Patent Publication Number: US-2023159133-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for stabilizing front fork suspension of a bike

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Many bikes are intended for use that includes riding off-road. During off-road riding, bikes typically encounter ground terrain that is rough, including terrain with rocks, roots, bumps, ledges, drop-offs and/or other things that impact the handling of the bike and the comfort of the rider. Bikes can include suspension to soften the ride for the rider and to provide for better control of the bike over rough terrain when compared to a bike that does not include suspension. 
     Bikes may include front suspension in the form of forks. Forks typically include upper and lower fork tubes, one or more springs and a damping system. The springs include coil type springs made from metal or may include springs that use a gas, such as air. In fork suspension the upper and lower fork tubes are typically cylindrical with one or the other of the upper and lower fork tubes having a diameter that is larger than the other of the upper and lower fork tubes. The upper and lower fork tubes have a shared center axis along which the fork tubes move relative to one another in a linear motion. When the upper fork tube diameter is larger than the lower fork tube diameter, such as in many modern bikes, the lower fork tube slides within the upper fork tube while the spring provides resistance to compressive movement. The damping system may control how fast the fork compresses or rebounds. 
     The spring(s) and damping system in forks can be selected depending on the type of terrain for which the bike is intended to be used. When the bike is going to be used for terrain having large jumps the forks may have a spring(s) that is relatively stiffer and the damping system may be set to provide a relatively greater damping force. When the bike is going to be used for terrain having mostly smaller bumps such as rocks and roots, the forks may have a spring(s) that are relatively softer and the damping system may be set to provide a relatively smaller damping force. 
     In either set up the spring(s) and damping are typically a compromise focused on what is typically encountered by the bike. 
     SUMMARY 
     A suspension stabilizer and processes for making and using same are provided. In some examples, the suspension stabilizer may be configured to stabilize front fork suspension of a bike. The suspension stabilizer may comprise a counterweight having a weight that is in a range of 0.25 to 5 pounds, the counter weight including a first surface portion and a second surface portion. The suspension stabilizer may include a guide assembly having a body defining a guide path along a guide assembly axis. The guide path may be configured to receive the counterweight and to guide the counterweight for movement in a linear motion along the guide assembly axis. The guide assembly may include a first end, and a second end, and the body extends between the first end and the second end. The suspension stabilizer may include a spring assembly arranged to provide a spring force between the counterweight and the guide assembly to resist linear motion of the counterweight along the guide assembly axis. The counterweight and spring assembly may have a natural motion frequency of 3 to 15 Hertz. The suspension stabilizer may include a mounting assembly configured to attach the guide assembly to a bike in an orientation in which the guide assembly axis is substantially parallel to an axis of linear motion of lower fork legs of the forks relative to upper fork legs of the forks. 
     In one or more embodiments, a method may comprise producing a counterweight to have a weight that is in a range of 0.25 pounds to 5 pounds. A guide assembly may be formed with a body defining a guide path along a guide assembly axis. The guide assembly may be formed to receive the counterweight and to guide the counterweight for movement in a linear motion along the guide assembly axis. The guide assembly may include a first end, and a second end, and the body extends between the first end and the second end. A spring assembly may be configured to provide a spring force between the counterweight and the guide assembly to resist linear motion of the counterweight along the guide assembly axis. The spring assembly may selected to have a spring rate such that the spring assembly and counterweight have a natural motion frequency of 3 to 15 Hertz. A mounting assembly may be arranged to connect the guide assembly to a front portion of a bike having front fork suspension in an orientation in which the guide assembly axis is substantially parallel to an axis of linear motion of lower fork legs of the forks relative to upper fork legs of the forks. 
     In one or more embodiments, a suspension stabilizer may be configured for connection to a front portion of a bike to stabilize front fork suspension of the bike. The suspension stabilizer may include a counterweight having a weight that is in a range of 0.25 to 5 pounds. The suspension stabilizer may include a guide assembly having a guide assembly axis and the guide assembly may be connected to the counterweight such that the counterweight is moveable in a linear motion along the guide assembly axis without becoming detached from the guide assembly. The suspension stabilizer may include a spring assembly connected to the guide assembly and positioned such that the spring assembly resists linear motion of the counterweight along the guide assembly axis in at least one direction. The spring assembly may include a spring rate such that the counterweight and spring assembly have a natural motion frequency of 4 to 10 Hertz. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts an illustration of a bike including a suspension stabilizer, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  1 A  in a neutral position. 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  1 A  during an impact with a bump, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  2 A  during the impact with the bump. 
         FIG.  3 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the impact with the bump shown in  FIG.  2 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  3 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  3 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  4 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  4 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  5 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  6 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  6 A . 
         FIG.  7 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  6 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  7 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  8 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  7 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  8 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  9 A  depicts an illustration of the bike and suspension stabilizer after the position shown in  FIG.  8 A , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  9 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer shown in  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10    depicts a partial cut-away view of a suspension stabilizer, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  11    depicts a partial cut-away view of another suspension stabilizer, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  12    depicts a partial cut-away view of another suspension stabilizer, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  13    depicts a view of a mounting assembly of the suspension stabilizer, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  14    is a flow diagram of a method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. 
     The term bike, as used herein, means a motorcycle and/or a bicycle. Bikes are two wheeled vehicles that a user (usually called a rider) rides by straddling with one leg on either side. The term “bike” as used herein is a term that can encompass bicycles and motorcycles. Bikes can include pedals, electrical motors and/or fuel powered engines, such as combustion engines for providing drive power. 
     The terms “left” and “right” when used herein refer to the left and right sides from the perspective of the rider when straddling the bike. The terms “front” and “back” or “rear” are also from the perspective of the rider when straddling the bike. Ranges described herein are inclusive, so for example, a range of X to Y includes the values of X and Y. 
       FIG.  1 A  depicts a bike  100  that a rider  102  may ride over ground  104  which may be rough and may include terrain with rocks, roots, bumps, ledges, drop-offs, jumps, whoops and/or other things that impact the handling of the bike and the comfort of the rider, an example of which is represented in  FIG.  1 A  by a bump  106 . The bump  106  is shown of illustrative purposes and is representative of terrain that may be encountered by the bike  100  when ridden. A suspension stabilizer  110  may be mounted to the bike  100  at or near a front suspension  112  of the bike  100  to stabilize the front suspension  112  of the bike  100 . In some examples, such as the example shown in  FIG.  1 A , the front suspension  112  may be forks  114  that include two lower fork tubes  116  and two upper fork tubes  118 ,  FIG.  1 A  shows the left lower fork tube  116  and left upper fork tube  118 , although the forks  114  also include a right lower fork tube and a right upper fork tube. The forks  114  may be connected to a front wheel  120  of the bike and the forks  114  may be connected to a frame  122  of the bike  100  using fork clamps  124  which may also be attached to handlebars  126 . The rider  102  may use the handlebars  126  to hold on to the bike  100  with their hands  128  and may use the handlebars  126  for control of the front wheel  120  of the bike  100 . In some examples, the bike  100  may also include a rear wheel  130  that is connected to the bike frame  122  through rear suspension  132 . 
     The forks  114  may include one or more springs which can be inside the lower fork tube  116  and/or upper fork tube  118 . The forks  114  may also include compression damping and rebound damping to control how the spring(s) in the forks  114  are compressed and decompressed (or extended), respectively when the front wheel  120  contacts the bump  106 . The spring(s) may be selected or set to support the weight of the bike  100  and rider  102 . In some examples the spring(s) may be selected or set to have a compression that may be referred to as riding sag when the fork  114  and rear suspension  132  are supporting the rider  102 , the frame  122  and other components of the bike  100 . The riding sag, also called natural sag, is when the bike  100  suspension is settled with the rider  102  on the bike  100  and no external forces acting on the suspension other than gravity. Riding sag may be seen when the rider  102  is riding the bike  100  on flat ground and is not accelerating or decelerating. The bike  100  is shown in  FIG.  1 A  with the suspension, that is the front suspension  112  and rear suspension  132 , at riding sag. 
     The suspension stabilizer  110  may include a mounting assembly  136  which may be used to attach the suspension stabilizer  110  to the bike  100 . In the examples shown in  FIG.  1    through  FIG.  9    the suspension stabilizer  110  is shown mounted to the upper fork tube  118  using the mounting assembly  136 . 
     The suspension stabilizer  110  may reduce how much of an impact of a bump  106  at the front wheel  120  is transferred through the forks  114  to the handlebars  126  then to the rider&#39;s hands  128 . By reducing the impact felt by the rider  102 , the rider  102  may have better control of the bike  100 . Sharp or sudden impacts with a large force may tend to make the rider lose their grip on the handlebars  126  or may move the rider&#39;s hands. This can result in a less safe ride and may even cause the rider  102  to lose control of the bike  100  momentarily. In some situations, the rider may compensate by holding on to the handlebars  126  tighter when they feel their grip on the handlebars  126  slip or move. This can cause the rider  102  to become fatigued quickly and may cause the rider  102  to experience arm pump which can cause a rider to have difficulties holding on to the handlebars. The suspension stabilizer  110  may also reduce injury caused by long term repetitive impacts by reducing the severity of the impacts. Other benefits may also be provided by the suspension stabilizer  110 . 
     The suspension stabilizer  110  may also provide other benefits. In some examples bike forks  114  may have a resonant frequency at which they try to oscillate. This may be a result of the fork spring (not shown) and the unsprung weight of the front wheel  120 , front brake  134  and lower fork tubes  115 . The weight of the fork springs and other components may also contribute to the unsprung weight. In some examples, the resonant frequency of the forks may be from 3 to 8 Hertz (Hz); from 3 to 10 Hz; from 3 to 15 Hz; from 4 to 10 Hz; from 4 to 11 Hz; or other ranges which may be determined by measurement. Some frequencies of vibration that are transferred from the front wheel  120  to the handlebars  126  are easier for the rider  102  to manage than other frequencies, and some frequency inducing impacts or bumps are managed by the front wheel  120  or the forks  114  better than other frequencies. For example, frequencies of about 15 Hz to about 20 Hz may be absorbed by the front tire and therefore don&#39;t reach the handlebars  126 . As another example, frequencies of about  100  Hz at the handlebars  126  do not appear to bother riders. As another example, the rider  102  may be able to manage oscillations at the handlebars  126  for frequencies that are less than about 3 Hz by letting their arms and/or legs move along with the motion. An example of oscillations that are less than about 3 Hz may be large sand roller type bumps. However, riders may have difficulties handling oscillations at the handlebars  126  that are at or above about 3 Hz and at or below about 15 Hz. Riders may tend to try to fight to control the bike  100  when the handlebars  126  are oscillating in these frequencies. This may lead to rider fatigue and loss of some control over the bike  100 . The suspension stabilizer  100  may absorb oscillations in the frequencies that are difficult for the rider  102  to handle. 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A . Suspension stabilizer  110  may include a counterweight  140 , a guide assembly  142  and a spring assembly  144 . A spring rate of spring assembly  144  and/or the weight of the counterweight  140  may be selected such that the spring assembly  144  and counterweight  140  have a natural motion frequency of 3 to 15 Hz. In some examples, the spring rate of the spring assembly  144  and/or the weight of the counterweigh  140  may be selected using a formula (1): 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   f 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         k 
                         m 
                       
                     
                     / 
                     2 
                     ⁢ 
                     π 
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   1 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     In some examples, the weight of the counterweight  140  may be in a range of 1 pound to 2 pounds and the bike may be a motorcycle. In some examples, the weight of the counterweight  140  may be in a range of 0.25 pounds and 0.75 pounds and the bike may be a bicycle. In some examples, the weight of the counterweight may be determined based at least in part on the weight of the bike. 
     In the example shown in  FIG.  1 A  the spring assembly  144  includes a lower (first) stabilizing spring  146  and an upper (second) stabilizing spring  148 . In the example shown in  FIG.  1 A  the guide assembly  142  includes a first end  150  of the guide assembly  142  and a second end  152  of the guide assembly  142 . In some examples, the guide assembly  142  may be mounted so that the first end  150  is oriented toward the lower fork tube  116  and the second end  152  is oriented toward the handlebars  126 . 
     In some examples, the guide assembly  142  may be configured to guide the counterweight for movement in a linear motion along a guide assembly axis  160 . In some examples, the lower fork tubes  116  move relative to the upper fork tubes  118  in a linear motion along a fork axis  162 . In some examples, the mounting assembly  136  may be configured to attach the guide assembly  142  to the bike  100  in an orientation in which the guide assembly axis  160  is substantially parallel to the axis  162  of the linear motion of lower fork legs  116  of the forks  114  relative to upper fork legs  118  of the forks  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1    through  FIG.  9   , the bike  100  is moving from the right to the left and the ground  104  is moving from the left to the right under the bike  100 . As shown in  FIG.  1 A  the front wheel  120  is rolling along a smooth part of the ground  104  and the forks  114  are at the riding sag position. As a result, the suspension stabilizer  110  is shown with the counterweight  140  in a neutral position with no other force other than gravity acting on the suspension stabilizer  110 . 
       FIG.  2 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  during an impact with the bump  106 .  FIG.  2 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  2 A  during the impact with the bump  106 . In  FIG.  2 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  1 A  and the front wheel  120  has impacted the bump  106 . This impact causes the forks  114  to begin to compress, during which the lower fork tubes  116  move upward into the upper fork tubes  118 , and the front wheel  120  moves upward toward the handlebars  126 . Although the forks  114  absorb some of the impact, the forks  114  do not absorb all of the impact and so part of the impact force is transferred to the upper fork tubes  118 . The suspension stabilizer  110 , as shown in  FIG.  2 B , reacts to the impact force transferred to the upper fork tubes  118  and the guide assembly first end  150  moves toward the counterweight  140  and at least partially compresses the lower stabilizing spring  146 . 
     Since the counterweight  140  has a mass, and therefore inertia, the counterweight  140  resists the movement of the impact by tending to stay in position while the upper fork tubes  118  and the attached guide assembly  142  move relative to the counterweight  140 . The counterweight  140  resists the movement of the upper fork tubes  118  through the spring assembly  144 ; and the suspension stabilizer  110  absorbs some of the impact at the upper fork tubes  118 , thereby reducing some of the impact that reaches the handlebars  126  and the rider&#39;s hands  128 . 
       FIG.  3 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the initial impact with the bump  106  shown in  FIG.  2 A .  FIG.  3 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  3 A . In  FIG.  3 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  2 A  and the front wheel  120  has bounced from the bump  106 . This impact causes the forks  114  to continue to compress, and the front wheel  120  moves continues to move upward toward the handlebars  126 . In the suspension stabilizer  110 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B , the counterweight  140  continues to compress the lower stabilizing spring  146 , and/or the lower stabilizing spring  146  may be fully compressed. The suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  3 A  may have absorbed the highest force, or fastest change in the position of the front wheel  130 , that the impact transfers from the front wheel  130 . In other words, the suspension stabilizer  110  may have taken the sharpness out of the impact. In some examples, the counterweight  140  stays down as the impact continues. 
       FIG.  4 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  3 A .  FIG.  4 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  4 A . In  FIG.  4 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  3 A  and the impact causes the forks  114  to bottom out and the front wheel  120  stops moving upward toward the handlebars  126 . The suspension stabilizer  110 , as shown in  FIG.  4 B , continues to compress the lower stabilizing spring  146 , and/or the lower stabilizing spring  146  may be fully compressed. In some examples, the fork  114  bottoms and the counterweight  140  changes direction. 
       FIG.  5 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  4 A .  FIG.  5 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  5 A . In  FIG.  5 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  4 A . Following the forks  114  bottoming out, the fork springs begin to extend the forks  114  and move the front wheel  120  back toward the ground  104 . As the fork  114  begins to extend the counterweight  140  travels up to counter the force of fork extension. The counterweight  140  is moved away from the first end  150  of the guide assembly  142  toward the second end  152  of the guide assembly  142  by the force of the lower stabilizing spring  146 . 
       FIG.  6 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  5 A .  FIG.  6 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  6 A . In  FIG.  6 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  5 A  and the forks  114  continue to extend under the force of the fork springs. The suspension stabilizer  110  absorbs some of the force of the extension of the forks  114  that may otherwise be transferred to the handlebars  126  and the rider&#39;s hands  128 . In some examples, the counterweight  140  tops out to soften the extension of the forks  114  in that the counterweight  140  may fully compress the upper stabilizing spring  148 . In some examples, the upper stabilizing spring  148  is partially or fully compressed between the counterweight  140  and the second end  152  of the guide assembly  142 . 
       FIG.  7 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  6 A .  FIG.  7 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  7 A . In  FIG.  7 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  6 A  and the forks  114  continue to extend under the force of the fork springs until the front wheel  120  contacts the ground  104 . In some examples, the upper stabilizing spring  148  may continue to be partially or fully compressed between the counterweight  140  and the second end  152  of the guide assembly  142 . 
       FIG.  8 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  7 A .  FIG.  8 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  8 A . In  FIG.  8 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  7 A . As shown in  FIG.  8 A , the forks  114  may begin to compress again and the front wheel  120  may move off of the ground. The suspension stabilizer  110  may counteract the force of the fork compression by compressing the lower stabilizing spring  146  between the first end  150  of the guide assembly  150  and the counterweight  140 . 
       FIG.  9 A  depicts an illustration of the bike  100  and suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  1 A  following the impact with the bump  106  and after the position of the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  8 A .  FIG.  9 B  depicts a diagrammatic cut-away view of the suspension stabilizer  110  shown in  FIG.  9 A . In  FIG.  9 A , the bike  100  has moved relative to the bike  100  shown in  FIG.  8 A . As shown in  FIG.  9 A , the forks  114  may again contact the ground and the bike  100  may be settled back to the riding sag as shown in  FIG.  1 A . In some examples, the forks  114  may exhibit a resonant frequency oscillation induced at least in part by the fork springs.  FIG.  7    through  FIG.  9    illustrate an example natural frequency of oscillation which may be seen in the front suspension  112  of the bike  100 . The natural frequency is the frequency that the forks  114  oscillate in response to an impact at the front wheel  120 . In some examples, the natural frequency of the forks  114  may be from 3 to 8 Hertz (Hz), from 3 to 10 Hz, from 3 to 15 Hz from 4 to 10 Hz from 4 to 11 Hz, or other ranges which may be determined by measurement, and the counterweight  140  and spring assembly  144  may be selected to have a natural frequency of motion that is in one of these ranges. 
     The natural frequency of motion may be the natural frequency of the counterweight  140  when oscillating with one or more spring forces of the spring assembly  144 . In some examples, the counterweight  140  and spring assembly  144  may be selected so that oscillations of the counterweight  140  are out of phase with oscillations of the front wheel  120 . In some examples, the counterweight  140  and spring assembly  144  may be selected such that oscillations of the counterweight  140  are  180  degrees out of phase with oscillations of the front wheel  120 . In some examples, the position and/or orientation of the counterweight  140  and/or spring assembly  144  may be selected so that the counterweight  140  provides the greatest countering force to the motion of the front wheel  120 ; and in some examples, this includes orienting the counterweight  140  for linear motion that is parallel to motion of the forks  114 . 
       FIG.  10    depicts a suspension stabilizer  200  according to some examples. Suspension stabilizer  200  is shown with a guide assembly  202  that is cut away to show a counterweight  204 , and a spring assembly  206  that includes a first stabilizing spring  208  and a second stabilizing spring  210 . In some examples, the first stabilizing spring  208  may be considered a lower stabilizing spring and the second stabilizing spring  210  may be considered an upper stabilizing spring, or vice versa, depending on the mounted orientation of the suspension stabilizer  200 . In some examples, the counterweight may be made from lead, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, metal, or other material that provides the weight and/or size desired. In some examples, the counterweight  204  may be other sizes and/or shapes than shown. 
     The guide assembly  202  includes a first end  212  and a second end  214  and a body  216 . In some examples, the body  216  may extend between the first end  212  and the second end  214 . The counterweight  204  may include a first surface portion  218  and a second surface portion  220 . In some examples, the first end  212  and/or the second end  214  may be an end cap, and in some examples the end cap may be removable from the guide assembly body  216 . In some examples, the first stabilizing spring  208  may be attached to the counterweight  204 , such as at the first surface  218  of the counterweight  204 , and/or may be attached to the first end  212  of the guide assembly  202 . In some examples, the second stabilizing spring  210  may be attached to the counterweight  204 , such as at the second surface  220  of the counterweight  204 , and/or may be attached to the second end  214  of the guide assembly  202 . 
     In some examples, the body  216  of the guide assembly  202  may define a guide path  224  which may guide the counterweight  204  for movement in a linear motion along a guide assembly axis  226 . In some examples, a portion of the guide assembly axis  226  may correspond to the linear motion path of the counterweight  204 . In some examples, the guide assembly body  216  may include a hollow cylindrical shape or tube and the guide path  224  may be an inner surface of the guide assembly body  216 . In some examples, the counterweight  204  may have a cross section shape that is similar to a cross section shape of the guide assembly  202 , and in some examples the cross section shape may be circular, square, rectangular, or other shape. 
     In some examples, the guide assembly  202  may be cylindrical and the guide assembly axis  226  may be the axis of the cylinder. In some examples, the counterweight  204  may include a cylindrical shape having an outer surface  228  that slides relative to the inner surface of the guide assembly  202 . In some examples, an outer diameter of the outer surface  228  of the counterweight  204  may be smaller than an inner diameter of the guide assembly  202 . In some examples, the guide assembly  202  may define an inner cavity that includes the guide path  224  and the inner cavity may contain a fluid, such as air, nitrogen, liquid, oil and/or other fluid that may be or may flow between the guide assembly  202  and the counterweight  204 ; in some examples, the inner cavity may contain a vacuum or a pressure. 
       FIG.  11    depicts a suspension stabilizer  250  according to some examples. Suspension stabilizer  250  is shown with a guide assembly  252  that is cut away to show a counterweight  254 , and a spring assembly  256  that includes a stabilizing spring  258 . The guide assembly  252  includes a first end  262  and a second end  264  and a body  266 . The counterweight  254  may include a first surface portion  268  and a second surface portion  270 . In some embodiments, the spring assembly  256  may have a single spring. In the example shown in  FIG.  11   , the stabilizing spring  258  is attached to the second surface portion  270  of the counterweight  254  and the second end  264  of the guide assembly  252 . The guide assembly may have a guide path  218  and may define a guide assembly axis  220 . The suspension stabilizer  250  may include a bottoming bumper  272  which may contact the first surface portion  268  of the counterweight  254  when the stabilizing spring  258  extends to a certain extent, such as during or as a result of an impact at the bike front wheel  120  ( FIG.  2   ). The bottoming bumper  272  may prevent the counterweight  254  from contacting the first end  262  of the guide assembly  252  and may provide a soft stop for the counterweight. The bottoming bumper  272  may be made from rubber, foam, or other material that may soften the impact of the counterweight  254 . 
       FIG.  12    depicts a suspension stabilizer  300  according to some examples. Suspension stabilizer  300  is shown with a guide assembly  302  that is cut away to show a counterweight  304 , and a spring assembly  306  that includes a first stabilizing spring  308  and a second stabilizing spring  310 . In the example shown in  FIG.  12   , the first stabilizing spring  308  and second stabilizing spring  310 . The guide assembly  302  may include a first end  312  and a second end  314  and a body  316 . The guide assembly may have a guide path  318  and may define a guide assembly axis  320 . In some examples, the first end  312  and/or the second end  314  may include threads and end caps that may be attached to the body  316  using the threads. In some examples, such as shown in  FIG.  12   , one or both of the first end  312  and second end  314  may be or include a threaded cap  322  that may include threads  324  for connecting to the guide assembly body  316 . In some examples, the threads  324  may have a length that allows the threaded cap  322  to be adjusted closer or further from the first end  312 , which in some examples may be used to adjust a pre-load on the spring assembly  306 . 
     In some examples, the spring assembly may include one or more coil spring, compression spring, extension spring or other type of spring that is suitable for resisting the linear motion of the counterweight. In some examples, the spring assembly may include one or more springs that are linear rate, progressive rate, and/or dual rate. In some examples, the spring assembly may be made from or include metal, such as steel, titanium, or other suitable metal or material. In some examples, the spring assembly may be or include an air spring. 
     In some examples, the guide assembly may be made from or include a metal, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other suitable metal, or a plastic, or carbon fiber, or other suitable material. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the suspension stabilizer  300  may include a lockout mechanism  330 . The lockout mechanism  330  may include one or more lockout pin  332 , one or more guide assembly lockout slot or hole  334 , and one or more counterweight lockout slot or hole  336 . The lockout pin  332  may be inserted through the guide assembly lockout hole  334  and the counterweight lockout hole  336  to restrain the counterweight  304  to prevent linear motion of the counterweight  304  along the guide assembly axis  322 . The lockout mechanism  330  may have other configurations that restrain the counterweight to prevent linear motion, such as one or more bolt, screw, pin, and/or other fastener. 
       FIG.  13    depicts a mounting assembly  400  according to some examples. The mounting assembly  400  may include one or more mounts, such as mount  402 . Mount  402  may include a body  404  that defines a first bore  406  and may have a tensioner arrangement  408  for adjusting the first bore  402 . Body  404  may also define a second bore  410  and may have a tensioner arrangement  412  for adjusting the second bore  410 . In some examples, the first bore  406  may have a diameter which allows the first bore  406  to wrap around an upper fork tube, such as upper fork tube  118  shown in  FIG.  1   . The tensioner arrangement  408  may be used to tighten the first bore  406  around the upper fork tube to secure the mount  402  to the upper fork tube. In some examples the tensioner arrangement  408  may include a bolt, screw or other fastener. In some examples, the second bore  410  may have a diameter which allows the second bore  410  to wrap or attach to the guide  402 , such as in guide assembly  142  shown in  FIG.  1   . The tensioner arrangement  412  may include a bolt, screw or other fastener to tighten the second bore around the guide assembly. 
     In some examples, the mounting assembly may include two mounts  402 , such as shown in  FIG.  1   . In some examples, the mounting assembly may be formed as part of the guide assembly, and in some examples, the mount may not include the second bore. In some examples, the mounting assembly may have another configuration which allows the mounting assembly to attach the guide assembly to the front of the bike. 
     In some examples, there may be multiple suspension stabilizers mounted on the bike. In some examples the spring assemblies and counterweights of the multiple suspension stabilizers may be selected based at least in part on the natural frequency of the forks. In some examples, the natural motion frequency of the suspension stabilizer may be based on those frequencies that are transmitted through the standard front fork suspension without adequate attenuation. In some examples, the suspension stabilizer may be integrated into or form part of the forks. For example, the guide assembly, counterweight, and spring assembly may be mounted on the inside of the upper fork tube. In some examples, the suspension stabilizer may be integrated into a portion of the bike frame, such as frame  122  shown in  FIG.  1   . For example, the counterweight and spring assembly may be mounted in the steering head of the frame and the steering head or the steering stem of the triple clamps may form part or all of the guide assembly. In some examples, the guide assembly may be or include a rod and the counterweight may define a bore. For example, the counterweight may slide along the rod and the spring assembly may include one or more spring that wraps around the rod to resist the linear motion of the counterweight along the rod. In this example, the guide assembly may also include ends that maintain the counterweight and spring assembly on the rod. 
       FIG.  14    is a flow chart that represents a method  500 . Method  500  begins at  502  and proceeds to  504  where a counterweight is produced to have a weight that is in a range of 0.25 pounds to 5 pounds. Method  500  then proceeds to  506  where a guide assembly is formed with a body defining a guide path along a guide assembly axis, the guide assembly is formed to receive the counterweight and to guide the counterweight for movement in a linear motion along the guide assembly axis, the guide assembly including a first end, and a second end, and the body extends between the first end and the second end. Method  500  then proceeds to  508  where a spring assembly is configured to provide a spring force between the counterweight and the guide assembly to resist linear motion of the counterweight along the guide assembly axis, wherein spring assembly is selected to have a spring rate such that the spring assembly and counterweight have a natural motion frequency of 3 to 15 Hertz. Method  500  then proceeds to  510  where a mounting assembly is arranged to connect the guide assembly to a front portion of a bike having front fork suspension in an orientation in which the guide assembly axis is substantially parallel to an axis of linear motion of lower fork legs of the forks relative to upper fork legs of the forks. Method  500  then proceeds to  512  where the method  500  ends. Method  500  may be performed in the order shown in  FIG.  14    or in other orders. 
     Although the preceding description has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, processes, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.