The Spot Ryve launched with two iterations, a 100mm XC bike, and a slightly longer 115mm marathon version that used 120mm forks. Both relied on their unique Living Link suspension platform, and both were aimed at racers.
Now, the longer Ryve 115 gets a little more trail oriented, with revised kinematics and geometry, a stiffer frame, and a bump to 130mm forks. Spot tells us the frame is 28% stiffer laterally and torsionally, and the suspension is 25% more progressive for better mid-stroke performance. Here’s how they did it…
Visually, the 2nd generation Ryve 115 looks very similar to the original. Key differences are a new upper rocker linkage that uses the same oversized thru axle as the main pivot. The V1 didn’t connect from side to side where the seat stays attach to the rocker, so this new hollow axle is likely a big part of the improved frame stiffness claims.
The titanium Living Link Rocker Plate, which replaces a lower linkage and flexes as the suspension compresses (check this video explanation of early prototypes to see how it works). The V2 bike eliminates the sleeve on the rear and instead bolts the plate directly to rear triangle. It’s a cleaner look and should make it easier to clean, too.
Tweaks to the kinematics give it a higher leverage ratio at the start for better small bump compliance, then a flatter curve through the middle to keep it predictable and consistent where most of the riding happens. It levels off toward the end to help it get through the last bit of travel as the air shocks naturally ramp up.
