Joined
·
7,576 Posts
You need a screwdriver that fits the groove in this aluminum part as closely as possible. These preload adjusters do not make the spring stiffer or softer. They raise or lower the bike so you're in about the middle of the suspension range of travel. At your weight, you need stiffer springs, cheap ($90) and easy to do. Brake dive is helped with the stiffer springs and greatly helped with suspension modifications. Ricor has their Intiminator damping valves, and RaceTech has their cartridge emulators. Either does a good job.I do notice a lot of front dive on braking or even coming off the throttle...probably a function of my weight. The front forks are adjusted to within 1 notch of the stiffest setting. BTW what kind of tool do you use to turn those, does it take a lot of effort?
You'll also enjoy the ride after upgrading the shock and getting the correct spring for your fully loaded riding weight.
More about adjusting the preload:
Suspension Adjustment
The fork brace is a big help. The forks tend to flex very slightly, bind, then release. Without the flex, bind, and release, the bike tracks better and handles much better in crosswinds, over bumps, etc.