Question on front suspension

[voyager]

Hello all

I see advertised on some bike models of varying manufactures that their front forks are inverted. What does this do? and to what advantage is there on performance?

Thanks, voyager ( sometimes you just need to know stuff )

It can reduce the "unsprung mass" for one. This is important, as the lighter the mass below the suspension is in comparison to the mass suspended above it, the less a vehicle will "buck" going over a bump, and the easier the suspension movements may be dampened by shock absorbers etc.

It also can increase the distance between the contact of fork tubes and bushings, reducing the point loads in the forces coupled normal to the fork leg, and therefore reducing stiction. That's a fancy way of saying you can make them slide easier, while making the assembly more rigid at rhe same time.

It can also promote "mass centralization" which is a big deal on racing bikes. The closer all the mass is to the center of the bike the lower it's polar moment of inertia. And that's just a fancy way of saying that the bike will turn quicker if all the weight's in the middle and the ends don't weigh much.

[blowndodge]

I thought inverted forks were always placed nearest the dinner plate on the left hand side??

[Todd]

I thought inverted forks were always placed nearest the dinner plate on the left hand side??

Thank you for that information Emily Postwh@re!!!!!

[blowndodge]

You've been placing yours on the right hand side huh??

[Todd]

no, I just eat with my fingers...forks and spoons are for sissys.