Fork Dive (Brake Dive)

When you brake, weight transfers to the front and the fork compresses. Some dive is normal and even helpful: it loads the front tyre and steepens steering geometry for turning in.

Excessive dive – the fork bottoming out or the front diving sharply at the first touch of the brake – uses up suspension travel, so bumps under braking go straight into the chassis and the tyre can lose grip.

• Check that the spring rate and preload suit your weight and set sag correctly.
• Add compression damping if the fork is adjustable, or use slightly heavier fork oil.
• Old fork oil and worn damping components are common causes; change fork oil at the recommended interval.
• Apply the brake progressively so the fork settles before full braking force.