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My fork tuning knowledge is pretty dire. I have 2 pairs of old U-Turn 456 Pikes, that I got from the classifieds here. I have only just got round to using them. I was changing them up from some Vanillas, which have been fading slowly. The Pikes feel i little less flexy and a little heavier... but they feel too soft. Weird when comparing them to the Vanillas, which are really soft. It feels like the first 20-40mm of the stroke is just too sensitive or soft? When approaching a log hop at the start of my regular loop, I clipped the front wheel badly. Then again on the next... etc etc. Realised that when I was compressing before a jump/hop/pop, the fork just doesn't return as quick. It isn't the rebound, as that is set on fast (max) and I'm familiar with that sensation, which tends to slow down the movement both ways. It is more like I'm riding a fork that is designed for someone 4 stone lighter. But I'm only 12 stone?? It sags down from 140mm to 120mm just by me sitting on the saddle. But I thought that was ok? I kind of expect a little less sag and definitely less movement when I touch the fron brake. It feels like a small curb drop and a front brake dab, activates the fork like it was riding a proper trail? Does this mean a spring is too light? Or is the fork just tired?
Ta for any wisdom