Rubber versus PU
The Dämpferklinik from Tübingen, the makers behind it are Steffen Dittmar and Melanie Keding, leave no stone unturned when it comes to something as supposedly banal as a wiper ring. According to the shock absorber specialists, these standard parts, which were previously conventionally made of rubber, produce a lot of friction with the stanchion tube.

The remedy for this is called the patent-pending innovation "Sentinel". The highlight and the patent is the two-part design consisting of housing and inserts, which means that high-performance plastics (PU) are used, which should have significantly less friction than rubber - the standard material of conventional fork wipers.

Colorful, light and low friction
According to the shock clinic, the "Sentinel" means the lowest friction and best protection for the fork. It promises better response and less wear. At the same time, the wiper housing can be produced in any color imaginable. The inserts are also available in different plastics and are easy to replace - depending on the intended use. In future, the housings can remain in place during servicing and only the inserts will need to be replaced. The "Sentinel" also weighs less than conventional wipers.

Still needing coal
The scrapers should be available for the first time in spring 2016. In order to produce the "Sentinel", the young team from Tübingen still needs support and is launching a Kickstarter campaign on May 26. Among other things, injection molds, prototypes, laboratory and practical tests, patent and trademark protection and production are to be financed.

The planned retail price is 39 euros per pair of wipers including inserts, with a set of inserts costing 19.90 euros. There are 6 colors planned, installation will initially be possible in suspension forks from Rock Shox, Fox, Specialized, Bos and X-Fusion, the suitable stanchion tube diameters are 30, 32, 35, 36 and 40 millimetres.

Link to the Kickstarter campaign
www.daempfer-klinik.de