The pros, the cons and why you should care (or not) about high pivot suspension

High pivot history

High pivot suspension designs may feel like a recent design, but they’re far from new. First seen in the late ’90s and early 2000s with bikes like the Trek Diesel and Balfa BB7, high pivot designs faded for years before making a comeback. Many brands are resurrecting the design. But why has this design re-emerged? What are high pivot bikes really good at?

A “high pivot” refers to the placement of the bike’s main suspension pivot, which is higher on the frame than most traditional designs. Rather than being near the bottom bracket, the pivot is located much higher up, often near the seat tube. This higher placement changes how the rear suspension moves, creating a rearward axle path. In simple terms, the rear wheel moves backward as it encounters obstacles, allowing it to “float” over rough terrain with less resistance.

This axle path helps the bike maintain momentum better by minimizing the forces acting on the bike when it hits rocks, roots and other trail features. By pushing the rear wheel backward, it reduces the energy required to overcome those obstacles. The downside? This design also stretches the chain as the suspension moves, a phenomenon known as “chain growth.”

Idler pulley: a game changer

The key to managing the chain growth is the idler pulley, a small wheel placed near the main pivot. The idler pulley routes the chain around the high pivot, reducing pedal kickback (the annoying sensation where your pedals tug back when the suspension compresses). By using this pulley, high-pivot bikes can offer a smoother pedaling experience, even on rough terrain.

The position of the idler pulley also affects other suspension characteristics, like anti-squat (how much the bike resists pedaling-induced suspension bob). Some bikes even allow you to adjust the idler pulley position to fine-tune the ride feel, offering a range of experiences from more stable, pedal-friendly setups to designs that emphasize speed and downhill prowess.

Why go high pivot?

The rearward axle path of high pivot bikes excels in two key areas: absorbing big hits and maintaining speed over rough terrain. This makes them ideal for downhill and enduro bikes, where the rider’s focus is on maintaining momentum and staying stable at high speeds. If you’re charging down a steep, root-laden trail, the high pivot system shines, keeping your bike smooth and composed.

High pivot bikes also feel…