There have been many attempts at creating a better linkage-based front suspension system for mountain bikes, and now, a new example of this is the Message, a 130-mm trailing multi-link fork from Salt Lake City’s Trust Performance, according to New Atlas.
One feature of linkage forks is the fact that unlike telescoping forks, they compress very little when hard braking occurs. This means the geometry of the bike doesn’t change, and it handles all the same. Additionally, the suspension still has time to mitigate bumps during the braking process.
This same claim of linkage forks is also made for Message, but Message is said to have less stiction than a regular fork. Message’s wheel axle can move both up and away from obstacles, but in a telescoping fork, the axle can only move up, which means the stanchions may stick against the inside of the lowers when the wheel is propelled back up after hitting obstacles.
This means Message’s suspension is easily activated, and it can respond faster to bumps on the terrain. Other benefits that were reported included better traction when cornering, predictable steering, and a decrease in the likelihood of wiping out.
The Message can be set up by adjusting the pressure of the two air springs to accommodate the weight of the rider. Users can switch between three compression settings, which include Firm, Mid, and Open.
Filed Under: Product design