Due to BodyFloat™'s unique and revolutionary design there are lots of questions...and here are lots of answers to help you understand why BodyFloat™ is so functional, efficient, effective...and why it simply works better than anything out there!
- How does BodyFloat™ work?
- Why no damping?
- How much travel does it have?
- What is the "Sweet Spot"?
- What is "pre-load"?
- Can I adjust the springs?
- How and why to get additional springs?
- What is its size and weight?
- Will BodyFloat™ fit my bike?
- How much clearance is needed between my bike frame and the saddle?
- Where will it be made?
- When will my BodyFloat™ be available?
Simply put...our patent pending dual spring system levitates you over your bike, isolating you from the terrain below while allowing for better pedal efficiency, more comfort and increased rider confidence and control. BodyFloat™ does this in two distinct ways:
Firstly, with our design you are able to maintain a smooth, comfortable and efficient pedal stroke without bounce, flex or wasted energy. Our non-damped spring design (meaning no elastomers, oils, air or other substance) allows for the natural vertical compliance necessary to encourage an efficient pedal stroke. It does this intuitively with your body weight and movement to allow for circular and efficient pedaling. Your pedal cleats float slightly (unless fixed) to allow for a proper angulation of the leg, so why not the pelvis as well?
Secondly, our design allows the system to truly isolate you from the terrain below, greatly reducing the amplitude of surface vibrations and small bumps, thus making your ride more comfortable in every way. Ride without negative effects and feel amazingly fresh after your ride. Quicker recovery from any ride is a good thing, right? And no sore butt!!!
Why no damping?
Good question...and this is the genius of BodyFloat™. Damping slows frequency response by definition. No damping allows for the best possible isolation of the power plant (ie: you...the motor) and allows for the best transmission of energy into forward motion. So you can be more comfortable, conserve more energy and put that energy into getting you from A to B quicker and more comfortably.
There are two small end-range dampers in the BodyFloat™. A small top-out elastomer and a progressive bottom-out elastomer. These two small elastomers work to soften the endpoints of your specific travel range.
How much travel does it have?
Up to 1.5" (38mm) of true vertical travel, pre-loadable down to less than 1/4" (6.4mm) if desired. Somewhere in the middle is your ideal 'sweet spot' that works best for you and your needs. Just like fine tuning a car or motorbike suspension; performance and comfort can only be maximized once the suspension is tuned for all the variables.
What is the "Sweet Spot"?
AKA "heaven". The 'sweet spot' is the ideal combination of spring rate and pre-load that allows the rider to be most effectively isolated from the terrain below without negative movement or action. Your 'sweet spot' is easy to find and easy to change based on your weight, riding style, bike and selected terrain.
What is "pre-load"?
Pre-load refers to the force applied to spring component before external loads, such as rider weight, are applied. For instance: on a comfort based bike you may want less pre-load offering a more plush feel. For performance, add some pre-load to maximize efficiency and minimize travel. Adjusting pre-load can be done on the fly with the simple turn of the pre-load hex bolt located on the rear of the unit.
Can I adjust the springs?
Yes! Adjustment of the spring is easy. BodyFloat™ comes pre-configured based on your weight and riding characteristics. As mentioned above, you adjust the spring with the pre-load screw. This reduces the effective travel of the unit. If you find that you often bottom-out or it's too stiff, you can change the spring out with a spring of a higher or lower spring rate. This is done by removing the lower spring/spring guide and replacing the spring with one that better suits you.
How and why to get additional springs?
Swapping different springs allows you to customize your BodyFloat™ to exactly your needs. There are so many options here!! You may prefer stiffer springs for a more upright position, carrying a messenger bag/pack or for less isolation. Use a lighter spring for more plushness and/or with more pre-load, or for high performance applications like racing or stationary bikes. Different springs with different spring rates are available for sale directly through our website and at retailers.
What is its size and weight?
The 3.1 production model weighs about 430g +/-.
BodyFloat™ is designed to work on just about any bike standard twin rail bike saddle. it is currently offered in 27.2mm seat post diameter, with shims available for larger sizes.
How much clearance is needed between my bike frame and the saddle?
The BodyFloat™ requires a minimum of 120mm and a maximum of 250mm (as measured from the saddle rails to the top of the seat tube) to work effectively. Utilizing shorter springs, it can be preloaded so that only 80mm is required from the top of the seat tube to the saddle rails.
Where is it made?
In North America...of course!! We are currently producing them in our Bellingham, WA facility in small quantities utilizing local suppliers and assembled in-house. Our objective is to keep all manufacturing in North America.
When will my BodyFloat™ be available?
The BodyFloat™ is available now!