Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
I’ve heard how important sag is and found a lot of information on rear sag, but, surprisingly, little on fork sag. Could you please trickle down some of your vast knowledge on this subject? As an example, I have a 2021 KTM 300XC-W and ride mostly beatup single- and double-track in the forest. I am 185–190 pounds full gear. Thanks in advance.
Steve Baum
Great query, Steve. Improper fork sag and spring preload can unhinge the handling traits of your machine. I spoke with Dick Wilk, a suspension expert, to get his insights on setting front sag:
“Similar to the rear, the static sag is the most crucial and should be around 25–35mm. Unlike the rear, the front sag is generally not adjustable externally, which is why there is limited information available. However, you can set the static sag on the shock first and then fine-tune the front by raising or lowering the forks in the clamps to find a comfortable handling setup. It’s important to note that the fork spring preload should be between 3–7mm. This is significant because over-preloading can negatively affect the front’s ability to absorb small impacts, maintain a line, and handle tight, rutted corners.”
For more Mr Know It All, click here.
If you don’t mind showcasing your failures for the world to see, we won’t deny you the opportunity. Submit evidence of your failures to [email protected]