Santa Cruz
and Intense Virtual Pivot Full Suspension
Santa Cruz Bicycles has purchased the patents
and trademarks associate with Outland Sports' Virtual Pivot Point full-suspension
design (VPP) and has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with
Intense Cycles Inc. Both companies introduced downhill prototypes featuring
the VPP technology at the Sea Otter Classic race. Santa Cruz Bicycles and
Intense Cycles will develop competing designs but will cooperate on enforcing
the patents.
The torque-sensitive VPP system balances the downward movement
of the rider with an equal and opposing upward force on the frame. This
leaves the suspension neutral and able to comply with both bumps and depressions
while eliminating power loss. The VPP system can maintain efficient pedaling
through a large portion of the travel providing excellent acceleration even
while running sag.
This makes the suspension more compliant and conserves
rolling momentum better than a topped out set up. High durability and
low maintenance are also goals for both companies, which will utilize
sealed bearings throughout the multi-pivot frames.
Santa Cruz, a leader in single pivot full suspension bicycles,
was started in 1993 to bring lightweight full suspension designs to the
competitive and recreational rider. Santa Cruz will add new models utilizing
the VPP system to their existing line-up of single pivot bicycles. Santa
Cruz Superlight, Super 8, Bullit, Chameleon and Juliana models are sold
through 250 US dealers and 25 international distributors. Customers can
build their dream bike,viewing color,fork and kit combinations,price and
weight at www.santacruzbicycles.com
Intense Cycles, a leader in four-bar linkage full suspension bicycles,
was started in 1991 to produce full suspension bicycles for competition.
Intense Cycles, Inc. sell their M1, Uzzi SLX, Uzzi SL, Tracer and Tazer
models through 200 dealers in the US and 16 international distributors.
In 1998 Intense added their performance tire line with innovative multiple
compounds and added in 2000 their ãstickyä rubber compound. 2001 has Intense
producing a performance shoe line also with innovative designs and ãstickyä
rubber. Intense M1 and Tazer bicycles have been used to win numerous national
and international titles. The company's web site is www.intensecycles.com
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