| 02/26/2001 |
Cannondale's EPO Suspension
Cannondale has revealed more information about
the EPO suspension that will come equipped on its new and as-yet unnamed
full-suspension cross-country racing bike. For starters, the company has
confirmed that the EPO designation stands not for erythropoietin, but for
"Engineered Pivot Orientation" (though Cannondale officials maintain that
the new suspension will similarly enhance an athlete's performance). Cannondale
also disclosed that the EPO suspension's chainstays are crafted from a composite
of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and nylon.
The stays have a nearly rectangular cross-section, with
the major (longer) axis oriented vertically at both ends. But along the
central portion of their length, the stays temporarily flatten out so that
their major axis is horizontal. Along this same section, the stays' lower
edge gradually arches so the stays become noticeably thinner, top-to-bottom,
at the center of their length. The ends of the stays are bonded within fixed
collars that are part of the rear dropouts and bottom bracket shell.
What it all adds up to is a swingarm that pivots
around a specific point, precisely dictated by Cannondale's engineers, mid-way
along the chainstays between the bottom bracket shell and the rear dropouts.
The ability of the stays to bend at this exact point, and their ability
to withstand torsional loads from pedaling forces, are greatly enhanced
by the careful orientation of the stays' fibers to maximize those characteristics.
Cannondale wouldn't comment on the functional advantages of the EPO approach,
but Volvo/Cannondale rider Christoph Sauser has been riding the design since
last fall and was happy to sing its praises. "I am really looking forward
to riding this at the first World Cup in Napa," said Sauser, "because I
know the technological advantages of this bike will be in my favor. The
handling of the EPO-equipped bike is very different than what I have ever
ridden before."
The full EPO design will be unveiled to the cycling media at the Volvo/Cannondale
team camp in early March, and the team's cross-country racers will compete
aboard it at the Sea Otter Classic and most 2001 World Cup events. Cannondale
has already announced the new cross-country racer has a targeted weight
of just 23 lbs (10.4 kg), with a full 2.5 inches of useable rear wheel travel,
dual disc brakes and tubeless tires. The bike, which was designed with input
from Sauser and other Volvo/Cannondale cross-country riders, will also feature
an uncluttered front triangle for easy portaging.
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