What Are The Physical Requirement Psi?

Can too much PSI in mountain bike suspension hurt it or the frame?

• I've been running about 185 psi in my Rockshox MC3.3 shock and 120 psi in my Marzocchi Bomber 44 fork for the last 6 1/4 or so months. I was told by a friend that I should set the pressure in the rear shock to my weight (180) plus 5-6 psi, and run 110-120 psi in the fork, however, after talking to the owner of my local bike shop, he gave me a formula to calculate appropriate sag. It seems that I should be running about 85 psi in the shock for 20% sag, and something else in the fork (I haven't calculated this yet). My question is, after having run such a high psi for so long, did this put any unneeded stress on my suspension or frame, or just on me and my joints?

• Answer:

  The pressures in your shocks should just be a benchmark for you. When temperatures and humidity fluctuates so do the pressures. Instead, base it on your sag as your mechanic rightly recommended. Rather than crucifying yourself about pressures, do what feels best. You will know immediately if you damage your shock, not unlike overinflating a tire, it will simply let loose. Short anseer? No, you didn't do any harm.