In a message dated 10/29/01 8:23:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I would never claim to be an expert on suspension technology, but I can't see how these shocks being air sprung makes adjustable damping unnecessary. Anyone else have an opinion about this issue? >> I do not know what they are claiming, but air as a suspension tuning mechanism is not the best technology out there. Some of our engineer friends can disect and correct as necessary to make themselves feel good, but basically, as the volume of air decreases, the pressure squares. (or something to that effect. In mechanics terms, it means air pressure is not terribly linear in its damping curve. In layman's terms, it gets harsh really quick. The damping is not as progressive as an oil damped shock. Oil damped shocks, or the better ones, use a series of spring steel washers in varying diameters and thicknesses to make up the "valving". Changing these washers is how they adjust the damping characteristics of the shock. Also, as a general rule, if you think about what the high tech guys of car racing are using, it is generally safe to assume they are using what works best. They use gas charged oil damped shocks. The gas charge, although it is a minor tuning tool, is mainly to keep the oil from frothing. Hope this helps. RSRBOB
