Why do high-pivot bikes carry a pulley (idler)?

Because their strongly rearward axle path generates huge chain growth. The idler pulley redirects the chain near the pivot so that this stretch doesn't reach the pedals, neutralising pedal kickback. Without an idler, the kickback would be intolerable.

Does the high-pivot pedal badly?

Not because of the kinematics: with a well-placed idler, anti-squat can be reasonable. The real costs are the pulley's extra friction, the weight, the noise and slightly less agility in slow corners, not an intrinsic pedalling flaw.

Suspension cluster · Systems

High pivot with idler: why they "float"

Quick answer

The high pivot raises the main pivot well above the bottom bracket, giving a strongly rearward axle path that swallows square-edge hits (that's why they "float"). That generates huge chain growth, so they carry a pulley (idler) that neutralises pedal kickback. Brutal on descents, at the cost of friction, weight and noise. Used by Forbidden, Norco, Commencal. It is one of the systems.

It's the in-vogue system in enduro and DH. And all of its character comes from raising a pivot and adding a toothed wheel to the chain.

High pivot: very high pivot, a rearward axle path that swallows hits, and an idler pulley that neutralises chain growth — High pivot + rearward axle path; the idler pulley saves the pedals.

The trade: swallowing hits in exchange for…

For

Unbeatable absorption on rough ground and at speed; stability (the wheelbase grows on compression).

Against

Extra friction from the pulley, more weight, noise, and less agility in slow corners.

Used by

Forbidden (Druid), Norco (Range, Shore), Cannondale (Jekyll), Commencal (Supreme).

Myth: "the high-pivot pedals badly". Not because of its kinematics — the idler allows reasonable anti-squat. The real cost is friction, weight and noise, not an intrinsically bad pedal. And note: there is no high-pivot without an idler; without one, the chain growth would make the kickback intolerable.

Frequently asked questions

Why the pulley?

To neutralise the huge chain growth of the rearward axle path so it doesn't kick back through the pedals.

Does it pedal badly?

Not for kinematic reasons (reasonable anti-squat with the idler well placed). It costs friction, weight and noise.

Thinking about a high-pivot?

Tell us what you want it for and we'll tell you whether the trade-off pays off for you. Message us on WhatsApp

Is a high-pivot worth it? → Axle path → Chain growth and kickback → How suspension works →

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BikeLab-pedia · Suspension cluster / Suspension kinematics explained / Carlos Eduardo Ravello Joo · BikeLab Studio · Trujillo, Peru

High pivot with idler: why they "float"

The trade: swallowing hits in exchange for…

Frequently asked questions

Why the pulley?

Does it pedal badly?

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