Double Suspension in Action: 5 Great Suspension Niner Bikes

Formula Spark DD 29 2020 is an inexpensive domestic “breed” bike, adapted for comfortable cross-country trips.

The frame of the bike is made of steel alloy, which is why the model has a weight "above the average for the ward" (under 20 kg curb). Serious loads are not for her. But rides for fun on dirt roads or broken asphalt - that's it for a bicycle. The spring-elastomeric front fork and the rear shock-absorbing suspension (without the possibility of adjusting the stroke length) are engaged in smoothing out the unevenness of the roadway under the wheels of the bike.

For the sake of a flexible dosage of pedaling force, the model was equipped with a 21-speed transmission from the components of the Shimano Tourney base link. This amount of gears is obtained by adding 7 stars of the cassette and 3 stars of the front system. Trigger shifters for switching speeds are placed on the straight handlebar of the bike.

The braking system of the Formula Spark DD 29 2020 is built around Yinxing DB-06 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. As an accessory, the bike got a chain guard and a folding parking footboard. The model is one of the most accessible in the class of two-suspension. It will come in handy for those who want to taste the delights of the Niner or are looking for an unpretentious "workhorse" for a variety of riding styles.

The high demand for German Bergamont bikes is due to the winning combination of price, good body kit and confident ride quality. The best confirmation of this is the Contrail 5 2020 full-suspension bike.

The model is ranked among the “miners” guard with double depreciation - the unevenness of the roadway is effectively worked out by both the front fork and the rear shock absorber (both elements of the Manitou brand). The travel of the suspension elements is possible within the limits of 130 mm. The rear shock is additionally equipped with rebound adjustment and a full locking mechanism (which will come in handy when climbing steep climbs).

The 6061 aluminium bike frame has a reinforced margin of safety and is additionally lightened by butted tubes. The weight of the Bergamont Contrail 5 2020 in full dress is 14.9 kg. This is already taking into account attachments (SRAM SX according to the 1x12 formula) and reliable hydraulic disc brakes.

The bike has 29-inch wheels wrapped in Maxxis Forekaster omnivorous rubber. The tyres provide the model with excellent rolling on the paved road and help the bike overcome the harsh off-road areas. All in all, the Bergamont Contrail 5 2020 is a leader in the mid-price full-suspension category, honed for the versatile riding style.

Taiwanese Merida bikes can be found all over the world. In anticipation of the 2020 cycling season, the brand’s fleet of products was replenished with the One-Twenty 9 400 two-suspension model, addressed to adherents of the cross-country discipline.

The frame design of the bike uses butted pipes with variable wall thickness, which is done for the sake of maintaining strength without sacrificing weight. Hydroforming technology is also implemented in the pipes, i.e. giving them a special profile for more efficient transfer of pedaling energy to the wheels. The rider is free to pedal, relying on a 12-speed transmission that uses mid-range attachments from the SRAM SX series as a substrate.

The key to a quick set of speeds and a good bike ride on asphalt is large 29-inch wheels in combination with a front fork and rear suspension lockout. Disabling the damping system will play into the hands when it is necessary to increase the efficiency of pedaling, and dampening vibrations fades into the background. By the way, the stiffness of the shock absorbers and the rebound speed can be flexibly adjusted, which is important when conquering bad roads.

The Merida One-Twenty 9 400 2020 hydraulic brakes are insensitive to wheel rim contamination and are remarkable for their smooth operation regardless of weather conditions. The hydraulic channels, together with the gear shift cables, pass through the frame cavity. This way of laying reduces the risk of clothes catching on the cables or damaging them in case of possible falls. In terms of its versatility, the bike will give odds to many peers from the niner category.

Cross-country racing puts a lot of pressure on bikes. So, a two-suspension Niner from the portfolio of the eminent ORBEA cycling brand, a model named Oiz H20 29 2020, was designed for comfortable cross-country riding.

As you might guess, the bike is set on 29-inch wheels. Their standard tyres are a combination of Maxxis Ikon and Ardent bike tyres, providing an excellent balance between rolling and off-road flotation. The suspension of the model is represented by Fox brand air-oil shock absorbers. Their travel is 120 mm in front and behind. The front fork lockout handle is additionally placed on the handlebars of the bicycle (used to reduce the buildup and improve rollover when moving at high speed on a flat roadway).

The ORBEA Oiz H20 29 2020 12-speed drivetrain with one chainring up front uses high-end semi-pro-level Shimano XT and SLX components. In combination with the “gearbox”, disc hydraulic brakes work as a guarantee of a short braking distance in any driving conditions. The hydraulic line to the rear brake of the bike is routed inside the frame (together with the transmission cable), which increases the reliability of the system.

The model in size L was created with an eye on riders with a height of 178 to 190 cm. For taller riders, it is better to take a closer look at the XL frame. The quality of the welded seams of the elements of the “body” of the bicycle deserves special respect - they are processed so finely that they do not catch the eye at all. There is a bicycle with such data as a simple used foreign car. And this is the main deterrent from a momentary trip for a bike to the store.

The 2020 ORBEA Occam H20 Eagle is a bike that can handle just about anything. It is good both in the urban rhythm of cycling, and for rides along the “crossroads”, and for forcing climbs on stone or paving stones.

The model is assembled on a lightweight aluminium frame using triple butted tubes and hydroforming. Inside the diagonal tube cavity are control cables for a 12-speed transmission and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Attachments of the bike are represented by elements of a strong mid-level SRAM NX - this is an unpretentious body kit that shows itself in everyday use for a solid "five".

At the front, the bike has a Fox 34 Float Performance air/oil fork with 140mm of damping travel. The rear shock absorber has a similar amount of travel. The required stiffness of the shock absorbers will help to set a three-position damper (both on the front and on the rear suspension) with compression and rebound speed settings.

A good roll on the bike on an asphalt roadway is provided by large 29-inch wheels assembled from Mach1 Maxx 25c double aluminium rims. The model combines a successful brand, and confident driving performance, and a high level of components. Only the exorbitant price tag of a bicycle is frustrating - frankly, few can afford it.