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On show: Interbike 2009 Part 3

  • Cannondale's new Simon system looks like a standard Lefty but the clever electronic internals are anything but standard.

    Cannondale's new Simon system looks like a standard Lefty but the clever electronic internals are anything but standard.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • This quick-acting stepper motor is the heart of Simon.

    This quick-acting stepper motor is the heart of Simon.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The Simon system incorporates just a few main components.

    The Simon system incorporates just a few main components.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • An accelerometer at the bottom of the fork detects bump forces.

    An accelerometer at the bottom of the fork detects bump forces.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The handlebar-mounted joystick controller is very intuitive to use.

    The handlebar-mounted joystick controller is very intuitive to use.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Cannondale's Simon system involves more wires and electronics than usual but even the prototype setup is still reasonably tidy.

    Cannondale's Simon system involves more wires and electronics than usual but even the prototype setup is still reasonably tidy.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Travel can be adjusted by shutting off the oil flow at specific points in the travel. Not only can the total travel be set but the ride height can be programmed in as well.

    Travel can be adjusted by shutting off the oil flow at specific points in the travel. Not only can the total travel be set but the ride height can be programmed in as well.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The main screen allows riders to easily swap between five main customisable programme maps.

    The main screen allows riders to easily swap between five main customisable programme maps.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Rebound isn't adjusted with an external knob as usual - instead, it's programmed in through the computer interface.

    Rebound isn't adjusted with an external knob as usual - instead, it's programmed in through the computer interface.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Pedal platform can be tuned with the control valve, too, by setting how much free bleed is allowed at the top of the stroke and how quickly the valve opens with a certain bump force.

    Pedal platform can be tuned with the control valve, too, by setting how much free bleed is allowed at the top of the stroke and how quickly the valve opens with a certain bump force.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Though the damper valve is mechanically very simple, the control software around it is remarkably sophisticated.

    Though the damper valve is mechanically very simple, the control software around it is remarkably sophisticated.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Cannondale says the Simon system is heavier than its standard internals but a complete 130mm-travel fork still only weighs about 1.8kg (4.0lb).

    Cannondale says the Simon system is heavier than its standard internals but a complete 130mm-travel fork still only weighs about 1.8kg (4.0lb).

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Downhill maps also include an adjustment for high speed compression damping.

    Downhill maps also include an adjustment for high speed compression damping.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Bottom out characteristics can be tuned by timing how the port is closed off towards the end of the travel range.

    Bottom out characteristics can be tuned by timing how the port is closed off towards the end of the travel range.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The battery and computer head for Cannondale's Simon system reside neatly within the steerer tube.

    The battery and computer head for Cannondale's Simon system reside neatly within the steerer tube.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Initial setup is also far more intuitive than usual with guided prompts that help ensure a proper ride.

    Initial setup is also far more intuitive than usual with guided prompts that help ensure a proper ride.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com