umm....there's covers on the 4 allen head bolts that hold the handlebars on.  do these just pry off?  I can't even slip a knife blade in between the seam.  they're just smooth on top.

Those four little tabs pop out, super easy once you get at them. I had one pop out on its own and order extra ones.

WTF?
the sonic springs I got need 5.5 inch spacers to be the same length as the old ones (slightly above end cap when under no tension)

I thought these things generally needed a 3/4 inch to 1 inch spacer.  now i need to find a way to cut some pvc.

The progressives only need 3/4 to an inch.In my case an 1 and 1/2 to get the sag in spec.

Quote from: nazgulnarsil on March 11, 2008, 03:21:32 PM
WTF?
the sonic springs I got need 5.5 inch spacers to be the same length as the old ones (slightly above end cap when under no tension)

I thought these things generally needed a 3/4 inch to 1 inch spacer.  now i need to find a way to cut some pvc.

Sounds normal to me, you need to set the preload properly so buy your self a hacksaw and stick it in a vice and goto town

Trust me, you wont be having the new spacers + new springs at the same length as your original spacer + original springs because you wont be able to pre-load the new springs that far to get the fork caps back on.

I use a 1 inch tubing cutter to cut PVC spacers.It leaves a ceaner edge and only cost a couple dollars at harbor freight or northern tool.

Quote from: galahs on March 11, 2008, 09:31:14 PM
Trust me, you wont be having the new spacers + new springs at the same length as your original spacer + original springs because you wont be able to pre-load the new springs that far to get the fork caps back on.

i did.    

hope it's not too much preload.  the suspension feels stiffer but still not really stiff like a race bike.  havn't ridden it except down the street to school yet so i havn't felt the difference except that the back does feel much more squishy in comparison to the front now.  have to get that kat shock eventually.

Straight rates springs usually need about 3/4" of preload, if properly selected for your weight.

I'd guesstimate that i wound up with about 1 and 1/2 inches of preload.  the springs and spacers were about 1/16th from being flush with the top of the forks when i had them in uncompressed.