Fork Offset - 51mm to 44mm - Answered!

[SinCityJets]

So the stock fork offset is 51mm. I am looking to upgrade to the new Fox Factory 36, and saw one member changed to the 44mm offset. Is this an "improvement" or should you stick with 51mm?

Thanks for the answers in advance!

Chad

 

[R120]

By reducing the offset you would be increasing the trail of the bike. This in theory makes the bike more stable at high speed, but potentially slower turning.

 

[SinCityJets]

Wow. Best response I have ever had on ANY forum from cars, planes, boats and bikes. I've never had anyone go out and produce a video to answer a question Thanks @R120

 

[R120]

Well I didn't make the video but I spent a fair bit of time researching this on my Vitus when I changed the forks last year, and it can get a bit confusing!

 

[jnis]

Can anyone report their feedback on going from a 51 to 44 offset on their SL? I'm also interested in changing mine out to a 36 160 and not sure on the offset

 

[Shinn]

Excellent video, really covered everything, thanks for posting it. Does anyone have regrets going with either one over the other on a Levo SL? I would be going to a 160mm fox 36, maybe a DVO but would most likely stick with Fox.

Looking to be educated, I've never increased the travel over what a bike came with. I'm not sure if it has an additive effect to the handling of the bike. Will going from 150 to 160 increase height of the front end? Seems like it should, if so how much? 7mm?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Gary]

I'm not sure if it has an additive effect to the handling of the bike. Will going from 150 to 160 increase height of the front end? Seems like it should, if so how much? 7mm?

yeah. around about that once you take sag into account. you can offset the slightly higher bar height by removing a 5mm spacer from under your stem. your BB will only raise a couple of mm and H/A will slacken by less than half a degree.

The difference is noticable (if you notice stuff) but you'll be tuned into it after ONE ride

 

[Shinn]

Thanks a bunch Gary. I may check tire pressure by squeeze, but I certainly notice stuff. Hoping to do this once.