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Shock absorbers are crucial components in higher-end bicycle suspension systems. They increase rider comfort, but also help keep one or both wheels in contact with the ground to improve control and traction. These performance enhancements are especially beneficial for riding over rough terrain, such as mountain biking.

Tim Somheil

August 25, 2014

1 Min Read
Faced with hydraulic fluid leakage issues, a bicycle shock absorbers maker turns to a proprietary PTFE

Shock absorbers are crucial components in higher-end bicycle suspension systems. They increase rider comfort, but also help keep one or both wheels in contact with the ground to improve control and traction. These performance enhancements are especially beneficial for riding over rough terrain, such as mountain biking.

The high-end shock absorber uses hydraulic damping technology, which means a sealing component (glide ring) is required to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking. The glide ring also must provide high wear resistance, gentle contact with the aluminum shaft, and self-lubrication-all in addition to proper alignment.

The bicycle parts maker previously used a glide ring made from a different high-performance plastic, but found it wasn't meeting the needed leakage requirements.

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The parts manufacturer tested Saint-Gobain Seals' Rulon J glide rings and had positive results. The nonabrasive Rulon J polymer material is engineered to work well against softer mating surfaces like aluminum. Its tribological properties have shown it to be versatile as both a seal and bearing. Their seals also have one of the lowest coefficients of friction among commercially available blended PTFE materials, eliminating stick-slip for start/stop applications.

The same material is also used on the bogie (wheel assembly, pictured) of the newest 7000-series trains in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Here the material was chosen for its enhanced stability on curved tracks.

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