what is 'faux bar'??

[m_g]

and is it really that bad? I'm thinking about getting a cheap Kona King Kikapu, which apparently has this set up... and will the average rider with moderate experience tell the difference between suspension types?
Thanks heaps
mg

[liamo]

and is it really that bad? I'm thinking about getting a cheap Kona King Kikapu, which apparently has this set up...It's not as 'cool' as some other designs...

While theory says that it's not as effective as, say, a VPP or horst link (probably the two most popular designs around now) in practice it's not that clear cut. Frame designs have evolved to a point where a well executed faux bar or single pivot works as well as any other design out there. I wouldn't say no to owning a 'dale Rush or a Ventana El Salt, they both ride very efficiently and comfortably.

There are some pretty bad faux bar setups though. I haven't ridden the Kikapu for a few years so I dunno about giving an opinion on it, my memory's not that good.

My advice: Try and take a 'pu for a test ride and then, if possible, ride something like a Stumpjumper. If you prefer the Kona, or can't tell the difference, then don't worry about the design is used.

Liam

[Bodin]

and is it really that bad? I'm thinking about getting a cheap Kona King Kikapu, which apparently has this set up... and will the average rider with moderate experience tell the difference between suspension types?
Thanks heaps
mg

It's a term that assumes the FSR suspension is "better" than all other 4-bar designs. Essentially it means that the pivot closest to the rear axle is on the seatstay instead of the chainstay.

Dave Turner (Turner bikes) recently realised that he was sick of paying money to license the FSR design from Specialized and spent his time working out how to make a "faux bar" most closely mimic an FSR and, with extremely precise placement of all of the pivots on his bikes, has done a pretty good job of making the '06 bikes perform almost identically to the '05 bikes.

Search for threads here on farkin by "S." and you are bound to find much discussion on comparing all suspension designs and you'll get a good idea of some of the arguments surrounding each.

[Bodin]

horst link

m_g - FYI, the "horst link" is what the FSR design relies on. Specialized didn't design it - they just bought the patent from Horst Leitner. Chuck his name in to Google and you'll find heaps of stuff to read.

[DaGonz]

m_g - FYI, the "horst link" is what the FSR design relies on. Specialized didn't design it - they just bought the patent from Horst Leitner. Chuck his name in to Google and you'll find heaps of stuff to read.

or go here:

http://www.amp-research.com/prove/patent.asp

Cheers
Gonz