Spy Shots: Momsen Twin Link 100mm Full Suspension 29er Mountain Bike

Momsen Bikes just leaked some photos to us of his new 100mm Twin Link 29er full suspension mountain bike and it has one of the more interesting looking linkage designs I’ve seen. Frame and design details are scant, but the Twin Link linkage looks to be a cross between Trek’s Full Floater and Niner’s basic full suspension design, albeit without the CVA geometry. Curious? Skip through to see a close up and read a little more technobabble…

UDPATE: Full press release just found and added after the break.

The rear shock “floats” between the upper and lower linkage arms. Unlike Trek’s Full Floater, which places the lower shock mount forward of the rocker pivot, Momsen’s Twin Link sets the lower shock mount between the two pivots. Want a real brain teaser? Try to imagine this in action…my head still hurts. Very cool to see something different being done regardless.

This schematic shows the rear suspension fully compressed. The charts that accompanied these images show a perfectly straight and relatively flat leverage ratio change, from 2.78 at the start to 2.66 fully compressed, which gives the rear wheel a virtually equal amount of travel per unit of shock stroke. Of course, there are any number of tuning tricks Fox and Momsen can do to affect the ride, but looks alone suggest firm, racy characteristics. (Update: Hmmm, guess not…see below)

PRESS RELEASE:
In development since early 2010, the new TWIN LINK 29er Full Suspension range from MOMSEN BIKES is due for release shortly in South Africa.

Following on the success of the 29er Hardtail range in the local market and the South Africa’s insaturable obsession for all things 29er recently, this new range is set to be an exciting new addition to the market.

90% of South Africa’s events are multi-day stage races ( think Cape Epic and Sani 2 C ) as well as both regular marathon and ultra marathon style races. Due to the nature of the terrain and routes of these events, the 29er has proven to be the weapon of choice for both the Pros and “ weekend warriors “ wanting to take advantage of it’s superior traction and comfort compared to regular 26” wheels.

Based around a patented TWIN LINK suspension design ( patents pending ) offering 100mm rear wheel travel and a leverage ratio of 2.66, the frame will also feature many of 2012’s MUST HAVE technical details including:

• Taper Headtube
• Pressfit BB91
• Direct Mount Front Derailleur
• Internal Cable Routing in Front Triangle – for Rear Derailleur and Front Derailleur
• Post Mount Rear Disc Caliper

Frame weights are still to be confirmed for final production but target weight is sub 2.9kg (6.39lbs) with Fox RP2 Boost Valve rear shock fitted. ( Medium – 17” )

The line-up will include 3 spec builds namely:

• TWINLINK SIX: SRAM 10 Speed X7/X9 with Rock Shox Monarch R and Reba RL
• TWINLINK SEVEN: SHIMANO New XT with Fox Float RL Shock and Fork
• TWINLINK NINE: SRAM XO Silver with Fox Float RP2 Remote and Float FIT RLC

MOMSEN have worked closely with both SRAM and FOX on shock tunes and dialling in the feel of the bike, the frame’s falling rate design coupled with the TWIN LINK allows for a very plush and active platform. The shock tunes are optimized for comfort during long stages and endurance type events.

First prototypes have already been spotted on some of the local trails and the orginal prototype also did some PR work at the 1st Round of the World Cup in Pietermaritzburg a few weeks back.

Pricing and further details to follow soon. As well as details on the new additions to the 2012 hardtail range from MOMSEN BIKES.