Bicycle Suspension CNC Machining

Case Brief: Part Function and Requirements

The case centers on bicycle suspension components where a rear shock linkage transfers motion between the frame and shock. Pivot bores, link thickness and mounting faces are reviewed together because they define how the assembly moves through its intended travel.

A rear shock linkage is planned from its functional datums, with tool access and workholding set before the machining sequence. Front suspension component interfaces use a different layout, so each part is checked against its own drawing rather than a system-wide performance promise.

Rear Shock Linkages Damper Bodies Air Spring Caps Stanchion Crowns 5-Axis Machining Hard Anodize

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CNC machined aluminum suspension damper body

AL 6061-T6 · DAMPER BODY

Case Components and Machining Focus

The drawing defines the datums and fit criteria for the component; inspection scope is agreed for the project.

Rear Shock Linkages

7075-T6Per drawingType II

Quote Linkages

Damper Bodies

We review damper bodies against the drawing to confirm process fit and inspection scope.

6061-T6Per drawing / agreed scopeHard Anodize

Quote Dampers

Air Spring Caps

High-pressure caps with Schrader valve interfaces and O-ring grooves. Threads machined to meet fit requirements on the drawing/3A for leak-free seals.

6061-T6Fit requirements per drawingAnodize

Quote Caps

Shock Mounts & Eyelets

Through-axle style eyelets and mounting hardware that transfer suspension loads into the frame without play or fatigue failures.

7075-T6Per drawingHard Anodize

Quote Mounts

Link Hardware & Adjusters

Pivot bolts, preload collars, rebound knobs, and travel-adjust hardware in aluminum or titanium for gram savings.

Ti Grade 9Al 7075Polish

Quote Hardware

Front Suspension Components

Front suspension components are the machined parts of a fork that align the stanchions, steer the bike, and absorb trail impacts before they reach the rider.

CNC machined front suspension fork crown (stanchion crown)

Inspection method, acceptance criteria, and requested records are agreed for the part and project scope.

Need a different suspension component machined? Our engineers can review your fork crown, CSU, or interface part drawings and quote within two business days after receiving complete drawings and project requirements.

Component Views from the Case

Real-world suspension components machined for race teams and OEM brands.

Race Linkage Set

6061-T6 linkage set with matte Type II anodize.

6061-T6Type II

Damper Body

Deep-cavity 5-axis machined with IFP bore.

6061-T6Per drawing / agreed scope

Air Spring Piston

Low-friction piston with volume spacer threads.

Delrin/AlLow Friction

Shock Eyelet

7075-T6 eyelet with hard anodized bore.

7075-T6Hard Anodize

Fork Crown

CSU crown with aligned stanchion bores.

6061-T6Per drawing

Ti Link Bolt

Grade 9 titanium pivot bolt for weight savings.

Ti Gr9Polished

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Material and Process Decisions

7075-T6 Aluminum

High strength for linkages, mounts, and hardware. Hard anodized for wear and corrosion resistance in mud and dust.

6061-T6 Aluminum

Excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Ideal for damper bodies, air caps, and fork crowns.

Titanium Grade 9

Lightweight pivot bolts and adjusters with outstanding corrosion resistance and fatigue strength.

Delrin / POM

Low-friction bushings, spacers, and volume reducers with excellent wear and self-lubricating properties.

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Manufacturing Process and Setup

A suspension-specific workflow from billet to race-ready component.

1

DFM & Fixture Design

We review pivot geometry, material selection, and anodize masking to reduce machining time and avoid tolerance stack-up.

2

5-Axis Roughing

Complex linkages are roughed in a single setup, eliminating repositioning error and preserving thin-wall stability.

3

Pocket & Bore Finishing

Pivot bores are finish-machined and reamed to meet fit requirements on the drawing. Surface finish is verified before anodize to protect seal fits.

4

Anodize & Final Verify

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Part Specifications and Acceptance Criteria

Typical tolerances, materials, and finishes for bicycle suspension parts.

Component	Critical Dimension	Material / Finish
Rear Shock Linkage	Pivot bore Fit requirements per drawing, coaxiality Per drawing	7075-T6, Type II anodize
Damper Body	As specified in the drawing / agreed scope	6061-T6, Type III hard anodize
Air Spring Cap	Thread 3A thread fit per drawing, O-ring groove Per drawing	6061-T6, Type II anodize
Shock Mount / Eyelet	Mounting bore requirements per drawing; fatigue-test scope agreed for project	7075-T6, hard anodize
Stanchion Crown	Stanchion bore concentricity Per drawing	6061-T6, bead blast
Ti Link Hardware	Thread Fit requirements per drawing	Ti Grade 9, polished/passivated

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Frequently Asked Questions

What bicycle suspension components can you machine?

The part geometry, material, feature access, and quantity determine the suitable machining route. Feasibility and inspection scope are reviewed from the drawing before quotation.

How fast can you deliver a custom suspension linkage?

Manufacturing lead time is confirmed after reviewing material availability, machining process, finish, and quantity. Quotation timing is two business days after complete drawings and requirements are received.

What tolerances do you hold for suspension pivot bores?

Tolerance and fit requirements are reviewed against the supplied drawing. Feasibility depends on geometry, material, machining process, and agreed inspection scope.

Which aluminum alloy is best for suspension linkages?

Material grade is considered against part function, operating conditions, and drawing requirements. Availability, finish options, and any requested material records are confirmed during quotation.

What anodizing options do you offer for suspension parts?

Finish options are reviewed against the material, operating environment, and drawing. Availability, acceptance criteria, and any external processing are confirmed in the project scope.

Do you use 5-axis machining for suspension parts?

The part geometry, material, feature access, and quantity determine the suitable machining route. Feasibility and inspection scope are reviewed from the drawing before quotation.

Can you handle both prototypes and production runs?

Requested quantity and production stages are reviewed against the part geometry, material, and process. Capacity and manufacturing lead time are confirmed for the agreed project scope.

What quality documentation do you provide?

Certification, customer documentation, and special-process requirements are reviewed for each inquiry. Any applicable records and requirements are confirmed before quotation.

Suspension Performance Starts at the Machine

The drawing defines the datums and fit criteria for the suspension component; inspection scope is agreed for the project.

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Bicycle Suspension Components CNC Machining Case Study

Case Brief: Part Function and Requirements