E-bike suspension explained: types, benefits, and tips

Suspension plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your e-bike, providing extra comfort and stability while navigating various terrains. Choosing an e-bike with the right suspension can greatly enhance your riding experience, offering improved comfort and safety tailored to the types of journeys you regularly undertake.

What is suspension, and its advantages?

Suspension is a mechanism on bikes designed to absorb shocks, acting as a cushion between the rider and the road. This reduces the impact of uneven surfaces, translating into a smoother, more comfortable ride. Additionally, suspension improves traction and stability by keeping the wheels in contact with the ground, ensuring a safer, more controlled experience, especially on bumpy or uneven terrain.

Types of suspension

There are three primary types of suspension, each tailored to different riding styles. Rigid suspension is the simplest option, lacking shock absorption but offering significant advantages in terms of weight and maintenance. This type is ideal for smooth, well-maintained roads where minimal variation in terrain means there's little need for shock absorption. Riders seeking efficiency and simplicity for city commuting will benefit from this lightweight option, as seen in models like the City Commuter/CGO range.

Front suspension, also known as hardtail suspension, is designed to absorb impacts at the front wheel, providing a balance between comfort and efficiency. This type is perfect for riders who encounter mixed terrains, such as smooth roads and occasional gravel paths. By reducing the impact of minor bumps, it ensures a smoother ride without compromising too much on pedalling performance.

For those venturing into more challenging terrains, full suspension offers superior shock absorption with suspension systems on both the front and rear wheels. This design excels in off-road conditions, such as trails and rocky paths, by enhancing comfort, stability, and control. It's an essential choice for riders who prioritise safety and performance on uneven or unpredictable terrain.

Disadvantages

Although suspension provides numerous benefits, it does have drawbacks that may influence your choice. One major disadvantage is the added complexity and cost it brings to the e-bike. Suspension systems include extra components that require regular maintenance, such as lubrication and adjustments, which can be inconvenient for riders looking for a low-maintenance option. These additional features also make suspension-equipped bikes more expensive to buy compared to their rigid counterparts.

Another drawback is the increased weight suspension adds to the bike. This extra weight can affect portability and reduce acceleration and pedalling efficiency. For urban riders who value agility and speed on flat surfaces, this added weight may feel restrictive. Furthermore, the energy required to propel the heavier bike forward can drain the battery more quickly, potentially reducing the e-bike's range. While modern advancements in suspension technology are addressing these issues, they remain important considerations for prospective buyers.

Choosing the right suspension

The right suspension will depend on your personal riding needs:

• Urban commuters: If you primarily ride on smooth, well-maintained roads, a bike with rigid suspension is sufficient. Without significant terrain variations, there's little need for shock absorption. Lightweight models like the CGO600 Pro or CGO009 are perfect for this purpose.
• Weekend adventurer: For riders who switch between smooth roads and occasional gravel paths, front suspension is ideal. It provides a comfortable balance, absorbing minor bumps while maintaining efficiency. Models such as the AGO X or AGO T fit this category perfectly.
• Off-roader: If your rides frequently involve trails, rocky paths, or muddy terrain, full suspension is a must. The added comfort and stability from both front and rear shock absorption ensure a safer and more enjoyable off-road experience.

Striking the right balance between suspension and performance

Suspension not only affects comfort, but also other aspects of riding performance, such as pedalling efficiency and energy use. On flat surfaces, the movement of suspension systems can absorb some of the force generated by pedalling, reducing the efficiency of your energy transfer. To mitigate this, many e-bikes now include lockout systems that allow riders to temporarily disable the suspension. This feature improves energy use by preventing unnecessary suspension movement, especially on smooth terrain.

The added weight and drag associated with suspension systems can also influence the e-bike's overall performance, particularly in terms of battery range. Heavier components require more energy to move, which may reduce the distance you can travel on a single charge. However, innovations in lightweight materials and advanced suspension designs are minimising these effects, making modern suspension-equipped e-bikes more efficient than ever before. These advancements ensure riders can strike the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and efficiency.

Do you even need suspension?

Whether or not you need suspension largely depends on the terrain you ride most often. For urban commuters who stick to smooth roads, rigid suspension offers an efficient, low-maintenance solution. Riders tackling lightly varied terrains may find that a bike with front suspension strikes the right balance of comfort and performance. For those exploring rugged off-road trails, full suspension is essential to ensure safety and control.

Ultimately, understanding your riding style and priorities will help you determine the best option, ensuring your e-bike aligns with your specific needs without unnecessary features.