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First Draft
22 July 2016
Alix C. Griffin
Undergraduate Researcher
Mechanical Engineering
Clemson University
alix@clemson.edu
1.1.1 The Balloon Tire The tires used on the first
mountain bikes were known as balloon tires. They featured an
inner tube inside of the exterior tire, allowing for much wider
tires than the tires used on the road at the time [2]. A wider tire
creates a larger contact patch with the riding surface.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents an exploration of innovations to
mountain bike design since the creation of the sport. Past
technology is examined and specific innovations are analyzed
to determine the merit of the designs. Current and near-future
bike technology is analyzed to determine areas in need of
improvement. The origins and requirements of modern
mountain biking disciplines are examined to form ideas of
specific discipline requirements. Areas of future innovation
are identified within each discipline, and predictions are made
about the method of innovation.
gaining control over the bike, so it was easy for the cyclists to
accidentally apply the brakes.
1.2 Design of Early Production Bikes
As mountain biking began to grow, manufacturers began
to produce purpose-built off-road bicycles. These bikes were
built with the intention of filling the demand for quality bikes
with the durability necessary for mountain biking.
2.1 Brakes
There are two main types of brakes in use on mountain
bikes. Because of their different methods of applying braking
force, the rim brake and the disc brake offer very different
characteristics.
2.2.1 Rigid Fork A rigid fork on a bike does not have any
dampening system built in. It is a rigid material from the
headset down to the wheel hub. Any force felt at ground level
will be felt at the headset.
PLACEHOLDER - ANALYSIS OF RIGID FORK
3.4 Downhill
Downhill bikes are only designed to travel down steep,
technical, high-speed terrain. They feature the longest travel
full suspension available. Usually overbuilt, they come with
the most heavy-duty components designed for hard use at very
high speeds.
3.7 Trials
Trials bikes are intended to be ridden at extremely low
speeds. Often lacking saddles entirely, the bikes are made for
performing tricks and maintaining balance while stationary.
Trials riders usually do not travel far to ride, instead they use
surrounding objects as obstacles.
PLACEHOLDER DT ANALYSIS
3. THE DIVERSIFICATION OF DISCIPLINES
As the sport of mountain biking grew, different
disciplines began to develop, each with their own set of needs.
Riders seeking speed and difficult terrain began to demand
more downhill oriented bikes, while riders looking for a more
balanced, endurance based ride looked for lighter, more
efficient bikes.