As if to exemplify German efficiency, the new Corratec Inside Link 650b full suspension race bike gets just 70mm rear wheel travel using an all-new suspension design called Inside Link.
They claim it’s “very light, very fast.” The virtual pivot point is about 5-6 inches behind the lower linkage, just behind the forward side of the rear rim. The effect, they claim, is that pedaling forces stiffen the rear triangle. The effect is designed to work in concert with your body’s position on the bike when climbing, ripping along or descending. Since the shock has sag, if you go to climb over a root or rock, it drives the rear wheel into it for solid traction where a hardtail or other design might slip and cause wheel spin. It also minimizes pedal bob. When your weight is more over the rear wheel for a steep descent, it gets more active since you’re generally not pedaling in such cases.
This test mule was rigged with all sorts of sensors and doodads to measure suspension movement and forces.
On the finished bike, the effective pivot point would be about two inches behind the “L” in Ralph on the tire.
Frame is full carbon fiber with a one-piece molded rear triangle and alloy linkages connected by heavy duty cartridge bearings. Bearings sit in a titanium axle to prevent corrosion between the alloy and the carbon frame.
Rear axle is the Syntace X-12. Bottom bracket is a Corratec UBBS design, which bonds into the frame and uses bolt-on end caps to fit any 24mm BSA or GXP crank type. BB30 bearings press directly into the internal piece with no endcaps.
Starts shipping in October. Complete bike target weight is 9kg. Rear brake cable will run internally on production models, this one’s a late stage prototype. It’ll also have ports ready for the Stealth Reverb. An XT spec level will be also offered, prices ranging from €4,999 to €7,999.
The Inside Link suspension platform Is adaptable to longer travel and bigger wheels, so look for the design to spread thru their line in coming years.
