Front fork springs - stiffer than recommended

[0Bw4n]

Based on both race techs and sonic's calculators, I should purchase 0.80 springs. I was leaning towards 0.90 instead (in case I want to carry a passenger). So on to my question(s) - Currently, they're stock springs (at least, I assume they are - it's a used bike, and the previous owner did some really screwy repair work to the plastic, so...). Is there any way to have some idea what I would be expecting by going to 0.90 instead of 0.80? Would you consider 0.90 too stiff?

I thought about splitting the difference and going to .085, but they are more expensive than the 0.80 or the 0.90's.

FYI - I want to use Amazon so that I can get them for "free" by using my points.

[burning1]

Racetech tends to recommend springs a little on the soft side, so you can probably go for .85s, or .9s. Keep in mind that if you go a little soft, you can always stiffen up the front end by raising the oil level a little, or by adding some pre-load shims. Going too stiff can compromise comfort, and can have a negative impact on bump absorption, which could reduce braking performance.

I wouldn't worry about the passenger; riding 2-up puts most of the extra stress on the rear suspension. Adapt by using the rear brake more than you otherwise would. When I was commuting 2-up in the rain, I'd often end up using a 50/50 balance front/rear.

[fetor56]

I went for the next stiffer Sonic chart recommendation to allow for expansion(my me) in further years & also any large road pot-holes i'll probably encounter.

[BockinBboy]

I would think which one you ultimately go with will depend on the type of riding you do paired with your typical road conditions.  I really don't think you will have a complaint using .8kgs without ever knowing anything else but stock springs on this bike.   I would not go as far to say that you should go with the .8kgs because you won't know anyway, but because I 'could' a complaint if you went too stiff... it will feel like 2x4s instead of springs.  You will be pleased with anything up to the point where its too stiff for your typical riding, and you may not know until they are already installed. 

As burning1 mentions, you can always add a little more preload if you go softer... and also another +1 on his comments, don't take into account riding 2-up when purchasing your fork springs... I remember specifically reading a line regarding that on a springs site (Sonics maybe?)...

Personally, I have experienced a range of weight on my .85kg Sonics.  I started at 189lbs with the .85kgs and now I'm down to 148lbs with the .85kgs... I rode all weights between there mostly within about 3 months.  I remember the .85kgs being an amazing difference, and was perfectly pleased with the purchase.  I wasn't really scraping pegs much at the time, but day to day riding it was more than enough, seriously.  As expected it got progressively more stiff as I lost the weight.  But I also picked-up in my riding style.  Now, its almost too stiff for my regular riding, but I would say its perfect for spirited riding.. which I do more often now then any other riding anyway... 

Hope there is something from my experience you can relate or adapt to your own case.

- Bboy

[0Bw4n]

Thanks for all the recommendations, after much thought I'm going to go with the 0.80's. I think I would rather it be a little soft and then stiffen with oil and shims. I'm still losing weight (at 165), with a goal of 155 - so based on BBoy's experience I think the 0.80's will be my best bet.

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Jason

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[RichDesmond]

At your weight the 0.80s would be best. 15w fork oil with them.