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Marin Bikes, manufacturer of performance bicycles,
today debuted at the 20006 Interbike Show the revolutionary new 5” travel Quad XC FRS.
Marin announced that this category will be available for dealer test rides and sale in late
December 2006. The innovative Quad XC series of full suspension bikes has evolved within
the proven 4-bar link platform to incorporate major frame evolution and innovations. The
beautifully hydroformed mainframe efficiently minimizes stress to typical points of liability and
provides an exceptionally stiff platform from which to anchor the Quad linkage. Beyond its
superior strength and efficiency, the hydraulically formed organic shape of the new Quad XC
is artfully designed.
Engineered by Jon Whyte, a former Formula One suspension engineer, the Quad-Link
suspension system addresses the weakness of other single pivot and floating pivot designs.
The Quad-Link system is reactive to small bumps, resists bottoming on large impacts, and is
not effected by pedaling forces. In 2006 the Quad XLT was introduced, changing the
perceptions of what was possible with mountain bike suspension; long travel, efficient
pedaling, reactive to small bumps, and a nearly bottomless feel on the larger hits and drops.
For 2007 the Quad XC system has been completely reengineered to incorporate the design
features of the Quad XLT, while maintaining the lightweight and efficient ride of the original
Quad XC.
The key to the effectiveness of the Quad-Link suspension system lies in the Instantaneous
Pivot Center (IPC) concept and a specific tuned axle path. On all Quad-Link bikes, the IPC
works with the specified axle path to optimize the leverage on the shock and keep the wheel
firmly in contact with the ground. The IPC, which is a location in space around which the rear
wheel rotates, or pivots, is constantly changing throughout the suspension cycle. The net
effect is that the Quad-Link suspension is highly sensitive to small variation in the terrain, yet
capable of handling larger hits without upsetting the forward momentum of the bike, and
without bottoming out. The best of both worlds; small bump traction and big hit control.
The hydroformed mainframe is a work of art that maximizes standover for a superior fit,
efficiently minimizes stress to typical points of liability, and provides an exceptionally stiff
platform from which to anchor the Quad linkage. The linkage system has been completely
redesigned to give more travel (120mm) and lower the leverage on the rear shock. This
means a bike with better all-mountain abilities, greater small bump compliance, and timeproven
pedaling performance. |
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