Adjusting the pre-load of the suspension

The pre-load determines how far the suspension compresses when you are sitting on the bicycle while standing still.

For the rear wheel the same guidelines as for the suspension fork are valid: for maximum riding comfort the suspension should compress by about 30% of the total suspension travel while you mount the bicycle in driving posi- tion.

For that purpose measure (similar to the method described for the suspension fork) the distance between the two suspension element bolts or between rear rack and rear wheel while the bike is unloaded as well as while sitting on the bicycle in riding position.Also take into account possible luggage. Find out the total suspension travel possible for your bicycle with the method described above, depending on the mounted add-on-parts and the spacers. The static compression should amount to about one third of the overall suspension travel.

You can affect this negative suspension travel depending on how much you weigh and how much you load your bike either by adjusting the suspension pre-load for fine tuning or by replacing the spring with a spring with a different stiffness in the rough tuning.

In order to adjust the suspension pre-load turn the knobby adjustment ring on the threaded part of the suspension element by hand. Turning the adjustment ring clockwise (looking at it from behind) reduces the preload, turning it anti-clockwise you screw the adjustment ring towards the spring and increase the suspension pre-load. It is helpful to turn the spring together with the adjustment ring.

Turn the knurled ring to adjust the pre-load.

Danger! The adjustment ring has always to be screwed so far towards the spring that the spring has no play when unloaded. Otherwise the adjustment ring could come loose through shocks while riding so that the slotted rear spring retention disc comes off. In that case the suspension element may be damaged or the rear wheel could hit the frame or rear rack, which may lead to serious falls.Always have an initial pre-load of at least half a turn on the spring.

The adjustment ring should be turned no more than five turns (measured from the relaxed position) towards the spring. If the suspension compresses still too far even after six turns, the spring is too soft and has to be replaced by a harder spring.A too big pre-load of a too soft spring does not take advantage of the full comfort potential.

You will find more information on changing springs in this manual under "Maintenance and Care", page 45.

Adjusting your new bike

HPVelotechnik 23