How the Rear Future Shock of the new Specialized Diverge STR 2023 works

 

Not only did Specialized reinterpret the idea of full-suspension bikes, but also came up with a whole new rear suspension concept, which uses the seat tube as a spring, attached to a damper in the top tube.. Comparatively, a classic MTB shock integrates the spring and damping together. An air chamber or coil spring with a predefined spring rate provides support, while a hydraulic damper regulates both the compression stage and rebound and, depending on the design, allows for different adjustment options such as low/high-speed rebound and low/high-speed compression. For more at sadelpind

While the Specialized Rear Future Shock differs both in construction and looks from a conventional shock, it consists of the same elements. Simply put, the interchangeable seat tube is the spring of the Diverge’s suspension system. Unlike with conventional shocks, the spring stiffness isn’t determined by the pressure in the air chamber or the spring rate of a coil, but by the interchangeable frame post that accommodates the seat post. The frame post is connected to a cylinder in the top tube which is solely responsible for the damping. The seat post is connected with the damping unit via an alloy bracket, enabling controlled compression and rebound. The damper is based on a pull-shock design, so the compression damping controls the speed that the seatpost can flex back away from the frame, and the rebound damping controls the return.

Ultimately, Chris D’Aluisio’s Rear Future Shock relies on the same principles as a conventional MTB shock, just with a new approach – namely the replaceable frame post, which doubles as a spring. All in all, however, the basic principle is the same! For more at etocycling

In order to ensure maximum adjustability, Specialized offer 9 interchangeable frame posts with different degrees of stiffness. These are marked with a number and FP acronym, which stands for frame post. Each frame post can be installed in two different orientations, which provide different degrees of stiffness, and in turn different spring rates. The right choice of frame post depends on several factors including frame size, rider weight, saddle position and pedalling style. The new Diverge comes standard with 2 interchangeable frame post, which, according to Specialized, should suit the needs of most of the riders. You can change the frame post yourself following Specialized’s instructions. The process is pretty straight forward and takes around 10 minutes – although there are a few tricks you should be aware of first. However, if you aren’t confident installing the frame post by yourself, you should ask your trusted Specialized dealer to deal with the installation and fine tuning of the system. One issue we had with the frame post that Specialized delivers as standard with our frame size is that generic size indications do not always take into account other factors – there can be significant differences in weight between a super slim roadie and a musclier, more robust rider, even if they’re equally tall. Therefore, make sure you choose the frame post stiffness according to your own needs and requirements.