Leverage Ratio and Spring Rate

ver-T said:

I'm curious if different rear shock leverage ratios require different spring rates. Example: if going from a 2:1 to 3:1 ratio would the spring rate have to be higher for the 3:1 to get the same performance as the 2:1?

Click to expand...

Simple answer YES.But you should provide more info.

yes...sort of. You'll never get the same performance from a 3:1 as you would from a 2:1.

ver-T said:

I'm curious if different rear shock leverage ratios require different spring rates. Example: if going from a 2:1 to 3:1 ratio would the spring rate have to be higher for the 3:1 to get the same performance as the 2:1?

Click to expand...

For the same amount of travel?

RED5 said:

yes...sort of. You'll never get the same performance from a 3:1 as you would from a 2:1.

Click to expand...

Why not? Is a lower leverage ratio universally better? If so, why don't all bike makers design their suspension around it? Is there any advantage to a higher ratio?

kapusta said:

For the same amount of travel?

Click to expand...

I take it you ask because your answer depends on that variable, so assume they are the same, then assume they are not. Also, can you give me an example of 2 bikes with the same travel where one is 2:1 and the other is 3:1?

ver-T said:

Also, can you give me an example of 2 bikes with the same travel where one is 2:1 and the other is 3:1?

Click to expand...

None that I can think of. 2:1 is pretty low, and I would guess you would be more likely to find that on a very short travel bike, whereas I can't think I any bikes with less than about 5.5" travel that have 3:1.

ver-T said:

Why not? Is a lower leverage ratio universally better? If so, why don't all bike makers design their suspension around it? Is there any advantage to a higher ratio?

Click to expand...

Lower leverage ratios are easier on shocks, thus making it easier for the shock to do its job & easier for the shock to be setup for different riders. Whereas the higher leverage ratio tends to blow through travel easier, making it harder on the shock and harder to setup for some riders (ie:aggressive & heavier riders).

kapusta said:

None that I can think of. 2:1 is pretty low, and I would guess you would be more likely to find that on a very short travel bike, whereas I can't think I any bikes with less than about 5.5" travel that have 3:1.

Click to expand...

Foes uses 2:1 on a lot of its bikes, including there 10" DH Mono.

lighter riders will benefit from higher ratio bikes, and vise verse.

i think its better to run a shock in the middle of its range versus maxing it out or running it at the bare minimum to function properly.

tomsmoto said:

lighter riders will benefit from higher ratio bikes, and vise verse.

i think its better to run a shock in the middle of its range versus maxing it out or running it at the bare minimum to function properly.

Click to expand...

Hmm... Is 3:1 considered to be a high ratio? I'd say i'm pretty light, about 120lb. How would a 3:1 leverage ratio be for me in this regard?

read this Why 2:1