hi, i was wondering if someone could explain spring rates to me? specifically what the numbers mean? does a higher number mean a softer ride or vise versa? thanks

 

a spring rate, such as 450 lbs/inch... means it takes a force of 450 lbs on the spring to depress it 1 inch. so if you were 225 lbs and you stood on your spring without falling off you would depress it 1/2 an inch.

Neal

 

so the lower the number the softer the spring.

the other thing to remember is that the higher the spring rate, the harder it is for the strut to control the energy of the spring, sometimes necessitating a change to a strut capable of handling the spring rate.

btw, it's pretty hard to balance on a spring without falling off, so be careful when you try it.

-V