Wilbers preload

[BroX]

I want to adjust the rear preload on my Wilbers shock for a 2-week trip through Europe but haven't dished out for the hydraulic adjuster so I need to take the shock out to get to it.

I know it's no rocket science to find the right setting with some trial and error but it would be helpful to have at least some idea where to start from. I mean, do I go for 3mm or rather 15mm or ...? Added weight is Mrs BroX ~60kg, two full alu panniers* and camping gear?



All input welcome!

* am currently awaiting delivery of a set of ARDCases

 

[sockpuppet]

Sit on bike. Call this height a. Measure from near where the shock is.

Load bike with Mrs and kit.

Call this height b.

Take a from b and adjust the spring by at least half this.

That should work.

 

[BroX]

Take a from b and adjust the spring by at least half this.

 

[MattW]

A cable tie around the damper rod can help with measuring suspension movement (if you can get to it to fasten the cable tie - might not be possible).

 

[cookie]

at a guess, i'd say about +5/10mm on the preload.

 

[Packer]

but haven't dished out for the hydraulic adjuster so I need to take the shock out to get to it.

Wilbers recommend servicing the shock at around the 25,000 miles mark, perhaps you can upgrade at that point as well as it's much easier to turn the preload handle

 

[BroX]

Thanks all for the sane advice!

Wilbers recommend servicing the shock at around the 25,000 miles mark, perhaps you can upgrade at that point as well as it's much easier to turn the preload handle

I'll definitely do that. Or maybe earlier, it's about €280 to retrofit it.