Not necessarily, the rate depends (mainly) on the pitch and thickness of the wire. Since Foes bikes run lower leverage ratios AND because they utilize such large internal diameters on their shocks, they can use a more open coil system to acheive the same spring rates. So you're both sort of right. The springs can be ran softer, but they use a more open coil with a higher pitch to create a stiffer rate.ohio said:Actually, fewer coils is a HIGHER spring rate.