Suspension was an obvious thought as soon as mountain bikes became popular, but it took some doing for the first operational system to get on the market. First out were Dan Hannabrink’s Shocker and Brian Skinner’s Descender in 1984, both rear suspension systems.
Skinner actually brought the descender to the final race in the Repack series, but the course identified a flaw in the design, when he couldn’t keep the chain in place.
Dan Hannebrink and Brian Skinner worked together on suspension designs, and Dan’s “Shocker” is very similar to the Descender.
The 1987 Bushido never actually made it to market. I never saw a working example, but the advertising made it into my hands.
Thank You for this great, classic article. I’ve been an avid mountain bikes since my ROSS Mt. HOOD of the late 80’s so these classics have a special place in my heart. Keep em’ coming!
Very interesting post, Charlie. I recall seeing an attempt at a suspended mountain bike at Tiburon Bicycles in 1978 or ’79, I think. There was also a snow bike, with a track on the back and a ski on the front. Very innovative experimenters. I ordered my Lowell Knight Procruiser from them soon after.