Kikapu Shocks

The model name and year of the fork would be helpful before anyone can answer technical types of questions about your fork.

As far as lock out goes, I ride with several guys that like to brag about the technical do-dads on their gear, lockout seems to be one of their personal buzzwords of choice. How often do they actually use the lockout? Almost never.

As far as your pre-load being set to half, I don't really see the issue. If you were screwing your preload in all the way and still felt your fork was too soft, then you would definately need a stiffer spring. If preload is the one adjustment option on your fork, don't be afraid to use it to adjust your fork to a ride that feels good to you.

Cheers,
Juba

Juba said:

The model name and year of the fork would be helpful before anyone can answer technical types of questions about your fork.

As far as lock out goes, I ride with several guys that like to brag about the technical do-dads on their gear, lockout seems to be one of their personal buzzwords of choice. How often do they actually use the lockout? Almost never.

As far as your pre-load being set to half, I don't really see the issue. If you were screwing your preload in all the way and still felt your fork was too soft, then you would definately need a stiffer spring. If preload is the one adjustment option on your fork, don't be afraid to use it to adjust your fork to a ride that feels good to you.

Cheers,
Juba

Ah, I've just read through my original post and realised that at no point did I mention that it was the 'rear' shock that I'm talking about............ sorry.

Its just one of those Fox Vanilla things.

Opps... sorry you did write shock, but my brain read fork. My appologies.

Here is the service manual for a 1999 Vanilla. If you have a different year, you can find it on that website as well:

foxracingshox.com99%20Shox%20Manual.pdfOpen ↗

If you go to page 8, it has set up instructions and how to set the sag.

My last paragraph still applies to a rear shock. If you are screwing your preload down to max, and still have a squishy ride, or bottom the shock out very often, then a stiffer spring might be in order. If you go with a spring that is too heavy for your weight/ride style, you will have problems activating the last half of the stroke, effectively handicapping your rear suspension.

The new Fox Float line of shocks are pretty excellent. They have a new technology called Pro Pedal Damping, which is actually pretty good at preventing pedaling input from activating the shock (not all mind you, but a noticable improvement).

Cheers,
Juba

Thanks Juba, that's most helpful,

Best I get home grab and assistant and a ruler, and get my sag right...