Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a rear wheel on a rigid bicycle frame comprises a rear swing arm assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame member, and a shock absorbing arm assembly having a first end pivotally mounted on the rear swing arm assembly and a second end pivotally mounted on the main frame member. The shock absorbing arm assembly includes a first spring and damper assembly presenting a first spring resistance, and a second spring and damper assembly presenting a second spring resistance having a substantially different magnitude than the first spring resistance. The first and second spring and damper assemblies are mounted in seriatim in the shock absorbing arm assembly in force transmitting relation between the first and second ends of the shock absorbing arm assembly.