheels, great tires and equal suspension, it really all comes down to what bike characteristics the rider prefers. That’s the part which is specific to the rider and there’s no right or wrong. A given rider will always go faster on what they feel the most comfortable on and suits their style best.

Do you believe riders will have the choice of 27.5” and 29” downhill bikes in the future? And if one has an advantage over the other is that fair?

Yes, I do believe that we will see riders having that choice in the very near future. We’ve done a lot of 29” DH development over the past 6-7 years and we come a long way with that bike. It’s now not just a good 29er DH bike but more of a great DH race bike, period.

The 29” wheels will always be a more efficient, stable and faster but there’s a lot more to it than just that – course approach, rider style & preference, etc. also comes into play. Plus, once outside the tape, seconds don’t matter and it’s all about fun. Enjoying the experience means different things to different riders and they can both be great bikes. That’s why I feel you’ll see the co-existence of 29” and 27.5” for quite a while.