Citadel Rider

When I got my bike in August the guy stated I was a heavy guy (260 ponds) so the shocks had to be set stiff. He proceeded to "turn down/ tighten the both front shocks all the way. I asked him if that wasn't too mcuh and he said no -- just right -- otherwise you'll get speed wobble. Now, since I haven't ridden a bike in 35 years I doubt I'll be approaching any high Mach numbers... and then only if its a steep hill and my brakes burn out. I've barely broken 15 km/h -- I'm (me -- not the bike) still in the start-up/break-in mode.

So is this correct... I'm too heavy for the shocks to be of any use?

The Great Stonk

hell no.

first off, what forks and/or rear shock are on your bike ?

Svr

It's likely you'll need higher rate springs. The shop guy sounds a little midguided. Adjusting preload by twisting the knobs atop the fork legs only adjusts the force required to compress the fork as well as ride height (sag). Preload does not prevent bottoming.

Of course, with higher rate springs, the damping forces will need to be altered as well to control compression and rebound speed. Consulting the fork manufacturer on their reccomended settings for someone of your weight would be a good start.

Citadel Rider

I have a NORCO "citadel" and the catalog states -- "Suntour NEX 4000 suspension forks with 63mm of travel."