GrahamNZ
High Miler
Why do Ohlins and many suspension gurus prefer not to use variable rate springs? Best to ask them, but my understanding is that having a constant rate spring allows the damping to tuned without the complication of the spring rate changing.
In any suspension tuning programme the first thing is sort out is the spring rates to suit the load to be carried. Measuring the unladen and laden sag is the way to determine if the springs are appropriate. The next step is to adjust the damping to control the spring in the prevailing conditions. The job of the springs is to support the load. The job of the damping is to control the rate at which the springs compress and recoil as the springs are moved by the wheels moving over the road. It follows that no amount of damping adjustment can truly compensate for inappropriate spring strength and vice versa. They are separate but interacting functions.
In any suspension tuning programme the first thing is sort out is the spring rates to suit the load to be carried. Measuring the unladen and laden sag is the way to determine if the springs are appropriate. The next step is to adjust the damping to control the spring in the prevailing conditions. The job of the springs is to support the load. The job of the damping is to control the rate at which the springs compress and recoil as the springs are moved by the wheels moving over the road. It follows that no amount of damping adjustment can truly compensate for inappropriate spring strength and vice versa. They are separate but interacting functions.