Here's where I respectively disagree with a few of you.
Yes, the spring rate remains the same regardless of preload setting but it can and does effect the feel of harshness - and not just raising the bike at that end. Adding preload effects the first 20-25 mm of travel because it take more force to overcome the additional tension. At least to me, this is the nicest part of spring's travel and adding too much preload can ruin that feeling.
Lowering the oil level in forks to make them softer is only noticeable after about 1/2 stroke when the air inside starts to compress. During the first 20-25 mm of fork travel, dropping the oil level is not noticeable. I've always felt oil level adjustments worked best when trying to minimize or eliminate harsh bottoming.
Yes, the spring rate remains the same regardless of preload setting but it can and does effect the feel of harshness - and not just raising the bike at that end. Adding preload effects the first 20-25 mm of travel because it take more force to overcome the additional tension. At least to me, this is the nicest part of spring's travel and adding too much preload can ruin that feeling.
Lowering the oil level in forks to make them softer is only noticeable after about 1/2 stroke when the air inside starts to compress. During the first 20-25 mm of fork travel, dropping the oil level is not noticeable. I've always felt oil level adjustments worked best when trying to minimize or eliminate harsh bottoming.
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