We’re not sure if Cannondale will eventually have their way, but their new innovation should prove a revolutionary upgrade to bicycles of all types. Codenamed Simon, the project throws out the traditional system of springs and shocks, in favor of a “smart” electronic suspension.
A simple adjustment on the integrated joystick, for instance, will let you modify the ride’s response curves and stiffness, allowing you to get the appropriate setting for whatever terrain you’re running on. It will perform the adjustment in freakish speed, too, as the fork can collapse from maximum length down to zero in just six milliseconds.
Simon uses both accelerometers and electromagnets to perform the high-tech operations, along with the onboard chips. The system uses electromagnets to control the movements of the suspension fork, while the accelerometers detect different riding surfaces. In case you have your bike set to run on asphalt road but suddenly chance upon a large pothole, the accelerometers will immediately detect it and inform the system, which will then trigger the electromagnets to adjust on-the-fly.
Currently in prototype testing, the system adds a couple of pounds to your bike. It doesn’t multiply the heft all that much, though, since you’re also eliminating all of the suspension’s original mechanical components. Cannondale’s current biggest challenge is battery life, since the existing pack they have installed can only last you a full two hours on a difficult downhill trek.
No release date or pricing yet, but this thing looks close to fruition. There’s a video of Simon being shown off over at Cycling Dirt (link below).
[Cycling Dirt via Gadget Lab]