One crucial aspect of your bike’s suspension setup is the spring rate. The spring rate determines how much force is required to compress the suspension. It plays therefore a significant role in maintaining traction, comfort, and control on the trails. However, calculating the correct spring rate can be challenging. Also making mistakes in this process can lead to an uncomfortable and less efficient ride. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common tips. Moreover the method for calculating the stroke of my shock absorber for a MTB spring rate calculator will be explained.

What is stroke when it comes to using a MTB spring rate calculator.

The term “stroke” in relation to shock absorbers refers to the distance the shock can travel. To determine the stroke length, measure the distance from the end of the shaft or damper body. It depends on whether you have a coil or air shock, you maybe also measure the main body of the shock. Alternatively, you can find this information on the manufacturer’s website. Typically, the manufacturer will provide a figure such as “8.75×2.75”. This indicates the overall length of the shock and the stroke length respectively. The stroke length should measure between 1.25 and 3.00 inches. If you obtain a different measurement, it is likely that you are measuring the incorrect part of the shock absorber.

When referring to maximum travel before coil binding occurs, Fox brand springs are denoted by a numerical value. For example, a value of 1.65 corresponds to a 1.5″ stroke, while a value of 2.35 or 2.38 corresponds to a stroke of 2.0″ or 2.25″. Similarly, a value of 2.8 corresponds to a stroke of 2.5″ or 2.75″, and a value of 3.25 corresponds to a stroke of 3.00″. Other spring brands may be marked with either the stroke of the shock they are intended for, such as 2.5″ x poundage, or the range of shock strokes they are suitable for, such as 57.5-65mm (in the metric RockShox system). These are important tips, which should help you when using a MTB spring rate calculator.

What is the method for determining the travel of my wheel?

The bike’s suspension linkage and design have a substantial impact on its spring rate requirements. Different suspension designs, such as single-pivot, multi-link, or virtual pivot systems, can behave differently and necessitate various spring rates. Failing to account for your bike’s specific design can result in an inefficient setup that doesn’t optimize your bike’s performance.

Research your bike’s suspension system and consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also to contact the technical support is a possibility. This ensures that you are calculating the spring rate correctly for your bike’s design.

Wheel travel explained

The phrase “wheel travel” pertains to the length that a wheel would travel. The travel is measured from its fully-extended shock to its fully-compressed state. The most effortless approach to acquiring this measure would be: Visit the website of your manufacturer or contact them directly. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can attempt to measure it yourself. To accomplish this, you will have to measure the distance shown in the picture below.

What does the spring stiffness value mean when using a MTB spring rate calculator? Spring rate is the force required to compress a spring one inch, measured in pounds. To determine which spring you need, you need to know the spring rate required and what the shock travel is. A spring with a spring rate of 350 is more likely to compress than a spring with a spring rate of 450. Therefore it is softer. Springs are usually labeled with their speed and then their designed shock travel, e.g. “350×2.75”.

Calculating the correct spring rate for your mountain bike is essential for a comfortable and high-performance ride. Avoiding common mistakes, such as neglecting rider weight, ignoring riding style and terrain, overlooking suspension linkage and design, and disregarding sag, will help you achieve an optimal suspension setup. Remember that every rider is unique, and the right spring rate may require some trial and error. That is why we recommend to use a MTB spring rate calculator. Consulting with experts and fine-tuning your suspension will ultimately result in a more enjoyable and controlled experience on the trails. So, take the time to get your spring rate right, and you’ll reap the rewards in your mountain biking adventures. Do not forget to download and use SAGLY. SAGLY is a complete mobile guide for your mountain bike suspension settings and maintenance.