TLW PODCAST
Podcast With A Suspension Whiz
Inside the Mind of Peter Zawistowski – AKA Stretch
August 11, 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Stretch, CTO at Yeti Cycles, for a deep dive into suspension design, bike dynamics, and what really makes a bike feel fast, stable, and fun on the trail. Stretch breaks down the difference between kinematics and dynamics, explains how six-bar systems compare to four-bar designs, and shares how Yeti thinks about anti-squat, leverage rate, pedal kickback, and rear-center geometry when developing modern bikes.
We also talk about how rider weight, terrain, shock tuning, and adjustability all influence real-world suspension feel, and why two bikes with nearly identical numbers can ride completely differently.
If you’ve ever wondered why some bikes feel planted and efficient while others feel plush and confidence-inspiring, this conversation goes deep into the science and the feel behind it.Stretch also shares his thoughts on the future of suspension platforms, the trade-offs between performance and aesthetics, and why the best bike is always the one that matches the rider’s goals and terrain.
Whether you’re a suspension nerd or just trying to better understand what makes a bike work, this episode is packed with practical insight and thoughtful perspective from one of the sharpest minds in mountain biking.
If you want to get involved in some real suspension nerdery after this episode, head over to the forum and check out the conversation there.
https://forums.theloamwolf.com/community/forum/thread/2a13e718-63f2-405d-8464-ed62c33ef62e
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