How to set up suspension when riding with and without luggage every few days
I am no expert either, but if you have a remote adjuster you might want to adjust your rear preload a bit - i used to do that when my last bike was loaded up.
From memory the bike had 5 positions (from soft to hard). If your bike is correct without the luggage, the extra weight is compressing the bike down more.
This may not be a problem if there is plenty of spring left to soak up bumps, but if, for example, the extra weight means you already used up 80% of the spring, there’s not much left to take up bumps in the road (not good).
Turning up the preload (towards harder) provides a bit more resistance to counter the extra weight.
So for example as I am heavy i used to ride my bike 4/5ths hard when I had no luggage on it, and 5/5ths when I did. Changing between the two took 20 seconds once i’d worked out the right setting.
I am sure someone with better knowledge will add to (or correct) this, but you bike’s manual should have a section that explains the principle too. Google “set my suspension sag” for a more technical guide.
Hope this is of some help and enjoy your trip!
|