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Old 05-11-2008, 07:50 PM   #14 (permalink)
CalG Male
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Gentlemen

Fork springs are characterized by spring rate. that is, pounds per inch (Kg/ centimeter) deflection. Compression or extension can be considered.
that is the stiffness! The preload only adds initial deflection (think compression) to the static condition. A 100# per inch spring deflected in compression one inch carries a preload of 100#. It takes a 100#plus load to move this spring at all! With no preload, the same 100# load would compress the spring one inch. This may not be desired from a geometry standpoint.

the sensation of "stiffer springs" due to preload setting is only applicable in the beginning regions of deflection.

Think that preload supports static loads, and spring rate supports dynamic loads.


Sag , preload, and spring rate are all important aspects of proper suspension set up. Rate is hardest, for Rate supports the loads both static and dynamic. Dampening must compliment the spring rate.

CalG

CalG
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