Which Progressive Product to use for Lowering Front?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 695
Likes: 50
From: South Carolina
Which Progressive Product to use for Lowering Front?
I am trying to decide what product to use for lowering the front end of my Slim.
Can anybody explain the differences between the Monotubes, the Drop In's, and the Fork Lowering Springs Progressive offers?
Thanks in advance.
Can anybody explain the differences between the Monotubes, the Drop In's, and the Fork Lowering Springs Progressive offers?
Thanks in advance.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 27
From: Marshall, IL
Haven't tried the monotubes but almost ordered them for my new Slim. I went with the drop in kit instead and it seems to work just fine. I really don't notice any difference in ride at all between it and the older Progressive spring kits I've used in the past. The drop ins are much quicker and easier to install than the traditional spring kits too, and you don't even have to change fork oil. I can't comment on the monotubes as I've never used them. I hear they have a phenomenal ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 746
Likes: 5
From: Boston
The monotubes are sealed gas charged shocks, the drop ins are stock replacement springs and the progressive rate springs are as well. The difference between the last two is that the drop ins are a constant rate spring and the progressive rate springs are soft to start and get firmer as they compress more. Both springs require the use of fork oil to help dampen the ride. The monotobes on the other hand require a small amount of oil but it is only for lubrication and not for dampening - they also cost a lot more than the springs and do require full disassembly of the front end, supposedly the drop in springs do not require as much disassembly. I do believe that any of the options can lower the front end depending on the kit spec you order.
I installed the monotubes last week and am really impressed with them so far. No front end nose dive when I hit the front brake and the handling seems a lot better in general.
I installed the monotubes last week and am really impressed with them so far. No front end nose dive when I hit the front brake and the handling seems a lot better in general.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
I did the drop ins, although on my bike they were not just drop in. I installed Ricor Intiminators at the same time though so I had to take the forks apart more anyways, and the Intiminators suggest using a different fork oil so I changed to that. The Intiminators basically direct the fluid different ways making the springs act more like the monotubes, but a bit cheaper than the monotubes. I have been impressed with them. I dont get any front end nose dive either with this setup.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
I've heard great things about the monotubes from the bike shop I go to. People seem to love them. I did a set of the progressive drop ins for a friend of mine, but we took apart the entire front end and rebuilt it while we were at it. Figured what the hell for a few extra bucks and a little more time. He said his didn't feel any worse than stock and he liked the way his lowered bike handled better. Either one is probably a good choice. Just depends on where your wallet is at.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I can only comment on the Progressive Monotubes. I have them -2"'s and paired with my rear suspension set up this is by far the best riding, most comfortable and responsive bike I have even been on or owned.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
I went with the progressive (not so) drop in kit along with the Ricor intiminators. Used the recommended 5wt shock oil and lowered the front 1.5". No more nose dive and it rides and handles great now.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Ive used the Monotubes and the older style progressive lowering kit.
IMO Id stay away from the Drop In Lowering as it is just a way to change springs and create the drop by increasing sag. This method makes it difficult to properly set up spring preload. if you want to go the spring route , get the older style Progressive, White bro , Burley ect kits that used short springs on the dampers to decrease the length and then properly preload the springs.
Or the best way IMO is Monotubes. It will lower you and improve the suspension
IMO Id stay away from the Drop In Lowering as it is just a way to change springs and create the drop by increasing sag. This method makes it difficult to properly set up spring preload. if you want to go the spring route , get the older style Progressive, White bro , Burley ect kits that used short springs on the dampers to decrease the length and then properly preload the springs.
Or the best way IMO is Monotubes. It will lower you and improve the suspension
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