Sonic springs arrived - couple of questions.

[bmf]

Hi Folks,

I have studied Chris's detailed instructions RE the installing of the Sonic Springs.

My question is , are the Sag method and the preload method either/or methods?

I mean - do you set your spacer length using the preload method and then fine tune using the Sag method after by cutting spacer / inserting washers for shorting / lengthening?

Any one just use the preload method only?

thanks

Brett

[BockinBboy]

Well in all of this, you have to have a starting point.  So you'll need to cut your spacers to an approximate length for a starting point.  For sonics, I recommend cutting them even with the top of the forks, once you have your springs and oil in there.  The fork caps add a good starting point of preload when you twist them on because they are about 3/4-1'' deep from what I remember.  Then you measure your sag.  If the sag is too much (too soft if helps to think that way), you add more preload by adding a washer or two.  If sag is too little (too stiff if it helps to think that way), then you take some more off of the spacer length.  Just keep in mind you do NEED some preload for any springs - if you find you have less than 1/2'' of preload (or whatever amount they recommend) - you need softer springs... There is also an upper limit to the spacer length too, as you don't want to limit fork travel ... But if you followed the chart when ordering, or asked the supplier - you shouldn't have to worry about that!

- Bboy

[RichDesmond]

Well in all of this, you have to have a starting point.  So you'll need to cut your spacers to an approximate length for a starting point.  For sonics, I recommend cutting them even with the top of the forks, once you have your springs and oil in there.  The fork caps add a good starting point of preload when you twist them on because they are about 3/4-1'' deep from what I remember.  Then you measure your sag.  If the sag is too much (too soft if helps to think that way), you add more preload by adding a washer or two.  If sag is too little (too stiff if it helps to think that way), then you take some more off of the spacer length.  Just keep in mind you do NEED some preload for any springs - if you find you have less than 1/2'' of preload (or whatever amount they recommend) - you need softer springs... There is also an upper limit to the spacer length too, as you don't want to limit fork travel ... But if you followed the chart when ordering, or asked the supplier - you shouldn't have to worry about that!

- Bboy

Excellent answer!! We'll have to put you on the Tech Support payroll.   

[BockinBboy]

Thanks for the confirmation, Rich

 

- Bboy

[jsyzdek]

I cut my spacers 146mm long and set the oil level to 122mm. I weight ~200lbs with gear on and got 0.85 springs.
I'm riding harder and harder (but still try to stay as smooth as possible) and only managed to bottom out once (when I hit a bump doing a stoppie ), so I might add a washer or two or add 5mm of oil (it needs to be changed anyway). But generally it works perfect.

[RichDesmond]

For others reading this thread, keep in mind that a specific spacer length may or may not be right for your bike. They should be done on a per bike basis.

[bmf]

Went super smoothly,

I at first cut the spacer 20 mm too long to ensure that I would have meat to cut shorter (rather than have to add onto the spacer if not enough) if the Sag was incorrect. - this gave me 10 mm sag. However this was  waste of time - Richs instructions were spot on. Finally after taking off the 20 mm too mutch,  it was perfect, 12 mm of preload gave me 30 mm of sag. Used 120 mm of oil.

Drive the bike to work today and it seems to be way nicer to ride!!

Cantt wait to get out to the hills this weekend.

regards and thanks all for the help.

PS its quite a shock comparing the old and the new springs!! The stock springs seems almost like something from a watch compared to the new one.

Brett

[bmf]

Here is a picture of the new versus the old springs, rather a big change!!!

[jsyzdek]

the stock springs in mine were beefier, but still nothing that could be compared to sonics. What size (spring constant) did you get?

[bmf]

They were .85s, perfect for me- about 210 pounds with all my gear on.


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