K-Volve Suspension Kinematics Explained

Every full-suspension mountain bike is defined by its linkage — the arrangement of pivots, links, and leverage ratios that determine how the rear wheel moves over bumps while you pedal. At DIRTLAB, we developed K-Volve, our proprietary suspension kinematics platform, to solve the compromises that plague conventional designs.

Why Kinematics Matter More Than Travel

Travel is just a number — 140 mm, 160 mm — it tells you how far the wheel can move, but nothing about how it moves. Two bikes with identical travel can feel completely different depending on their leverage ratio curve, anti-squat values, and axle path. K-Volve is our framework for optimizing all of these parameters together, not in isolation.

Anti-Squat: Keeping You Efficient

Anti-squat is the force generated by the suspension linkage that resists compression under pedaling load. A bike with 100% anti-squat at sag will neither compress nor extend when you pedal in a neutral position. Above 100%, the bike extends (firms up) under power; below 100%, it compresses (bobs).

K-Volve targets 110-120% anti-squat at sag in the lowest gear, tapering to 85-95% at full travel. This means crisp, efficient pedaling in the riding position, but the suspension is free to be active and supple deep in the travel when you're descending and not pedaling. The transition is smooth — there's no switch or threshold, just a natural progression.

Leverage Ratio and Progression

The leverage ratio is the mechanical advantage between wheel movement and shock compression. K-Volve uses a progressive leverage curve — the shock gets harder to compress as it moves deeper into travel. Our frames typically run 22-28% progression, meaning the effective spring rate at full travel is 22-28% higher than at the start of travel.

This progression is what gives our bikes their bottomless feel on big hits while remaining sensitive to small bumps at the top of the stroke. It also means you can run lighter spring rates (or lower air pressure) for better small-bump sensitivity without worrying about harsh bottom-outs.

Axle Path and Braking Performance

The rear axle traces a path as the suspension compresses. K-Volve designs use a rearward axle path in the initial travel (allowing the wheel to move backward over bumps for better traction and less feedback) that transitions to a more vertical path deeper in travel for support and pedaling stability.

Under braking, some suspension designs pack down or "jack" — K-Volve's pivot placement minimizes brake-induced suspension movement so your shock stays active and your tire stays planted even during hard braking into rough terrain.

The Result

K-Volve isn't a single linkage design — it's a design philosophy applied across our entire range. Whether you're on a 120 mm trail bike or a 170 mm enduro machine, the suspension behavior follows the same principles: efficient pedaling, progressive bottoming support, rearward axle path, and brake independence. The geometry and travel change; the ride quality DNA stays the same.