Sorry but a larger diameter stanchion has lower friction due to the wider contact area between the 2 bushing surfaces, which creates less pressure and allows a proper hydrodynamic lubrication regime at lower speeds. Excessive stiffness could also be perceived as harsh but you are better off dealing with that in a different area like the tyre, wheel or handlebars since a more flexible fork is more likely to bind. If you have changed chassis to a smaller size and get reduced friction there is something else at play, either the spring design or damper is different or just plain variation in manufacturing tolerance. Zebs especially have had a pretty huge variance of bushing clearance and some are noticeably stickier than others.
Jan. 20, 2023, 10:25 a.m. - Jonochurch
Sorry but a larger diameter stanchion has lower friction due to the wider contact area between the 2 bushing surfaces, which creates less pressure and allows a proper hydrodynamic lubrication regime at lower speeds. Excessive stiffness could also be perceived as harsh but you are better off dealing with that in a different area like the tyre, wheel or handlebars since a more flexible fork is more likely to bind. If you have changed chassis to a smaller size and get reduced friction there is something else at play, either the spring design or damper is different or just plain variation in manufacturing tolerance. Zebs especially have had a pretty huge variance of bushing clearance and some are noticeably stickier than others.