Why High Pivot?

Deviate Highlander II

Our high-pivot suspension platform, explained

Here at Deviate, we like to do things a little differently - hence our name. We are fully committed to the benefits of high-pivot suspension, because we think it's the best suspension design around for the type of mountain bikes we design. We'd like to explain why.

What makes idlers and high pivots ideal?

First of all, let's look at the high pivot itself. It comprises a meticulously placed pivot point that sits above the chainring, and with this comes a rearward axle path, resulting in the bike lengthening through its travel. Because of this, an idler wheel is required above the chainring too, as this essentially eliminates the pedal kickback generated by the lengthening of the bike (chain).

Essentially, the wheel moves in a rearward path and echoes the direction of the incoming hit. This gives the suspension more time to compress, letting the damper do its work. On a conventional bike with a lower pivot, the wheel moves more vertically, so part of the impact force pushes you backwards and tries to stretch the chainstays. High pivots help stop the suspension getting hooked up on square-edged hits, producing superior suspension performance through the chunk.

Depending on pivot placement, it is also possible to dial in more anti-rise: the bike's innate ability to resist extension under braking (so-called brake jack) and keep the suspension supple. That rearward axle path, coupled with anti-rise, also helps keep the wheelbase constant. We believe we have struck the ideal balance between these variables, giving a supportive yet supple platform right out of the box.

Deviate high-pivot idler

What are the benefits of high pivot?

Virtually no pedal kickback whilst riding, delivering a more confidence-inspiring ride
A rearward axle path lets the bike extend and manoeuvre around square-edge hits, maintaining speed
Geometry conservation under braking keeps you in the correct riding position, ideal for tackling the toughest obstacles

Eliminate pedal kickback

In most suspension designs, as you extend the suspension through its travel, the chainstay lengthens to a greater or lesser extent. When pedalling, this exerts a force on the chain, which pulls on the chainring. The rider feels this as the pedals kicking underneath them. Conversely, if you stamp on the pedals, you'll stiffen the suspension up.

When riding rough terrain, pedal kickback quickly becomes an unwelcome characteristic. We designed our suspension platform to essentially eradicate it, leaving you with a planted yet active suspension when called upon.

Geometry conservation

Ben Jones, Deviate co-founder, expands:

“The Highlander has around 127% anti-rise, which means the suspension compresses slightly under braking. This results in a more stable geometry, because there is a reduced weight transfer to the front wheel, so you don't get nearly as much front wheel dive - and you can therefore run a little less low speed front damping. You do lose some small bump sensitivity under braking, as there is more load on the shock, and you need to overcome this 'preload' before the suspension moves - but this is a small price to pay in a small aspect of suspension performance when compared to the huge benefits everywhere else.”

More travel isn't always better

Due to the nature of our high-pivot platform, the travel numbers on paper are often exceeded in ride feel on the trail. Often described as a 'bottomless' feel, the Highlander II and Claymore both strike what we believe is the perfect balance between plushness and responsiveness, thanks to the meticulously positioned idler wheel.