Nothing to do with hub engagement really; without the idler (or a massive chain ring to put the chain in line with the pivot) the chain growth is extensive through the travel/extension and so the kickback is aggressive. Pumping the bike it would be trying to pull your cranks backward all the time. Landing a drop you’d have to fight to keep your feet on the pedals and that in turn would negatively impact the suspension.
Yeah, it’s not like companies (Trek & Cannondale among them) didn’t try HP bikes without idlers in the distant past (3x cranks). The only reason they work now for non-DH rigs is the advent of 1x drivetrains and the addition of idlers.
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The positive flip side is that with an idler in the right spot the suspension action is not influenced by the drivetrain. The Chainsaw pedals beautifully across rough terrain and it’s very easy to ride downhill in terms of how awesome the rear suspension works.
Jan. 9, 2024, 6:20 a.m. - Andrew Major
Nothing to do with hub engagement really; without the idler (or a massive chain ring to put the chain in line with the pivot) the chain growth is extensive through the travel/extension and so the kickback is aggressive. Pumping the bike it would be trying to pull your cranks backward all the time. Landing a drop you’d have to fight to keep your feet on the pedals and that in turn would negatively impact the suspension. Yeah, it’s not like companies (Trek & Cannondale among them) didn’t try HP bikes without idlers in the distant past (3x cranks). The only reason they work now for non-DH rigs is the advent of 1x drivetrains and the addition of idlers. . The positive flip side is that with an idler in the right spot the suspension action is not influenced by the drivetrain. The Chainsaw pedals beautifully across rough terrain and it’s very easy to ride downhill in terms of how awesome the rear suspension works.