harder or softer fork for downhill stability?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 296
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.....
Any air pressure suggestions are welcome.....i'm 170 lbs.
Thanks.....
#2
New to bikeforùms.net
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.....
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.
#3
Wood Licker
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
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
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 296
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#5
New to bikeforùms.net
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MI
Posts: 691
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
#8
New to bikeforùms.net
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I didnt realize you wanted a number.........ummmmmmmm I actually went on the internet on the marzocchi site and found this page https://www.marzocchi.com/eng/spa/pro.../pressione.asp 75-85 KG = 48 PSI.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Parrish, FL
Posts: 7,963
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
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
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger