Rear Axle Placement

I hear a lot of talk about riders moving their rear axle forward to shorten the wheelbase of the bike so it will turn better. This is actually completely backwards from what happens in reality as it changes the weight bias of the chassis. When you shift the axle forward you move the weight bias of the bike to the rear, this causes the front tire to become unplanted and the fork will not dive properly coming into the turn so the bike will be harder to keep in the line. I recommend you run the axle as far back in the stays as possible. I run a 48 tooth sprocket specifically because it lets me run the axle all the way at the back of the stays. I know professional mechanics that will port and polish the top end way before they will make any changes to the gearing since it trows the weigh bias off so dramatically they will end ip having to test all week to get the bike handling right again. By moving the axle to the rear you shift the weight bias of the bike forward causing the front tire to become more planted and the fork to dive properly giving you the rake you need to execute the turn. The other benefit is the bike will handle the chop exiting turns twice as well as it will have less weight being placed on it and because you need to preload the spring slightly more to keep your sag numbers on point. I know it sounds backwards but give it a shot and see for yourself!