Welcome to Bhaack

What do I do differently?

The systems I develop aim to improve on the balance of suspension systems around the sag point.    

Many bikes have linear anti squat curves and provide higher anti-squat outcomes near and above the sag point than what is required.  Although the outcomes from this situation are subtle, the high levels of anti squat at and above the sag point can result in "upwards" pedal bob.

Typically a rider cannot easily sense the shock movement that occurs, or many some riders even perceive that when the bike stands up under hard pedaling it's providing good pedaling support and efficiency.

But if close attention is paid, the rider might just be able to observe  upwards shock movement which saps energy (just like downwards shock movement does).  Another indicator, again if a rider pays close attention, is the increase in pedal force needed when pedaling over bumps and clearing obstacles caused by the excess in anti-squat.

To counter this effect a designer could reduce the anti squat of the system with tuning.  But for suspension systems providing linear anti squat profiles this will only increase the traditional downwards suspension squat under pedaling.

A flatter or non-linear anti-squat outcome like that delivered by some systems can reduce or eliminate some of these problems without causing any negative affects.

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BACKGROUND

In 2010 I invented a new suspension system which promised significant performance benefits.  This system was initially labelled Z-Link as it's linkages formed a "Z" in their nominal positions.  It was later re-labelled VAST for Variable Anti Squat Technology due to the underlying performance benefit to better connect its function and its name.  

During 2019 significant development and testing was performed which validated the outcomes hoped for in this system - and especially the benefits of tailored anti-squat curve.

However, also in 2019 it was identified that another party had separately identified the same system and taken IP protection actions before I did.  Therefore I cannot claim IP ownership to this system in the global context.  It is yet to be seen within which jurisdictions the other party takes ownership of this IP.

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WHAT NEXT?

Through the journey with the Z-Link system, it has become apparent that systems with tailored anti-squat curves around the sag point provide improved pedaling outcomes.  In addition to this, the Z-Link system is not the only one that achieves this outcome.  There are others on the market already (though they are limited), but often their  performance advantages are not generally understood by the industry.  

So rather, there is a family of systems that provide anti-squat dynamics which are centred around the sag point.

I have since developed two new systems - code names System X and System Y which are current being explored.

Contact Bhaack for more information.