We’re big believers in the benefits of low shock leverage ratios. With leverage measured as the ratio of wheel travel to shock stroke. The mp4 design comes in at 2.55:1 on our XCT’s and 2.63:1 on our XCR’s and AMT’s. This is really important, when it comes to suspension smoothness and durability.
For one thing, you get better performance from the shock with a low leverage ratio. There’s less force being taken up by the shock, which reduces stress on the shock internals. And because you’re employing more of the shock’s throw for the fat part of the travel curve, the suspension action is much smoother and better controlled.
A low leverage ratio means you don’t need super high spring rates, which translates to improved shock sensitivity. External rebound and compression damping adjustments can be made in much finer increments, which wouldn’t make an appreciable difference on more leveraged designs. You can make better use of the shock’s tune-ability (and today’s shocks are impressively tune-able).
What’s more, a lower spring rate lets you run less air pressure, which improves shock sensitivity and vastly extends seal life.