Calculate bike suspension leverage ratio, rear wheel travel, or shock stroke from any two values and convert between mm, cm, m, in, or ft.
Bike Leverage Ratio Formula
The bike leverage ratio is the relationship between rear wheel travel and shock stroke. A higher ratio means the rear wheel moves farther for each unit of shock movement.
- LR = leverage ratio
- RWT = rear wheel travel
- SS = shock stroke
The calculator uses the same basic relationship in three ways:
- Calculate leverage ratio: Enter rear wheel travel and shock stroke. The calculator divides rear wheel travel by shock stroke.
- Calculate rear wheel travel: Enter leverage ratio and shock stroke. The calculator multiplies leverage ratio by shock stroke.
- Calculate shock stroke: Enter rear wheel travel and leverage ratio. The calculator divides rear wheel travel by leverage ratio.
Length inputs are converted to millimeters before calculation, then converted back to the unit you selected for the missing value.
Typical Bike Leverage Ratio Ranges
These are general reference ranges. Actual bikes can vary depending on frame design, suspension layout, shock tune, and whether the ratio is average, starting, or ending leverage ratio.
| Bike type | Common rear travel | Typical average leverage ratio |
|---|---|---|
| XC / short-travel trail | 90 to 120 mm | 2.0:1 to 2.6:1 |
| Trail | 120 to 150 mm | 2.3:1 to 2.9:1 |
| Enduro | 150 to 180 mm | 2.5:1 to 3.2:1 |
| Downhill | 190 to 220 mm | 2.7:1 to 3.5:1 |
Common Shock Stroke Reference
| Shock stroke | Approximate inch equivalent | Example travel at 2.7:1 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 mm | 1.77 in | 121.5 mm |
| 50 mm | 1.97 in | 135 mm |
| 55 mm | 2.17 in | 148.5 mm |
| 60 mm | 2.36 in | 162 mm |
| 65 mm | 2.56 in | 175.5 mm |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Calculate leverage ratio
You have a bike with 150 mm of rear wheel travel and a 55 mm shock stroke.
The average leverage ratio is about 2.73:1.
Example 2: Calculate rear wheel travel
You know the leverage ratio is 2.8:1 and the shock stroke is 50 mm.
The rear wheel travel is 140 mm.
FAQ
What does a 2.8:1 leverage ratio mean?
A 2.8:1 leverage ratio means the rear wheel moves 2.8 units for every 1 unit of shock stroke. For example, if the shock compresses 50 mm, the rear wheel moves 140 mm when the average leverage ratio is 2.8:1.
Is a higher leverage ratio better?
Not automatically. A higher leverage ratio means the shock has more rear wheel movement to control for each millimeter of stroke. This can require higher air pressure, a stronger spring, or different damping. A lower leverage ratio gives the shock more mechanical advantage, but the best value depends on the frame design and shock tune.
Why is this called an average leverage ratio?
Many suspension designs do not use the same leverage ratio through the whole travel. The ratio may rise, fall, or change shape as the suspension compresses. Dividing total rear wheel travel by total shock stroke gives the average leverage ratio across the full travel.
