Spring rate refers to the amount of weight that is needed to compress a spring one inch. If the rate of the spring is linear, its rate is not affected by the load that is put on the spring. For example, say you have a 200 lb. per inch spring – it will compress 1” when a 200 lb. load is placed onto the spring.

Is higher spring rate better?

You might think the higher spring rate would react faster, but in reality, the lower spring rate will contact the ground first, and thus allows for more grip. … With a lower spring rate, the force pressing the tire down remains higher longer relative to the amount of travel it has, so it contacts the ground much sooner.

What is spring rate measured in?

Spring rate is a value measured in either pounds per inch (in the royal system) or newtons per millimeter (in the metric system). This value determines how much load you will be required to place on your spring in order to travel 1 inch of deflection.