Preload

[Pinchop73]

Right. So if I don't preload the suspension I will have both static sag and dynamic sag.

Why should I preload?

You should run at least some preload, to ensure the spring maintains contact with it's platform. With no preload at all you risk the spring floating away from its platform which will prevent the damper from controlling the wheel as it's designed to do.

[RED-DOG]

So if I am going to adjust and take measurements, it has to be with dynamic sag.

Now, say I sit in the bike and it goes down an inch, do I just increase preload until it only goes down say, an eighth of a frazzle?

[Pinchop73]

If eighth of a frazzle is your required sag then sure. Every bike has a unique optimum sag.

[RED-DOG]

If eighth of a frazzle is your required sag then sure. Every bike has a unique optimum sag.

I'm trying to understand what constitutes optimum sag though.

[Pinchop73]

Optimum sag will lie somewhere between having too much pre load and too little. Sometimes found through personal preference, often set by the manufacturer.

[atdc21]

Buy a speedway bike, be a lot easier 

Interesting stuff tho.

[RED-DOG]

Optimum sag will lie somewhere between having too much pre load and too little. Sometimes found through personal preference, often set by the manufacturer.

So what you are saying is I have to know how much sag I need to set the preload, and I need to know how much preload I need to set the sag?


How much sag is too much?

How much sag is too little?

If it's bike specific then how do I measure for my bike?

I need some reference point I can actually use.

[Pinchop73]

This is in Australian but you get the jist

[Karabiner]

I have really warmed to this thread since Tikay was told to butt out of a conversation about optimum sag.

I hope he was wearing the plum jacket at the time.

[RED-DOG]

Thanks for all your efforts with this Pinchop. I understand it better than I did.