An air spring is a type of suspension system found in many modern mountain bikes. It uses compressed air inside a sealed chamber to absorb bumps and impacts. This air acts like a physical coil spring but is much lighter.
Riders can adjust the stiffness by adding or removing air with a special pump. This allows for a custom feel based on the rider’s weight and style. Air springs provide a progressive feel where they get stiffer as they compress further.
This prevents the bike from bottoming out on very large jumps or rocks. They require regular maintenance to keep the seals airtight and sliding smoothly. Most high-end front forks and rear shocks utilize this clever technology today. For example, a mountain biker increases the pressure in their air spring before riding a trail with many large drops.
This adjustment ensures the bike stays composed and handles the heavy hits without failing. It provides a smooth ride over rough terrain while keeping the bike light.
Discover more from PlayTerms | Simple Sports Terms & Definitions.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.