I have been trying to find some written procedure for adjusting front preload - and failing dismally, the manual passes it by completely. Presumably you unplug the electronic connectors and turn the big blue nuts. But Which way ? What is the range of adjustment ? Are there any pitfalls ? Does it 'upset' the DES calibration ? I am sure it is a simple thing to do once you have the correct information. Any links anyone ?
You may want to set up your front and rear SAG first to know how much to adjust your preload Front forks - sport mode - 1 person 178 lbs or 80.90 kilos - front forks - fully extended front forks with no weight on front tire , distance from seal to casting is 6 5/8'' [168mm] , - front forks - just bike weight- distance from seal to casting is 5 1/8'' [130mm] - free SAG is at 38mm , - front forks - with me on the bike distance from seal to casting is 4 3/8'' [112mm] dynamic or loaded SAG at front is 56mm - dynamic SAG is at 33.33% on the front , not at 30% but close enough as I don't want to do the manual preload adjustment on the front , off to check the rear . Rear shock - sport mode - 1 person - rear shock - fully extended with no weight on rear tire - measured from spindle to reference point- 25'' [635mm] - rear shock with me on bike - measured from spindle to reference point- 22 3/4'' [578mm] dynamic or loaded SAG at rear is 57mm - rear shock - preload set to 7-bike weight measured from spindle to reference point 23 3/4''-free SAG is 1 1/4'' [32mm] The good thing is my dynamic or loaded front fork SAG and dynamic or loaded rear shock SAG are within 1mm of each other
Thanks for that SCO. Like you my front sag is in the ballpark and like you I have put off doing any adjustment, for me because of lack of information on exactly how to do it.
John , if your front and rear SAG are between 50mm to 60 mm and your bike feels planted your probably good.
yep I agree. Can someone please explain exactly what the steps are physically to adjust the front forks ? thanks, bugs
If you have too much SAG , you need to increase fork tension/preload by turning both preload adjusters on your forks in a clockwise position - and then repeat the measurement procedure until you have achieved your ideal SAG figure , too little SAG turn counter clockwise . rear is easier as preload is electronic , but same idea .
How do you check that both legs have an equal setting ? Is there a 'stop' when they are backed off completely. Is there anything to be aware of when unplugging the electrical connectors ?
Yes, Yes and Yes. This is sort of what I was asking in another thread. Yes, they MUST be equal. Mark with a pen the current position, wiping the pen from the put to the fork. Get a pen and paper. Turn fully anti-clockwise, counting the number of complete, then partial turns until it stops. Then repeat for the 2nd leg. I'm 19 stone'ish and I like 7 turns clockwise from fully open on each, but still (was ) testing. DONT pull the wires. Press the lower middle tab of the connector right in with a small flat bladed screwdriver at 90° to the connector. Gently wiggle the connector...not the wires, you may need some grippy snipe nosed pliers. Eventually it will dislodge. Never pull the wires, as you could damage them leading to some expensive diagnosis and unnecessary replacement of various suspension modules while they look for the fault.
