Full suspension with double swing arm - safely mounted with iglidur® G

• What was needed: Plain bearings for several bearing positions in the new NOAH damping system
• Requirements: wear resistance, lubrication/maintenance-free, insensitive to vibration and dirt, cost-effective
• Area of application: Bicycle industry, frame construction

COFA Engineering, the specialist for handmade bicycles, has developed a new and unique damping system. The designer, Steve Major, has drawn on his experience in mechanical engineering, mountain biking and motocross. What is special about the NOAH damping system (Normally Operated Articulated Hybrid): It breaks with the convention that damping must primarily take place via the front wheel. Instead, the new system transmits the load to the centre of the bike via a double A-swingarm. This double swingarm transmits the forces directly to a central damping system, which then absorbs the shock.

When the bike is used off-road, NOAH enables a longer suspension travel for front forks (230 mm) thanks to the damping system guided in the central double swingarm. As with a standard telescopic fork, the front wheel moves linearly over the entire suspension travel - but with the advantage that the steering angle varies depending on the fork's immersion depth. This unique central suspension also ensures that the centre of gravity is in the middle of the bike. This allows the rider to control the bike better on difficult, steep and bumpy terrain. In order to achieve a smooth movement of the damping system, suitable bearings had to be found that are ideally light and cost-effective.

The choice fell on plain bearings made of the material iglidur® G. Due to their small cross-sectional profile, they increase the size of the bearing environment and the weight of the bicycle only insignificantly. With their low friction, high wear resistance and insensitivity to dirt and dust, they are perfectly suited for use in the NOAH damper system. They are also cost-effective and - like all igus® plain bearings - are self-lubricating, so there is no need for maintenance and lubrication. "This was our first experience with igus®, and they were the ideal supplier for this project," says Major. "They were there for us right from the start. They invited us into the company, gave valuable advice, sent product samples and provided support. Any size of bearing we needed, we were able to order immediately from the website - and even better - at a really good price. The variety of sizes of these bearings is ideal for the NOAH damping system."