Problem Statement

In competitive mountain biking situations, suspension aids the rider in absorbing variations in the terrain, though undamped suspension movement on smooth surfaces robs the rider of power. To adjust the suspension and save energy in either condition, the rider must either remove their hands from the bars, limiting control, or use a remote system with both solutions requiring mental energy needed for the event.

Current remote suspension damping controls for mountain biking applications rely on cable actuated systems or the use of electronic servos with limited or no autonomous capabilities. The only commercially available electronic system that affords autonomous operation is capable of operating the rear shock absorber alone due to hardware delays preventing the front suspension from actuating on accelerometer input alone. The proposed solution would allow for remote operation of the front and rear suspension with autonomous operation for both through the use of forward facing terrain sensors.

For an updated project description, click on the following link for the Project Readiness Package.

Final Prototype Design

Project Name

Smart Mountain Bike Suspension

Project Number

P17214

Project Family

Vehicle Systems and Technologies

Start Term

Spring 2017

End Term

Fall 2017

Faculty Guide

Prof. Beato, ljbeec@rit.edu

Primary Customer

Brian Venderbosch, Brian@fullmoonvista.com, 585-201-2251

Sponsor (financial support)

Simone Center NSF Grant @ $3000

Planning & Execution

Project Photos and Videos

Imagine RIT

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Preliminary Detailed Design

Detailed Design

Build & Test Prep

Subsystem Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test with Customer Demo

Customer Handoff & Final Project Documentation