As a reward for the strenuous ascents, you want to enjoy the downhills to the full. Since these downhills tend to be long and sometimes technically demanding, you do not want to do without sensitive suspension and plenty of travel.
EFFIECIENT ON THE WAY UP, SUPERIOR HANDLING ON THE WAY BACK DOWN: «R.A.M.P.»-BIKES GET YOU TO THE FINISH - WHEREVER THAT MAY BE.
Wheeler presents a bike that is tailor-made for epic rides and occasional marathon races. Two priorities were central for the engineers: First the suspension needs to be very efficient when climbing and second it has to be confidence-inspiring on downhills in order to keep trail rattle away from the rider and his equipment. The result of their careful development work is the all-new «R.A.M.P.»-platform that works with a virtual pivot point. The stiff swingarm is connected to the main frame by two short links, driving the damper. As long as the chain is under tension, i.e. when sprinting or climbing, the suspension feels firm yet offers enhanced traction. As soon as you stop pedaling on a downhill section, the suspension lives up to its full potential, offering up to 120mm of travel depending on its setting. Combine this with a moderately sporty geometry and a more than respectable weight of less than 12 kilograms, and you'll realize that the «R.A.M.P.»- bikes are ideally suited companions for all those that do not go for the podium at a marathon race, but rather seek the experience and the victory over their own limits.
In case you wondered what «R.A.M.P.» means:
« Revolutionary suspension construction» with the lower link close to the bottom bracket.
« Active movement control» as the suspension adapts its character to the situation.
« Marathon endurance geometry» for the moderately sporty position that is ideal for day-long rides.
« Performance system» because the suspension does not waste a bit of energy.
THANKS TO THE CLEVER NVO-STEM THE HANDLEBAR'S HEIGHT CAN BE VARIED EASILY: PUT IT ALL THE WAY DOWN FOR LONG CLIMBS AND BACK UP FOR THE DOWNHILL.
ADD SANDED WELDS AND HYDRAFORMING CONSTRUCTION PARTS TO THE «R.A.M.P.»'S PROVEN KINEMATICS, AND YOU GET THE SAME PERFORMANCE WITH EVEN MORE PLEASING LOOKS.
THE «R.A.M.P.»'S REAR TRIANGLE HAS BEEN REDESIGNED FOR 2008 IN ORDER TO ACCEPT BIGGER TIRES AND TO OFFER MORE MUD CLEARANCE.