An embodiment of the invention includes a three-component rear-wheel suspension system for interconnecting to a bicycle frame and a shock absorbing device. The three components are an upper stay pivotally attached to the frame, a lower stay having a rear wheel mount and pivotally connected to the upper stay at a location generally above the rear wheel mount, and a link pivotally connected to the frame at a location below where the upper stay is attached to the frame and pivotally coupled to the lower stay. The general arrangement of the linkages between the three components permit compression of the suspension system (i.e. relative upward movement of the rear wheel) with limited chainstay lengthening.