If you use Loopwheels on your wheelchair or you’re considering them, you’ve probably come across the term spring rate.
In this blog article, we are going to look into what we really mean by ‘spring rate’, and how you can choose the right spring rate for you.
A quick refresher…
Loopwheels replace traditional wheelchair spokes with springs (made from a carbon composite material) to provide built-in suspension. This spring system between the hub and the rim of the wheel constantly adjusts to uneven terrain, cushioning the rider from bumps and potholes in the road. The rim remains rigid and, in effect, the hub ‘floats’ within the rim.
What does ‘spring rate‘ mean?
Spring rate refers to the stiffness of a spring, defined by the force required to compress it. The stiffness of the springs in a Loopwheel is what ensures you get suspension that truly suits you.
With three different options to choose from, we’ve designed our range to deliver optimal performance for a variety of people and preferences. Each option considers the weight of your complete set-up, along with your lifestyle, personal needs and personal preferences, to provide the level of suspension that feels just right for you.
The reason why we can offer different spring rates in Loopwheels is due to the unique carbon composite design of the springs. When designing the Loopwheels you know today, it took many iterations to develop the right amount of flex and stiffness for each spring.
So, what are the different spring rates available for Loopwheels?
- Soft Springs – Loopwheels LT
Loopwheels LT have our softest spring rate, meaning they require less force to compress the wheels, which is what makes them perfect for lighter users. HOWEVER – they also may suit someone heavier who simply prefers a softer suspension for greater comfort. (ALL our wheels are warrantied for loads of 120kg, whatever the suspension rate).
- Regular Springs – Loopwheels Urban/Loopwheels Extreme
Making up around 60% of the wheels we manufacture each year, regular springs are our most popular choice. These springs offer a level of suspension that suits most customers’ lifestyles, preferences and requirements. Regular springs are available for both Loopwheels Urban and Loopwheels Extreme.
- Stiff Springs – Loopwheels Urban/Loopwheels Extreme
Stiff springs are designed to offer optimum suspension for customers who travel at higher speeds and for customers who have a heavier total load. (‘Total load’ includes the person, the wheelchair, and any luggage on the chair – everything that sits over and is supported by the wheels). Both Loopwheels Urban and Loopwheels Extreme are available with stiff springs.
With stiff springs, we find that people at our lighter end (40-60kg) may not feel so much cushioning comfort from these. You need to be a bit heavier to make the stiff springs compress! They’ll still be absorbing vibration and bigger shocks, but you’d be better off with regular or the LT springs in all likelihood.
Interested in learning more about the difference between Loopwheels Urban, Loopwheels Extreme and Loopwheels LT? Check out our model guide below:
How to choose the right spring rate
The “rule of thumb” (or general guide) with Loopwheels is: the heavier you are and the faster you travel, the stiffer the spring rate you need . . . PROBABLY!
Because EQUALLY IMPORTANT is PERSONAL PREFERENCE: What feels right for you?
Don’t get too hung up on your weight when choosing – two people who weigh the same might choose different spring rates, because one person prefers a softer ride, and the other likes a stiffer, more responsive suspension.
ALL Loopwheels are designed for loads of up to 120kg, and all models are equally strong. So don’t think LT isn’t for you because you weigh more than 60kg – some heavier people like this softer suspension too!
So the general guidance is that the heavier you weigh and the faster you go, the stiffer the recommended spring rate. BUT this is just a general guide – your body might want more comfort and so softer suspension, whatever your weight or speed.
To support your decision-making process, please refer to our recommendation chart below, but bear in mind this is a suggestion, not a prescription:
For Loopwheels Urban/Loopwheels LT:
For Loopwheels Extreme:
Much more importantly, it’s a personal choice – some people just prefer a softer ride whilst others like firmer suspension.
But don’t exceed the total load of 120kg on a regular basis – this is the maximum load covered by our warranty, and load is the weight of you, your chair and any bags and anything else sitting on the wheels.
Finally, due to the bigger tyres on the Extreme model, the Extreme offers more cushioning than the Urban or the LT models. But these MTB tyres are much heavier too, so really only suitable for using with a power add-on rather than for constant manual pushing.
We understand that choosing based on information alone can be difficult, which is exactly why we offer 2-week trials to our UK customers.
Unless there is clearly a better fit for your needs, we recommend trialling wheels with a regular spring rate. During the trial, if you find that you’d prefer slightly stiffer or softer suspension, our team will be happy to help you find the right Loopwheels for you.