When fork pressure is set to factory recommended psi for my weight I only get 2" of 3" available travel (80mm) even taking moderate hits. Slowly bleeding off pressure until getting full travel leaves pressure about 30% below recommended (65 psi vs. 100 psi). I prefer the lower pressure for ride smoothness and an overall better balanced bike when off-road.

Which is the better measure for getting max travel with reserve for drops and downhills? My bike shop guys are all about static sag but I like the lower psi for full travel.

Thoughts?

 

Well, if I were you I would go find some of the biggest hits within or just beyond your level. play with your pressure till you 'just dont' clunk out while landing these big hits. That would probably give you a descent amount of useable travel. You know its all about compromise with air forks vs. coil & oil.(my opinion). In my experience, they're either too stiff or too soft. When I used to use air forks I would adjust pressure for the riding I was doing 'that day'. Those air forks can be nice and light, if thats your thing, but I feel for a superior ride quality you should have a coil sprung oil bath adjustable preload, rebound, and compression fork. so tunable, no compromise.

 

Good tips, LD. Today's ride was dirt/gravel/rock XC so I split the difference at 80 psi and got 2½" travel, good enough with a little reserve. I'll trim for specific riding conditions, lower for roots, mud and rocks (along with lower tire pressures), higher for XC.