Horst-Link
The Horst-Link is a joint on full-suspension mountain bikes developed by Horst Leitner (* 1942) (AMP-Bicycles) .
construction
This joint is located just in front of or under the rear hub in the chain stay and is the basis for the classic four- joint rear end. The rear wheel or the rear axle does not describe a rotational movement around the lower connection point during compression (as with the single-joint), but rather compresses with an almost straight-line movement.
purpose
The Horst-Link counteracts the usual shortening of the wheelbase during compression, as the rear wheel does not compress in an arc, but rather in an approximately linear manner. In this way, a greater spring travel can also be achieved without the rear wheel touching the seat tube. The Kona Bicycle Company explains on their website: “A Horst link is supposed to adjust the wheel track by placing the dropout joint on the chainstays, in front of and behind the rear dropout . This arrangement should give the wheel space to be sprung a little higher . "
Patent protection
The Horst-Link was developed by Horst Leitner for AMP Research and a patent was applied for in 1994 and 1996 . The company Specialized acquired Leitner's patents and developed the FSR rear end on their basis. Some manufacturers, such as Norco Bicycles , obtained licenses to use the patent. Some European manufacturers such as Cube and Scott used a similar system, but were not allowed to export it to the USA until patent protection expired in 2013.
Individual evidence
Web links
- US000005509679A - Rear suspension for bicycles - Horst Leitner's first patent in the German Patent Information System (1994)
- US000005678837A - Rear suspension for bicycles - Horst Leitner's second patent in the German Patent Information System (1996)