Retro Classics

Before platform valving in rear shocks, bicycle frame engineers went to all sorts of efforts to build pedaling efficiency directly into the suspension design. Few bikes exemplify those efforts better than the incredibly expensive Cannondale Fulcrum DH used on the World Cup downhill circuit in 1998. Unwilling to accept the kinematic compromises of multiple chainring sizes, Cannondale instead developed a complex jackshaft drive system and a short dual-link rear end with roughly 6in of travel. Up front, Cannondale adapted its Headshock suspension fork into the dual-crown Moto DH fork. Cannondale ultimately made less than a dozen Fulcrum DH machines in total. Special thanks to The Pros Closet for the information and original photography.