Precision matters when it comes to spring rate.

Selecting the right spring is crucial for an optimal coil sprung suspension setup, as it directly influences your sag, damping characteristics, and chassis stability.

Unlike standard steel coil springs, Super Alloy Racing (SAR) springs offer serious advantages in weight, precision, and durability. Available in precise 25lb increments and dyno tested for accuracy, SAR springs give you access to smaller and accurate changes in spring rate, making them a standout choice for serious mountain bikers seeking to fine-tune their ride. 

The brainchild of the legendary Dave Garland, Super Alloy Racing (SAR) springs were developed for World Cup racing and are a top choice for pro riders and privateers alike. How does having an accurate spring rate affect your damping? Keep reading.

Unlike standard steel coil springs, Super Alloy Racing (SAR) springs offer serious advantages in weight, precision, and durability. 

The Accuracy Game

For those who are familiar with World Cup DH racing, you will know how critical the right suspension setup is. Pro riders are constantly puzzling over any combination of spring rate, balance, compression damping, rebound damping, and more as the tracks change and develop over a race weekend.

This is where the accuracy of Super Alloy Racing springs comes in. 

Not only are Super Alloy Racing springs significantly lighter than your stock spring, but they're available in 25lb increments. Every single spring is dyno tested before shipping.

This precision is what allows SAR to offer fine increments in spring rate. It's not uncommon for OEM springs to vary wildly (+/- 8%) from their marked rate, meaning even your expensive orange 500lb spring could actually measure anywhere from 460lb to 540lb. We’ve seen riders fit a heavier marked spring and actually end up with more sag due to the inaccuracy of some brands of spring.

SAR springs are manufactured by Eibach in Germany and measure within 2-3% accuracy of their marked rate. Having this known precision in spring rate means that riders know exactly what they’re getting when making changes. For a pro rider, this means less guesswork, and the ability to keep your sag in the optimal range for your compression and rebound damping to work at its best.

Available in 25lb increments, every Super Alloy Racing spring is dyno tested before shipping.

Advantages of the Super Alloy Racing springs

Weight Savings: 

The first thing you will notice about Super Alloy Racing springs is their shorter length. Each spring length and wire gauge is optimised to be the shortest length for any given stroke length. SAR V3 springs are manufactured by Eibach in Germany from Silicone Chrome Vanadium, a steel alloy. This weight reduction is not merely a matter of grams; it’s an easy way to save 170g+ from your hike and translates into improvements in bike handling and responsiveness. 

Precise Tuning with 25lb Increments: 

SAR springs offer a significant advantage over stock OEM springs, with their high accuracy and consistency. SAR springs are available in precise 25lb increments (up to 500lb) and are dyno tested before shipping, ensuring they measure within 1-2% of their marked rate. This precision contrasts sharply with OEM springs, which can vary by up to 8% from their stated rate, potentially affecting performance and sag. For professional riders, SAR's accurate spring rates reduce guesswork and ensure optimal sag, enhancing overall suspension performance and tuning efficiency.

POM Spacers for Compatibility and Performance:

SAR Springs utilise POM (an engineering thermoplastic also known as Delrin) spacers, which bring several performance benefits:

• Reduced Weight: POM spacers allow the use of the shortest possible spring, reducing unnecessary weight.
• Improved Small Bump Sensitivity & Less Noise: By acting as thrust bearings, POM spacers eliminate coil spring bind and allow smoother spring movement. This design enhances small bump sensitivity and can reduce creaking caused by the spring rotating under compression. 
• Compatibility across brands: The diameter of SAR springs allows them to be used on all brands of rear shock, with the use of POM spacers as adapters. This means that you can invest in a quality spring and still be able to use it across different shocks in the future.

Weight Comparison: Super Alloy Racing vs Rockshox

Conclusion

Upgrading to a Super Alloy Racing spring presents a significant upgrade over standard coil springs. While a standard steel spring does the job just fine, the SAR Spring’s low weight, precise tuning increments, advanced POM spacers, and superior corrosion resistance provide tangible benefits that can enhance your riding experience. For riders who value ultimate performance, the Super Alloy Racing Spring delivers.

For Australian riders, Empire Cycles is the official distributor and dealer of Super Alloy Racing Springs. Available in Enduro (55mm - 65mm stroke) and DH (65mm+ stroke) sizes, the springs and POM spacers are available individually to customise to your exact setup.

Pros and Cons: Super Alloy Racing Springs: 

Product Information:

Price: $290 AUD including POM spacer kit

Weight: From 327g + spacers

Available from: Empire Cycles

Manufactured in: Germany

Shop Super Alloy Racing Springs in Australia here.