|   Soft Spring w/ Preload vs. Firm Spring wo/ Preload? | Tullebukk
May 21, 2003 2:08 AM | | What are the tradeoffs between using a softer spring with more preload vs. a firmer spring with little or no preload?
I have read that the ideal is to select a spring rate such that you will have the desired amount of sag with no preload. This does not seem right to me, primarily because it does not take into account speed. If you spend most of your time at slow to medium speeds, and rarely if ever bottom your suspension, it seems like you would get a more compliant ride using a softer spring and a bit more preload. What am I missing here? |
| re: Soft Spring w/ Preload vs. Firm Spring wo/ Preload? | working
May 21, 2003 2:31 AM | | You're right, especially if you don't ride too hard and don't make jumps !!
My bike has a rising rate linkage that make your thought even more right. |
| re: Soft Spring w/ Preload vs. Firm Spring wo/ Preload? | Jimmy Hoffa
May 21, 2003 6:35 AM | | I agree, I've found a much smoother ride with a softer spring and running more preload. |
| re: More preload = less travel | jojo
May 21, 2003 8:17 AM | | |
| Not really... | Tullebukk
May 21, 2003 8:53 AM | | My rear shock has a 1.75" stroke and a 1.95" spring. So, I can run up to .2" of preload without affecting travel at all. |
| heavy spring or max. compression damping = less travel <NT> | Jimmy Hoffa
May 21, 2003 11:05 AM | | |
| tradeoffs | derby
May 22, 2003 2:01 PM | | I like a spring that requires a small amount of preload since the rebound damper slows the spring from returning to full usable above-sag ("negative") travel if there is no preload. So no preload has less usable travel than a spring with enough preload to push the suspension back all the way to a soft topout (into pot holes and during high speed wallow).
But with more preload, the spring rate is increased in the travel range above sag compared to less preload or none. So the very small rock compliance and edge hit spring ramp up progression is a little harsher feel with greater preload (I especially feel this with my forks where I pre-hit unweight and extend the fork above sag before hitting a step up rock).
As long as you aren't bottoming often with a lighter spring using more preload for desired sag, then it's fine.
I think ideally 2 - 4 mm of preload with a spring that very occasionally bottoms (without coil bind) produces them most usable travel and smoothest ride, both above and below sag.
- ray |
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