Mountain Biking - harder or softer fork for downhill stability?

Yea, i know it's a stupid question, but when riding down steep fireroads that are a combination of hardpack and loose dirt with a fair amount of ruts, what is the more stable fork.......lower air pressure for a softer fork, or opposite? I'm really not sure, but it almost seems to me like a softer fork is more stable. I'm running about 45lbs in my Marzocchi MX comp w/ETA on my FSR stumpjumper. And while i'm at it, how bout the same question for the rear fox float?
Any air pressure suggestions are welcome.....i'm 170 lbs.

Thanks.....

Originally posted by dazco
Yea, i know it's a stupid question, but when riding down steep fireroads that are a combination of hardpack and loose dirt with a fair amount of ruts, what is the more stable fork.......lower air pressure for a softer fork, or opposite? I'm really not sure, but it almost seems to me like a softer fork is more stable. I'm running about 45lbs in my Marzocchi MX comp w/ETA on my FSR stumpjumper. And while i'm at it, how bout the same question for the rear fox float?
Any air pressure suggestions are welcome.....i'm 170 lbs.

Thanks.....


You tell me what size pants fit me best, and i'll tell you what air pressure you want. Too soft is bad, too hard is bad. So pick something in the middle? Maybe even try different pressures and find what ones you like? In summary.....too soft and it will dive out from under you, too hard and it wont do anything.

I prefer a medium fork with medium rebound. I ride my fork softer than most my size. Not sure why but I just prefer soft. To rigid just doesn't do it for me :)

Just to clarify, i'm not at all concerned with ride comfort, just stability. There must be a setting thats generally best for that. Just wanna make sure i'm doing all i can to prevent endo #2.:(

Too........soft and it will DIVE too much, too "H-a-r-d" and it wont do much. Ummm......there arent "settings" in an air fork. Just go out and experiment, we cant hold your hand.

Not asking you to. Just asking for advice, but apparently insults are more fun, eh? Whatever.....

like Klein said harder=less likely for an endo, stability wise it's a toss up because riding styles vary and exactly what will work is hit and miss. The only thing i can gaurentee as said before stiffer spring will make you less likely to endo, but will also make the ride more harsh

I didnt realize you wanted a number.........ummmmmmmm I actually went on the internet on the marzocchi site and found this page http://www.marzocchi.com/eng/spa/products/mtb/tips/2002/pressione.asp 75-85 KG = 48 PSI.

I generally try to stay away from air shocks. 235lb + air shock = blown shock!

But, I recommend you run enough pressure to not bottom out the shock on jumps. It'll take a bit of experimenting, but you can always spend an afternoon building a ramp, then dialing in your shock pressures!

L8R