Leverage Ratio & Progression Calculator
On a mountain bike, the rear suspension leverage ratio describes the relationship between rear wheel travel and shock compression.
For example, a 3:1 leverage ratio means that 30 mm of wheel travel compresses the shock by 10 mm.
This ratio is not constant on most bikes. It changes throughout the travel, which defines the progression of the suspension.
Progression is determined by the frame kinematics—pivot locations and link paths—and strongly influences spring choice, shock tuning, and overall ride characteristics.
Leverage Ratio
Average Leverage Ratio:
Progression
Progression: %
Progressive vs Linear vs Regressive
-
Progressive
A progressive suspension
has a decreasing leverage ratio toward the end of the travel, meaning
more force is required to compress the shock further. This improves
support and bottom-out resistance. -
Linear
A linear suspension keeps a nearly constant leverage ratio, resulting in a predictable and sensitive feel.
-
Regressive
A regressive suspension (less common) becomes easier to compress near bottom-out.
Leverage Ratios & Progression (examples)
| Frame | Shock Travel | Frame Travel | Progression | Average LR | Sag | Leverage Ratio at SAG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archibald AC1 | 65.0 | 173 | 38.76 | 2.66 | 35 | 2.92 |
| Commencal Supreme DH V5 | 75.0 | 220 | 25.63 | 2.93 | 25 | 3.32 |
| Cube Two15 27.5 | 75.0 | 200 | 41.46 | 2.67 | 25 | 3.20 |
| Forbidden Dreadnought V2 | 60.0 | 160 | 25.32 | 2.67 | 28 | 2.86 |
| Forbidden Druid V2 2023 | 55.0 | 130 | 24.50 | 2.36 | 35 | 2.72 |
| Forbidden Supernought V1 | 75.0 | 205 | 31.79 | 2.73 | 28 | 2.95 |
| Nicolai S18 | 70.0 | 180 | 33.12 | 2.57 | 28 | 2.85 |
| Nicolai Saturn 16 2024 | 65.0 | 160 | 27.59 | 2.46 | 28 | 2.68 |
| Santa Cruz Bullit MX 2022 | 62.5 | 170 | 29.27 | 2.72 | 28 | 3.01 |
| Santa Cruz Heckler SL 2024 | 55.0 | 150 | 29.66 | 2.73 | 28 | 3.00 |
| Santa Cruz Nomad 6 2023 | 65.0 | 170 | 25.90 | 2.62 | 28 | 2.83 |
| Santa Cruz Tallboy 2024 | 45.0 | 120 | 19.87 | 2.67 | 28 | 2.85 |
| Santa Cruz V10 2024 | 75.0 | 208 | 32.57 | 2.77 | 25 | 3.22 |
| Specialized Demo 2022 | 75.0 | 205 | 14.41 | 2.73 | 25 | 3.35 |
| Specialized Enduro 2022 | 60.0 | 180 | 35.14 | 3.00 | 28 | 3.34 |
| Specialized Kenevo SL 2022 | 62.5 | 170 | 30.38 | 2.72 | 28 | 3.10 |
| Specialized Levo 2022 | 55.0 | 150 | 21.29 | 2.73 | 29 | 2.91 |
| Specialized Levo SL 2024 | 55.0 | 150 | 11.99 | 2.73 | 29 | 2.82 |
| Specialized Levo SL 2025 | 55.0 | 150 | 11.99 | 2.73 | 29 | 2.82 |
| Specialized Stumpjumper 15 | 55.0 | 145 | 13.54 | 2.64 | 29 | 2.77 |
| Specialized Stumpjumper EVO | 55.0 | 145 | 18.57 | 2.64 | 29 | 2.90 |
| YT Capra 29" 2021 | 65.0 | 165 | 33.54 | 2.54 | 28 | 2.92 |