Bicycle rear suspension system providing relative rearward motion of rear axle

A rear suspension bicycle comprising:

• a frame, said frame comprising a head tube at an upper forward portion of the frame, said head tube supporting a handlebar and a steering fork with a front wheel thereon, a seat tube at an upper rearward portion of the frame for supporting a seat, and a bottom bracket at a lower portion of the frame for supporting a chain drive mechanism,
• said bicycle further comprising a rear suspension system for a rear wheel, said rear suspension system comprising a chain stay and a seat stay for supporting a rear axle for the rear wheel, a shock absorber, a first link and a second link;
• said chain stay extending forwardly from the rear axle, said seat stay extending forwardly and upwardly from the rear axle, said chain stay and seat stay each having rearward portions rigidly supported relative to each other;
• said first link having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, said first portion being pivotally connected to the frame at a first pivot point located immediately above and slightly forward of the bottom bracket, said second portion being pivotally connected to a forward portion of the chain stay, and said third portion being pivotally connected to the shock absorber;
• said second link comprising an elongated member having a first end pivotally connected to a second pivot point on the frame located above and forwardly of the first pivot point, and said second link also having a second end pivotally connected to a forward portion of the seat stay;
• and
• said shock absorber having a first connecting point pivotally connected to the frame and a second connecting point pivotally connected to the third portion of the first link;
• wherein, when the rear wheel strikes an obstruction, the rear suspension operates to cause the rear axle to move upwardly and slightly rearwardly relative to the frame.