Magic term: Automotive Engineering!

According to proven methods of motor vehicle development, we decided to start the realization of our brand-new concept by measuring and analyzing all occurring real-performance loads with regard to our bike.

Most important: Maximum product safety! Therefore, our efforts were dominated by the main objective to reinforce heavily loaded frame areas as effectively as possible while lightening comparatively massive elements to achieve another substantial reduction of general weight.

In 2008, we contacted Holger Krauss, Automotive Engineering specialist at Esslingen University (Germany). His Institute of Vehicle Technology took over the task of collecting real-performance load data provided by our bike during XC racing runs.

Generally, this is achieved by so-called “real data recording”: At first, all critical frame/bike areas are equipped with transducers and strain gauges. These electronic sensors transmit all measured shocks and vibrations as well as even minimal compression or torsion effects to a separate “black box” mounted in the frame triangle – of course with ultra-fast real-time precision. While the test pilot absolves the run, a camera simultaneously maps the complete racing course (incl. all obstacles and difficulties) in a visual way. Advantage: During later analysis, the respective frame load peaks can also be identified very easily by means of the course profile.