Portland, Oregon

Design, engineering, and product development for the cycling industry

2014

Founded

2

Licensed Technologies

10+

OEM Partners

10

Granted Patents

01 / About

Founded in 2014, Level One Engineering is an independent product development consultancy primarily serving the cycling industry.

Services span kinematic layout, industrial design, 3D modeling, structural analysis, and manufacturing coordination. One continuous line of accountability.

Engineering and design develop concurrently — one integrated system, because that's how a bicycle actually works.

Principal

Luther Beale

Location

Portland, Oregon

Background

Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design

Focus

Suspension, Kinematics, Geometry, Full-Frame Development

02 / Services

From concept through production

Full-scope bicycle product development — every discipline under one roof, with engineering at the core.

01

Suspension Design & Kinematics

Linkage layout, kinematic optimization and performance tuning working with actual shock data.

Kinematic Analysis Linkage Layout Pivot Optimization Shock Tune

02

Geometry & Bike Handling

Rider-centered geometry development for the intended platform and use case. Integration with the latest suspension technologies, fork specifications, and component standards to deliver intended ride characteristics.

Geometry Handling Platform Strategy Size Range

03

Industrial Design

Form development that serves engineering intent. Tube shapes, visual language, and surface design informed by structural requirements, manufacturing constraints, and brand identity.

Form Development Surface Design Brand Language CMF

04

Engineering Analysis

Structural validation through FEA and CFD to ensure designs meet performance, durability, and weight targets before tooling. Load case development, fatigue assessment, and aerodynamic analysis.

FEA CFD Load Cases Fatigue

05

Product Development

Detailed CAD, tolerance stack-ups, hardware specification, and production-ready deliverables. Manufacturer coordination from prototype through mass production.

CAD Tolerancing Prototyping Production

06

Project Management

End-to-end program coordination across development milestones, vendor timelines, and testing schedules.

Program Management Timeline Vendor Coordination QC

03 / Portfolio

Selected work

Production programs and development projects delivered for leading cycling brands.

Carbon e-MTB frame on L6 6-bar suspension

L6 6-Bar

Carbon E-MTB Frame

Carbon composite full-suspension e-MTB built on L6 6-bar suspension architecture. Bosch SX drive system.

Kinematics Mechanical Design 3D Modeling
Carbon e-MTB frame on L6 6-bar suspension

L6 6-Bar

Carbon E-MTB Frame

Carbon composite full-suspension e-MTB built on L6 6-bar suspension architecture. Shimano EP801 drive system.

Kinematics Mechanical Design 3D Modeling
Steel trail frame on MLink suspension

MLinkUnreleased

Steel Trail Frame

Steel trail bike using flexpivot technology from the MLink suspension portfolio. Features additive manufactured frame components.

Kinematics Geometry Mechanical Design Industrial Design 3D Modeling Additive Manufacturing
Carbon enduro frame on L6 6-bar suspension

L6 6-Bar

Carbon Enduro Frame

Carbon composite enduro trail bike built on L6 6-bar suspension architecture.

Kinematics Mechanical Design 3D Modeling
Carbon trail frame on L6 6-bar suspension

L6 6-Bar

Carbon Trail Frame

Carbon composite full-suspension trail bike built on L6 6-bar suspension architecture.

Kinematics Mechanical Design 3D Modeling
Carbon enduro frame on MLink suspension

MLink

Carbon Enduro Frame

Carbon composite enduro trail bike built on MLink mid-length linkage suspension.

Kinematics Geometry Mechanical Design Industrial Design 3D Modeling

04 / Technologies

Intellectual property

Level One Engineering develops and licenses proprietary suspension technology. Two patent portfolios in active production across multiple bicycle manufacturers.

L6 — 6-Bar Suspension

The L6 architecture introduces a Stephenson-chain topology that decouples chainstay lengthening rate (dCSL) from shock rate — enabling suspension performance that conventional 4-bar and single-pivot designs cannot achieve. A defining feature is the three-pivot chainstay link, which provides direct control over the chainstay's motion through travel.

Pedaling performance and shock behavior can each be shaped independently. The result is a suspension that is precisely optimized for its intended platform, not a set of compromises.

L6 Suspension Technology →

10

Granted Patents

4

Jurisdictions

2017

Priority Date

3+

Licensees

MLink — Mid-Length Linkage

MLink is a mid-length linkage suspension system that combines the tuning precision of short-link designs with the geometry advantages of long-link systems. Higher chain growth and anti-squat in the sag region with rapid reduction toward end stroke delivers efficient pedaling with smooth bump absorption.

The longer links rotate more slowly than short-link alternatives, resulting in lower pivot stress and extended bearing life. A triangulated swingarm where seatstays connect directly to chainstays creates a stiffer structure while enabling short chainstays and clearance for large-volume tires.

MLink Suspension Technology →

2

US Patents

1

PCT Filing

2013

Priority Date

1+

Licensees

05 / Contact

Start a conversation

Whether you're scoping a new platform, need engineering support on an active program, or want to discuss licensing — reach out. Every engagement starts with a conversation about what you're trying to achieve.

Email contact@leveloneengineering.com
Phone (530) 902-8620
Location Portland, Oregon