Front fork mod on the cheap question

[rger8]

 I want to increase the stiffness of the front fork. I bought some 15 wt. oil and want to install some PVC spacers. Has anyone done this and what diameter and length should I use. I think someone said 1/2 to 3/4" long? That seems kinda short! I'm to cheap to buy new springs. I weigh about 180 lbs.  I hope this helps

[black and silver twin]

the oil will slightly stiffen the forks compression and rebound valving. the spacers will only raise the forks, not stiffen them. the springs are straight rate meaning no matter how much preload you put on them they will stay the same stiffness. and yes 1/2" to 3/4" is right amount of spacer. too much will cause the springs to bind under high load, that would be bad. I would actually recommend 20W oil, I use it along with 3/4" thick spacers, clip-ons, and dropped trees 1.25". its an acceptable set up but would definitely do springs next time.

[black and silver twin]

also the spacers I used are actually fender washers I got from ACE hardware. they are 35mm in diameter and fit perfectly. It took 5 per side to get the desired pre load.

[rger8]

Thanks Black & Silver twin! Just what I needed. I will give it a shot. I have an ACE close by and will use the fender washers. I recently adjusted the rear shock from the stock #4 setting to the #6 setting and noticed a nice ltttle difference in stiffness in the rear. That's all I'm trying to achieve in the front, even a little more travel might help. I'll try the 20 wt as well.

Thanks!!!

[jrains89]

definitely 20wt. made my bike a lot more useable