Norco Files Patent for New Downhill Bike

We’ve already covered Norco’s new DH racing platform quite extensively in the In Scoop article that Matt wrote last August, with a detailed look at the test mule that developed things. Now some of the intangibles have been set in stone, with a patent filed to describe the kinematics of the rear suspension and all its contingent components.

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Published by the US Patent Office earlier this morning, Norco’s new suspension design features a few details we don’t often see in combination, as well as a wide range of possible adjustments to change the kinematics little by little .

As touched on in that first look, the bike implements a 6-link design, with the added complexity put in place to allow that kinematic alteration without too many impact effects. Those two extra links come in the form of an upper shock link actuation member, and a pushrod that actuates the shock absorber member. As noted in the test mule coverage: “The lower link mounted to the front triangle and the chainstay also drives a pushrod link that acts an upper upper link that drives the shock. That pushrod link rotates on two spherical bearings to isolate the link that drives the shock from lateral loads “.

One of Norco’s development engineers laid out the main goals of the new designs when we met with the team in August, and those goals are worth repeating here.

Although they were tight with information about the specific curves that the bike has achieved, those are arranged a little more clearly in the new patent filed. Great care has been taken to differentiate the new 6-link design from the previous 4-link (referred to as “prior art” throughout the patent) designs, particularly in the leverage ratio and progression department. Those factors can be altered by changing the mounting points of the shock and other members, although the resulting curves are not specifically set out in the patent.

Although there are no numbers accompanying these figures, the shape tells the story. “Rear Suspension 10”, which represents Norco’s new 6-link layout, shows a more linear and consistent curve than a traditional 4-bar, both in the ratio of progression and leverage. This should help make the shock tuning process easier, and ensure that the ride quality is consistent and predictable. Being able to preserve these characteristics while changing other variables is impressive, and should allow for careful and discreet tuning of the various areas of the bike.

The model described has a high instantaneous center that advances as the suspension is compressed, which is a determining factor in the general path of the rear wheel axle. This can negatively effect the anti-rise curve of the bike, so extra links are used to maintain the desired non-linear anti-rise curve that is typical in a 4-bar layout.

The patent also describes an alternative layout to the current design, intended to achieve the same variable and kinematic control. It’s hard to say if it will show up for other packaging applications, such as a trail bike, ebike, or an alternative downhill frame, but it’s here to look the same.

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Beyond all the cinematic information presented in the patent, there are other interesting details worth noting that appear in the designs.
As you can see here, the lower pedal shell is much more complex than the typical cylinder that most bikes use. The Mule had a racetrack shaped bottom bracket shell, which is probably used to alter the ride height and pedaling forces on the suspension, but this diagram shows what could be more space at the front of the BB , maybe for more adjustment or more. Robust method of fixing the bearing in place.
Also shown in a couple of the drawings are what look like bottle bosses in the downtube of the frame, both in groups of three. It’s a detail that wasn’t present on the alloy wheel, but I think it’s a more elegant way to play with the weight of the chassis. You can attach the weights to different points of the frame, affecting the driving characteristics significantly.

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We’ve reached out to Norco for comment, but haven’t heard anything beyond the information they were willing to provide in that initial deep dive on the development framework. The new bike certainly seems to be a well-engineered project, and with the team testing well underway with its new rider. emerging athlete, This is sure to be an exciting season for Norco on the world stage. We’ll try to get our hands on one of these as soon as possible, so stay tuned.