Thanks, that's as good of an explanation as I've heard. When i got my new Progressive 812 shocks they came with a detailed proceedure for setting preload. Apparently, since there are dips (potholes,etc.) as well as raised bumps, the shock needs to be able to handle both. I was too lazy to go through the whole setup procedure recommended by Progressive and just left the preload in the stock (softest) setting. Since the shocks feel great, I'm not going to mess with them, but would be interested in hearing other people's setups.
