Efficient Traction and More Control
The patented 3VO suspension system offers a rare balance of sensitivity and efficiency, but you won't need to think about that on the trail. On the trail, what you'll feel is trust and confidence. Climbing is easier, cornering is intuitive, and descending causes giant, evil grins.
The original 3VO system combined an ability to react instantly to even the smallest impacts with downright ridiculous pedaling efficiency. Even editors used to typing "did not reach for the lockout lever" were surprised by the way 3VO bikes could climb. Built for balance and independence from both pedaling and braking, 3VO also minimizes dive during braking without compromising traction and sensitivity. Smooth curves across both anti-squat to anti-rise make for a predictable ride that just inspires confidence.
Through the dark magic of caffeine and countless hours, the new version of 3VO found on the Psalm 150 is simpler, lighter, even more sensitive and efficient, and now offers a very progressive leverage ratio that works great with both coil springs and air shocks. A great suspension system is all about confidence, because a bike that does exactly what you expect lets you ride better than you ever realized you could.
-
-
- Progressive leverage ratio offers small bump sensitivity and handles big hits without bottoming
- Outstanding pedal response with no bob in any gear combination, regardless of suspension tune
- Smooth anti-squat and anti-rise curves for predictable control at every stage of travel
- Near 100% anti-rise maintains stable geometry during braking without compromising sensitivity and traction
- Simple, durable, and easily serviceable design with 15mm pivot axles and readily available bearing sizes
- Mid-range support for cornering control and responsiveness
- Compatible with both coil and air shocks
- Rearward axle path through first 55mm of travel offers impact absorption with minimal pedal kickback
- Low 3.1 starting leverage ratio for lower shock pressure
Show Me the Numbers
Here are the numbers behind the 3VO system. I know everybody has acronyms and charts, and a lot of times these are easy to manipulate. I calculate based on a center of gravity point 1150mm above the ground, and my anti-squat data is based on a 32t chainring and a 50t cog. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions or want even more details on these numbers, the reasons behind them, and how they've evolved over the years. As for the 3VO acronym, no big story there. It described things pretty well, and I thought it looked cool.
Two dropout sets are planned for the Psalm 150. Each tunes the suspension behavior and frame geometry for a different type of riding.
Trail Dropouts are 435mm, maximize maneuverability, create a 65° head tube angle, 77.7° seat tube angle, and low but not extreme 30mm bottom bracket drop.
Warp Speed Dropouts are 445mm for maximum stability at speed, create a 64.5° head tube angle, 76.8° seat tube angle, and super-aggressive, get-yourself-some-155mm-crank-arms 37mm bottom bracket drop for serious, locked-in, glued to the trail ass-hauling.
-
Leverage Ratio
When it comes to ride quality, nothing can touch a smooth, progressive leverage ratio. The 3VO system is optimized for coil spring shocks and high-volume air shocks. This progressive leverage ratio allows for instant initial reaction to small bumps and square edged impacts, even when climbing. True mid-range support means you can rail corners and hunt for fun on every little trail feature. Excellent bottom-out resistance means you can find your limits while keeping things under control.
-
Anti-squat
High anti-squat counteracts the pedaling forces that cause a bike to bob up and down under power. To calculate anti-squat, designers have to choose a center-of-gravity point. The truth is nobody ever asks what number they used, so it's easy to claim all sorts of numbers. It's also easy to display really high anti-squat numbers if you measure with the chain in the smaller cogs and a with a small chainring. I use a center-of-gravity point 1150mm above the ground, and I measure in with a 32t chainring and a 50t cog, because that's a gear you'd actually use when climbing the worst climbs. Most importantly, 3VO is able to generate this high anti-squat while still keeping pedal kickback to a respectable minimum.
-
Anti-rise
Anti-rise is all about balance: too much, and you begin to compromise sensitivity and traction; too little and your rear suspension extends under braking, pitching you forward. Here's the thing about anti-rise: any time you're descending while squeezing the brake, your weight is shifting forward, which causes your fork to dive, which causes your body to shift forward even more. I'm all about neutralizing anti-rise and helping keep your weight rearward and low. An anti-rise range with 100% near suspension sag point is the single best way to preserve geometry without compromising traction.
Ride Impressions of the Original 3VO v1.0 Suspension on Jamis Bikes
-
The Loam Wolf
- Caleb Ely, Loam Wolf, Jamis Portal review"Beyond the components, the Portal has a unique ability to spring forward with smaller amounts of power compared to other bikes. This quicker acceleration was due to the 3VO suspension design allowing the Portal’s suspension to stiffen up when weight was more forward on the bike . . . . The bike’s rear wheel stayed planted on climbs, with no shortage of power or efficiency. We found ourselves scratching up the steepest pitches, up and over rock gardens with a grin as the bike made difficult climbs not only possible, but fun. . . . . The combination of efficiency and active suspension meant we were constantly setting PRs, and raising the amount of fun we were able to have on certain rides where other bikes felt sluggish or slow."
-
BIKE
- Ryan Palmer, BIKE, Jamis Portal review"But what matters at the end of the day is if Currie’s hot new recipe makes a better bike.
In Jamis’ case, yes, it does. The Portal pedals very well, with no lockout required, ever, and as claimed it was never overly concerned with how much sag I was running. . . . There was no annoying pedal feedback, and no noticeable brake jack." -
Singletracks
- Jeff Barber, Singletracks, Jamis Portal review"The 3VO suspension platform provided a surprisingly firm platform and looking between my legs I couldn’t discern much movement from the shock. . . . The loose gravel and hardpack surface punctuated with roots and rocks at Paris Mountain demands active suspension to keep traction at the rear wheel, and the Portal delivers. Not only that, I found the 3VO setup provides excellent small bump sensitivity, lending the bike a floating feeling at low speeds."