500 X 56 on NR-4? Can I go 350lb?

[jinder]

Hi guys,

I know you must have answered this 400 times...and I did do a search before I posted this...but, I have to ask....
My 957 has a 500lb X 56 Mountain Speed coil spring on the rear NR-4.  I am about 185lbs.  The rear coil does feel firm overall, my question is...
Is this the "right safe" value for my weight or can I go with a 350lb - 400lb coil and not risk damage to the old damping system?  It would be nice to have a softer ride...
And if I can safely ride with a 350lb or 400lb spring what brand of coil do you recommand?

Thanks guys...sorry if this was asked before    [smiley=worry.gif]

For a view of the coil....

[Simon]

You can go to what ever you want within reason,
rule of thumb (that I use)you want a spring that will compress about 10% of the shocks stroke when seated on your bike,so if your shocks stroke is 100mm you want the spring to compress 10mm when seated,also you don't want to use more than 3 turns of preload on your chosen spring to obtain this,check you current spring like this and this will give you guide as to how much lighter you can go spring wise,when purchasing a new spring ensure the spring has the same or more stroke than your damper other wise the coils can bind together on compression (very bad),according to the K2 spring chart they do springs rated 350,500,550,600,650 for Nr4 shocks,also a spring made by eibach is worth a look if you can find the correct size,
FYI I ran a 400 on my 4500 with an Nr4 shock for a while,the ride was very soft but I had to run way to much preload, though it didn't do any harm,I don't think it rode any better,went back to the 500 before going over to a risse shock.
This just a personal setup after a lot of trial and error in the end you just have to find the best setup that suits your style of riding.
Simon.

[jinder]

Simon...  your reply to my question is filled with all the info I was looking for to help my set-up easier!  Having you around (and other masters of this forum) is like having Proflex experts right at your finger tips -  thank you so much!  I'll measure the load and see where it is and try a 400lb out.

About your Risse...I see it doesn't use coils...but do you have a greater play-way with dialing in the right amount of "compression" as comparied to a coil?

Simon...  whats the Shock Stroke size on the NR-4?  3"?

Thanks again Simon....Respect!!!! [smiley=nod.gif]

[Simon]

Yes,you just pump it upharder or lower the pressure,
though you may have to adjust the damping to suit,just the same as a coil shock when changing springs,
like most things there are pro's and con's as to which is the best type to have, that can get quite involved.
basically pro, air shock light weight easy
adjustment,con pressures affected by temperature.
pro coil shock,not affected by temperature (consistant performance),reliable, suited to more extreme riding,this is a very basic over veiw.
Simon.

[jinder]

Thanks!!  I think I'll get a Risse this summer...

The Terminator looks like a excellent replacement.  This way I don't have to deal with coils and rates...I can dial in what I need from air pressure... COOL!

[Simon]

Jinder, Kiwi is running a terminator on his 756,I think he's very pleased with it,
As for the Nr4 stroke I think it 1.5" with a 1.75" stroke spring (it was on my 4500),the stroke of the shock isn't the same as the suspension travel of the bike,if you want to know your shocks stroke remove the shock and remove the spring,measure the length the shaft travels through from extended to compressed,thats the stroke,you'll need to know this when ordering a replacement shock,if you can get a longer stroke without getting a longer shock you'll increase your bikes suspension travel without upsetting the bikes geometry.
Simon.

[jinder]

Thanks Simon.. Extremely important info from a expert...  thanks again!

[kiwi]

jinder according to the great k2 spring chart you can even use a 300 and some people say that those rates are a wee bit firm.Look here for more info on this subject.I like my terminator but i havent put many miles on it and am comparing it to mcu,s.Some people say the terminator is not as tuneable as the astro,because it is so stuffed with mechanism.i bought of Harv who had it mounted on his 957,i think he preferred the nr4.

[Simon]

Have to agree with kiwi the chart for a 957 recommends a NB2-300X spring for your weight 160-200lbs,so that a 300lb, 2" stroke spring,they also do a 250lb and a 200lb spring but I think that would be to soft and aimed mainly at the small frames,this would be the cheapest option,also I do prefer my risse astro5 over the Nr4 and the risse terminator,I've used all these and a Nr2.
Simon.

[jinder]

Interesting... What I will do it try a 300lb and 400lb coil and see how they feel.  This should give me a idea anyways.  And in the long term I will look into the Risse systems.  My 500lb coil isn't too bad... just wish it was a tade softer overall...

That link to the thread did clear a few things in my mind Kiwi...thanks man!

Thanks Kiwi..Simon - your help is very much appreciated!  Both you and Simon are a massive help to us all - excellent stuff   [smiley=laughing.gif]

[kiwi]

thats what the forum is all about Jinder no worries mate...