Agree with the two points above: it’s a case of asymmetric optimization:
(Generally) steep head angles are easier uphill, and slack HA’s are better downhill.
But the effect of having the wrong set up is not equal:
As the people above mention: too slack on the uphill is annoying, but you compensate reasonably well, and if you don’t, the result is a dab.
Too steep on the descent is much harder to adjust for, and if you get it wrong the result is injury.
Since most mtb rides consist of both uphill and downhill, it makes sense to skew towards the slacker end of the spectrum.
Oct. 7, 2022, 6:03 p.m. - Tjaard Breeuwer
Agree with the two points above: it’s a case of asymmetric optimization: (Generally) steep head angles are easier uphill, and slack HA’s are better downhill. But the effect of having the wrong set up is not equal: As the people above mention: too slack on the uphill is annoying, but you compensate reasonably well, and if you don’t, the result is a dab. Too steep on the descent is much harder to adjust for, and if you get it wrong the result is injury. Since most mtb rides consist of both uphill and downhill, it makes sense to skew towards the slacker end of the spectrum.