What engineering philosophy defined early 1980s MTBs concerning tire contact during impacts?
Answer
Maintaining maximum rubber on the ground
The engineering philosophy driving early 1980s mountain bikes marked a distinct evolution from earlier suspension goals. While 19th-century designs aimed to cushion the rider from surface irregularities for comfort, these new MTBs were primarily concerned with performance control, specifically achieved by maximizing tire contact. The goal was to ensure that as much of the tire tread as possible remained pressed against the ground, even during high-speed impacts over rough terrain. This enhanced contact directly translated into improvements in crucial performance metrics like braking ability and grip while cornering on loose surfaces.
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