I just got a Capra LTD with the dhx2 in large and I'm having a hard time getting it tuned properly it has a 375lb/in x 3.15in/80mm sls Fox spring on it. I weight 145 geared so I assume that I need to get a lighter one but I'm not sure which spring I need or how to figure that out.
Posted Mar 18, 2019, 6:07 PM UTC
Measure how much sag you have with you on the bike, this is the easiest way to cross reference with what other rider's setup and when you make changes to your own. You will likely need a new spring that is better suited to your weight, since the size L bike will likely come with one suited for riders heavier than you. Try to find other YT Capra users on forums and see what springs they use for their weight.
springs are cheap
Vorsprung Suspension is an excellent Youtube channel that will teach you how it all works and how to measure sag and how to get your setup dialed.
So I measured the sag and it's at about 10%... Not at all ideal, I was going to get some springs from 250-300 and see where that puts me
Yeah, just make sure you measure it the same way every time so that it's consistent, also remember that its (how much the shock compresses)/(stroke length of the shock). Stroke length of the shock is not the same as how much wheel travel you have, its the distance that the shock can compress.
I'm having a hard time finding another spring at 3.15in will a 3.0in work?
Huh, are you sure the spring is 3.15 cause I can't find that size either, I found this explanation to be helpful with spring stroke length and why it should be a bit more than the shock stroke length
A coil spring doesnt really care how long it is. Theres no stroke in the coil spring itself. If a spring is 4 inches long or 10 inches long, if its a 500 pound spring its going to have an identical spring rate and ride the same. Fox lists the standard steel springs for 2.25 stroke in various lengths, from about 4.2 to over 6 inches total length.
The spring needs to physically fit on the shock, and be just long enough to not bind up at full compression. You can go longer, but not shorter. If you go longer, it needs to physically fit on the shock. If you go longer, you're just carrying around a little unnecessary weight, but theres no compensation needed. Definitely dont add preload just because the spring is longer.
If you check out the fox site, they list the SLS springs as equal to or less than 2.75 stroke. So they'll work up to 2.75 stroke, past that they'll bind.
The DHX2 is listed on fox's site as 2.25 stroke, with a SLS spring. Theyre using their 2.75 spring.
The SLS springs are rated for a longer stroke because they're made differently, and the coils are less closely spaced. Means they work for a broader stroke range.
https://www.ridefox.com/dl/bike/605-00-182_RevA.pdf
there is the tuneing guide from fox, follow that.
"To increase sag, turn the preload adjuster counter-clockwise. If you cannot achieve 30% sag by turning the preload adjuster, you will need to obtain a lower rate spring."
so if you cant get 30% sag with the preload adjuster all the way out, you need a lighter spring, most bike shops will have a few springs for you to try out and get the proper one for your weight and riding style.
at 145 your probably a 250ish spring or less.
I’m not sure how it works out with linkage design and length and travel and all that but I’m 180lbs full gear and I have a 300 spring on my YT Tues.