01 / 06
Trek Slash 2021-2022 Generation 5
Slide 1 of 6: Trek Slash 2021-2022 Generation 5
Kinematic redesign for lighter riders
Downhill Mountain Bike Suspension Linkage
Redesigned the rear suspension linkage of a Trek Slash Gen 5 to improve suspension behavior for lighter riders while reducing component mass. The final 7075-T6 aluminum linkage reduced anti-squat, pedal kickback, and overall part weight while remaining suitable for CNC production.
- Type
- Independent mechanical design project
- Year
- Sept 2024– May 2026
- Duration
- Long-term iterative project
- Role
- Kinematic design, CAD, structural analysis, testing, and production coordination
- Tools
- Onshape, Linkage X3D, ANSYS Mechanical
- Materials
- 7075-T6 aluminum, sealed bearings, standard mounting hardware
- Status
- Manufactured and field tested
- Mass reduction
- 28%
- Anti-squat reduction
- 17%
- Pedal-kickback reduction
- 24%
- Units manufactured
- 75
Result
Produced a lighter CNC-machined linkage with revised suspension kinematics and distributed the design to riders for real-world use.
Mechanical Design, Vehicle Dynamics, Suspension Kinematics, CAD, FEA, CNC Manufacturing
← BACK TO ALL PROJECTS