simon says ! cannondale speaks!

What is SIMON?

In my own words, SIMON is a high-tech computer controlled front suspension unit, that allows a rider to dial in their fork to a level not previously possible. In addition to suspension setup, SIMON provides a profile based system on which to select the type of suspension you want (XC, AM, DH) at the touch of a button. The easier it is to select the type of handling you want, the more you will use it. Just think of how an automatically adjustable seat post (Gravity Dropper, Joplin, RASE) turns the task of stopping, unclamping your seat post, lowering it, and re-clamping your seat post…all into a push button affair. Now expand that single task into several tasks like: adjusting your amount of travel, adjusting how plush you want your suspension to feel, lock-out blow-off threshold, and more.

As stated in the presentation, you could setup your suspension profile to XC for the climb, then once you reach the top just change your profile to DH, and you’re all set.
Does It Work?

There is only so much that we could discern from the very limited testing environment that we had, but the push button selectable profiles (XC, AM, DH) did offer a noticeable difference. I would have liked to have tested things like how big a difference there is on a long extended climb, or how plush it is off of a bigger drop.

One thing that was immediately noticeable over the man made stutter bumps, was the ability for the fork to go from completely locked out, to fully open upon initial hit, THEN BACK to fully locked out, once past the last bump. All automatically. Pretty cool.

Also, the adjustable travel in Travel Management mode was slick. Push down on the fork to reduce travel, then you can step the travel up in 5mm increments.

Any Drawbacks?

SIMON isn’t perfect. One potential drawback was apparent just by looking at the system. There are two small, fragile looking external wires for the sensors that run from the computer unit at the top of the fork, to mid-fork and bottom fork locations. These wires could easily snag a branch or twig and get ripped out (especially during a crash). A couple of us inquired about the possibility of internal cable routing (routing the wires through the fork stanchion itself), but Cannondale R&D said this is not yet possible due to amp loads during data spikes (like going off a drop).

Also, to truly be useful, the computer controlled unit should be able to control both front AND rear suspension in tandem. The ultimate in a balanced and tuneable ride.

Battery life (SIMON uses a Lithium Ion battery that fits inside the hollow steerer tube) is limited to 2 to 8 hours depending on conditions (terrain, rider weight, etc…) If you ride gnarly terrain and are doing an epic ride, it IS possible that the battery could run out. It was suggested that a second battery could be carried, but the battery wasn’t exactly small.

When?

Cannondale was pretty tight lipped about when SIMON might be ready for prime time. Past examples of Cannondale prototype-to-production models has been about 2 years. But, the fact that we were invited to a hands-on test (albeit limited) tends to make me think that SIMON might be ready sooner, more than later.

http://reviews.mtbr.com/interbike/cannondale-shows-new-high-tech-suspension-technology-simon/

http://reviews.mtbr.com/interbike/cannondale-shows-new-high-tech-suspension-technology-simon/3/

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Interbike 2009 - Bikerumor - Cannondale's Simon Mountain Bike Suspension Computer

La explicaciòn completa de còmo funciona..en inglès..
en subida, para rallye XC cross country la dejas màs corta , (la horquilla ) y en bajada màs larga ( la horquilla), DH down hill
la puedes dejar bloqueada , pero si golpea una roca, automàticamente se activa y amortigua!pero eso lo hace en 8 milisegundos o menos!...
ademàs cuando montas por primera vez la programas para tus caracterìsticas,,y tardas 30 segundos en reprogamarla si cambias la presiòn de los neumàticos , por ejemplo..