blackrandomapple Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 i let a mate have a go on my bike the other day and noticed when he is riding it the bike seemed really low compared to others, Is this a case of just making the spring tighter?? Cheers in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the addict Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 You can get stiffer springs if needed, if the bike isnt bottoming out on stuff your riding and feels comfy leave it alone, I have my suspension quite saggy and soft which gives better grip,abit harder to hop around but works for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b40rt Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 i let a mate have a go on my bike the other day and noticed when he is riding it the bike seemed really low compared to others,Is this a case of just making the spring tighter?? Cheers in advance! Is he heavier than you ? If so, it probably dosnt matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrandomapple Posted August 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Is he heavier than you ? If so, it probably dosnt matter. he is about the same weight as me, my bro says it looks low when i ride it too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b40rt Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 If it only bottoms out on big hits its about right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copemech Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 How much static sag is in it(weight of bike) ? These springs can be adjusted to take out some sag, you know. If it is sagging more than an inch or so, might tighten it up a bit. Close to two inches of axle travel is probably too much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawtooth Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 It does look a tad low, wind on a bit of preload on the back, will get you a c-spanner from work. We'll have a look at it tomorrow and compare it to Naths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrandomapple Posted August 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 It does look a tad low, wind on a bit of preload on the back, will get you a c-spanner from work. We'll have a look at it tomorrow and compare it to Naths. Did you get a spanner? i have done it with a hammer and screwdriver (doh) but might be a good tool to take out so i can tweek it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzralphy Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 How ridiculous, when someone said leave it slack it will help with traction. It will not. If this was the case the bikes would come out of the factory like that. Jeez. Springing holds your bike up off the ground and allows the wheel to move. Damping controls the motion and this effects traction. You may have good traction with slack suspension but this is only because you prefer how the damping has more effect because you have let the spring have less effect. Go and wind the spring up and, at the same time, increase the rebound damping. If you can't get your shock to go slow enough for your taste then it is likely your shock needs a rebuild. Suspension needs to ONLY have 1/3 sag when you stand on it..... so 1/3 of 160mm rear travel is 53mm sag from fully extended. Have a friend help measuring this. Then adjust the damping to slow things down and keep the wheel in check (read keep traction). You may like it, but if you are riding with slack suspension you are not riding the best setup bike. You have adapted, and you are fooling yourself it is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawtooth Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 Thats some good info, does 1/3 apply to the front too? Have not been to work yet, will get one Monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrkartoom Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) From what I have heard, which is like the setup of any bike, the front and rear should compress evenly when you hop up and down. I've also heard the 1/3 of the travel when loaded and test both ends for balance by pressing down on the center of the bike and check. If you get it at 1/3 travel and can jump up and down and make it bottom then likely stiffer springs are needed. Edited August 22, 2009 by mrkartoom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzralphy Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Yup. 1/3 front and back. Note that if you have to put lots and lots of turns into the preload it is likely you need a stronger spring for your weight. Note 2.... but wait there is more..... shocks and forks need servicing at regular intervals. Some riders should get a rear shock rebuilt every year and others every 3-4yrs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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