The development of our 160 mm Trailbanger Enduro meant a new challenge for the CENTURION engineers: Our LRS system – offering many time-tested advantages – reached its performance limits with our 140 mm All-Mountain model No Pogo. Thus, a new concept was necessary to enable further enhancement of the suspension travel range. A combination of special engineering software and many interlinked CAD designs finally led to an ideal solution: Our VPP rear stay concept. In contrast to conventional single-joint constructions, a VPP bike’s rear stay does not move circularly under load. Instead, it moves around a Virtual Pivot Point (VPP).

In terms of kinematics, this specific behaviour provides designers and engineers with more possibilities: Aspects like chassis sensitivity, drivetrain neutrality and braking performance can be taken in much better account. As a result, the CENTURION interpretation of the VPP concept delights with great effectiveness and sensitivity. But on the other hand, there is no typical “bobbing” as in the case of a conventional long-travel chassis. In addition, the special connection between main frame and rear stay neutralizes nearly any brake influences. Therefore, the chassis remains completely active during braking – absolutely essential when rough Enduro terrain shows its truly wild side!

Comprehensive testing revealed that the new VPP rear stay is also brilliantly suitable for 140 mm chassis constructions. Thus, the CENTURION R&D department transferred the VPP concept also to the All-Mountain model No Pogo. That’s why also our 2011 All-Mountain product range benefits from all advantages of the VPP kinematics.  

Superb Triangle
Main frame and rear stay of the VPP systemare connected via pivots and a rocker link. The shock sits safely in front of the seat tube.

Power Rocker
Sophisticated realizationat maximum stiffness:
The VPP rear stay’s rockerlink provides optimum chassis performance.

Drivetrain Influences
Chain pull contracts most Fully suspension systems to a certain extent. This causes wheel bobbing while propulsion becomes perceptibly inefficient. Nevertheless, this phenomenon can be minimized by intelligently constructed kinematics – as demonstrated excellently by the CENTURION R&D experts! Such a chassis concept does not require any “no-bobbing” additions via platform shocks. Consequently, reaction is super-sensitive in every situation. Another plus: Reversed pedal rotation under suspension compression – also known as pedal recoil – is, however, nearly not perceptible.

Brake Influences
During rear brake utilization, torque occurs at the rear stay. As for conventional single-joint constructions, such torque results in suspension compression and chassis rigidity. In contrast, the CENTURION rear stay hardly turns during suspension compression: Thanks to our VPP version, the occurring torque stiffens the suspension to a distinctly lesser degree. The system remains sensitive while always providing superb contact between tire and terrain. This enables maximum brake force transmission in every situation – for maximum safety!