On the leverage rate side, the inverted leaf spring layout gives us added control as well. While most suspension systems provide a steady ramping of force through the stroke, Inversion lets us change direction midway through. At full extension, stroke initiation is easier due to a steep beginning curve. Transitioning into sag, the curve flattens and becomes very linear. This gives easier access to the deeper parts of the travel- something not possible with high levels of air spring progression. More performance, less harshness.
But the magic happens at around three quarters into the travel, where the leverage curve actually switches direction. Building bottom out resistance for the last portion of the stroke makes for a seamless, pillowy landing without compromising bump performance everywhere else. To top it off, all builds get a Rockshox Super Deluxe with Hydraulic Bottom Out control- trophy truck technology for your bike that puts clunky bottom outs in the past.
A nearly linear leverage rate behavior is excellent for bump absorption, but does not provide enough bottom out resistance. The Inversion system enables us to tailor the ends of the curve to improve bottom-out support while also increasing touch down sensitivity. The linkage arrangement of the suspension system creates a more progressive zone near bottom out. The flexure of the leaf spring acts as a negative spring at top out, helping with soft stroke initiation, and as a positive spring partway through the stroke, acting to straighten the curve in mid-travel. All of this combines to give a ride that delivers great traction when lightly loaded, a supportive, predictable mid-stroke response, and good bottom-out protection without having to tune excess air can progression into the shock.
The above graph shows the leverage rate curve of an imaginary Mayhem 140 without the leaf spring against the actual Mayhem 140. The leaf spring allows us to create a more linear center part of the curve, providing more usable travel in the mid-stroke while maintaining sensitivity at the top of the travel, and protection deep into it.
