So I have this bike here, massive beast with a Chinese fork, a [Trama FAT 24-36](https://www.trama.com.cn/list_62/220.html) (Specs in the “Technical” tab. Also notice the hilarious picture in the “Description” tab, dude looks like a supervillain and rides with all the protective gear except a helmet 😀 )
It’s the `HLO` one, **definitely** not an air fork, but a spring-loaded one. I’m trying to adjust the preload on it, as it’s way way too stiff. The manufacturer claims the presence of a Preload Adjuster. There is an adjuster-looking piece on the left (pictured), but the upper part doesn’t rotate. In fact, it can’t. The entire “adjuster” is moulded from a single piece fo plastic. What the?! I managed to loosen up the piece in its entirety, but I don’t dare unscrew it, lest the spring jump out and smash a hole in the ceiling. Is that even a legitimate concern?
On the right side there’s only a lockout dial.
Anyone have an idea what’s going on here?
PioneerNiles2006 on
It’s just a cheap preload that may or may not do anything. With cheap ones like this there is sometimes a change in the feeling full open or fully closed. If it’s not turning, best just leave it. If you use grips or pliers you’ll mar the plastic.
dano___ on
Even on more legit budget forks the preload doesn’t do much, I wouldn’t expect it to do anything on a cheap knockoff.
3 Comments
So I have this bike here, massive beast with a Chinese fork, a [Trama FAT 24-36](https://www.trama.com.cn/list_62/220.html) (Specs in the “Technical” tab. Also notice the hilarious picture in the “Description” tab, dude looks like a supervillain and rides with all the protective gear except a helmet 😀 )
It’s the `HLO` one, **definitely** not an air fork, but a spring-loaded one. I’m trying to adjust the preload on it, as it’s way way too stiff. The manufacturer claims the presence of a Preload Adjuster. There is an adjuster-looking piece on the left (pictured), but the upper part doesn’t rotate. In fact, it can’t. The entire “adjuster” is moulded from a single piece fo plastic. What the?! I managed to loosen up the piece in its entirety, but I don’t dare unscrew it, lest the spring jump out and smash a hole in the ceiling. Is that even a legitimate concern?
On the right side there’s only a lockout dial.
Anyone have an idea what’s going on here?
It’s just a cheap preload that may or may not do anything. With cheap ones like this there is sometimes a change in the feeling full open or fully closed. If it’s not turning, best just leave it. If you use grips or pliers you’ll mar the plastic.
Even on more legit budget forks the preload doesn’t do much, I wouldn’t expect it to do anything on a cheap knockoff.