Innovations in suspension technology have made mountain biking faster, safer, and more enjoyable for a larger group of people. Many of these riders have likely experienced the frustration of their rear shock locking up as they apply the brakes in anticipation of a major obstacle or tight switchback. You know the story: you apply the brakes, the fork compresses, rear shock extends, and neither one is effective. Your rear wheel goes flying over the bumps giving you a bucking sensation, and you lose confidence as your suspension becomes useless when you need it the most. You’re left with the choice of whether to brake well before obstacles—ruining your flow—or try to fly through sections of trail you aren’t confident to be riding so aggressively. By changing the placement of the rear suspension pivot, Trek’s engineers created a system that prevents lock-up. Shock-absorption continues during braking, eliminating the dilemma of whether to trust your brakes or your suspension to get you through the rough stuff. With ABP, the two work together. This maintains traction because your rear tire stays firmly planted on the ground when suspension is engaged. More tire contact translates into increased stopping power, which means you don’t have to spend as much time on the brakes. Reducing the load on the front fork allows you to maintain the stability and handling you need to thread through rock gardens at speed. Gnarly trails require suspension that works all the time—on the brakes or off.