Maybe a noddy question

chicken · 10-Dec-2005, 16:11

On modern bikes, why does front suspension (forks) have the springs on the inside but rear suspension (shock) have the spring on the outside?

Is it for looks or does one method perform better/different to the other? If it's only looks then why doesn't anyone do an enclosed shock for the rear as it would be easier to clean and might look nicer.

Just wondering like...

Glyn · 10-Dec-2005, 16:18

damn good question

doogalman · 10-Dec-2005, 16:25

Probably cost. And buyers would be wary of something different.

Ains. · 10-Dec-2005, 17:23

Springs used to be on the outside on the front pre-1950's.
Same with valve springs they used to be on the outside too at one time.

Asthetics and to stop wear maybe?

Ains.

phil_h · 10-Dec-2005, 17:57

Its about stiffness and weight - if you want big stiff tubes at the front, its a done-deal to put the spring inside it as it can be smaller/lighter then.
At the back, you can still get shocks with tubes over the springs, but they are heavier.

Washboard · 10-Dec-2005, 20:51

Front and rear suspension on bikes do different jobs, the rear isn't subject to braking forces so the construction can be quite spindly, but on the front, the tubes are relatively massive, so there's plenty of room inside to place the springs out of the way. Those bikes which seperate steering and braking from suspension eg Foale, BMW, Hossack, Yamaha GTS, have solid components for steering and braking, but more dainty items (usually with external springs) for suspension.

ericthered40 · 10-Dec-2005, 21:16

I hope I don't spend too much of my saturday night thinking about this

No stopped already back on the ****

chicken · 10-Dec-2005, 23:43

Thanks Phil and Washboard.
So an enclosed rear shock would be over-engineered but would look good right?

Eric, get back to the sauce!

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10-Dec-2005, 16:18	#2
Glyn Registered Forum User Ducati Meccanica Posts: 2,505 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: lost in space Mood: st2......we can rebuild damn good question Reply

10-Dec-2005, 16:25	#3
doogalman Registered Forum User WSB Hero Posts: 9,937 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Enjoy as much time without work Mood: No point in working long hours to die early Probably cost. And buyers would be wary of something different. Reply

10-Dec-2005, 17:23	#4
Ains. Registered Forum User Mille Posts: 323 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: No fixed abode Mood: He's not happy {:o( He's back at sea! Springs used to be on the outside on the front pre-1950's. Same with valve springs they used to be on the outside too at one time. Asthetics and to stop wear maybe? Ains. Reply

10-Dec-2005, 21:16	#7
ericthered40 Registered Forum User Big Twin Posts: 1,698 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: N F A Mood: renegade sexy racer I hope I don't spend too much of my saturday night thinking about this No stopped already back on the **** Reply

10-Dec-2005, 23:43	#8
chicken Registered Forum User Big Twin Posts: 1,670 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brick Lane Curry House Mood: suck, squeeze, bang,......fart? Thanks Phil and Washboard. So an enclosed rear shock would be over-engineered but would look good right? Eric, get back to the sauce! Reply