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The spring rate is printed directly on the
shock spring. The rate in the diagram on the left denotes a 450-lb/in
spring rate with 2.37" of travel.
If no markings can be seen on the coil spring
use the guide lines below.
Before mounting a coil spring to your shock make sure its
the correct length, measure the shock stroke A, and that includes the
shaft hidden by the bottom out bumper.
Then measure the space between the coil wire B, the space
B will vary at each end of the coil.
Once youve added the several measurments together you
should end up with a number slightly greater than the shock stroke
A.
Never use a coil spring that has less useable
travel than the shock stroke length, as it will coil bind and worse
case senarios are broken springs or damage to the shock
or bicycle chassis.
Springs with more usual travel than the shock stroke
length can be used, ( longer springs ) but only if it mounts the shock
chassis correctly and is still retained at both ends by spring seats.
Spring rates are not effected by the length/stroke value of coil
springs.
Coil spring wire ( steel ) diameter C gives some
indication to spring rate.....300-500lb up to 8mm
diameter, 500-800lb up
to 9.5mm diameter.
If your rear shock sag is more than a third of the shock
stroke then you need to upgrade your coil spring.
SPV & Coil Springs
Each spring is designated by (spring rate X stroke
length). Spring rates are in pounds. The spring that is correct for you is
dependent upon your bike's leverage ratio, your rider weight, and your
riding style. SPV-damped shocks will typically use spring rates that are
50-100lbs lighter in rate than conventional shocks.
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