Extra-extra heavy fork spring?

Hi Lee,

I’ve got a question for you that I can’t find an answer for. Do you know of a source to get an extra-extra-heavy spring for a Fox 36 Van? The heaviest one Fox sells is for a weight range of 210-240 lb and I need one for a rider weight of about 275 lb. Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I sought advice from two suspension tough guys: Mark “Fitz” Fitzsimmons at FOX Racing Shox and Jimmy “JIMMY!” Donahugh at PUSH Industries.

Grammar note: I’m using the second person singular because it’s easy. I know this isn’t your fork.

You can order a custom spring from a spring company, but Fitz says at that heavy rate the coils will bind, and the spring will likely break.

If you’re sagging more than 20% with FOX’s firmest spring, here are your options:

1. Dial in full compression. Those are the blue knobs on the bottom of the right fork leg. This will hold the fork higher in its travel and resist bottoming. Those blue knobs are the secret weapon of a FOX fork. (Fitz)

2. Clean up your riding style. Make sure you’re riding with your feet, and that your hands stay neutral. Your weight should almost always drive into your pedals, not your bars. 99.99999% of riders ride with their weight too far forward. (Lee)

3. Shift your riding position rearward with a shorter stem, higher bars and an offset seatpost. (Fitz)

4. Switch to an air fork like a 36 FLOAT or TALAS. You can add air pressure until you get the spring rate you need. (Fitz and Jimmy)

5. Have the rider lose 50 pounds. That was Jimmy.

Start at the top of the list and work your way down. It would be smart to start chipping away at No. 5, but I guess that’s where the bike comes in!

Good luck and say braaap!

— Lee