“I really hate choppy ground and all of the small “trail junk” out there that makes your bike kick around and feel so unstable. Well, I can now say that I used to hate that because this is a thing of the past now that Alan has applied his knowledge, expertise, and Race Tech components to my suspension. Essentially the “trail junk” has disappeared due to being absorbed by the sweet, progressive action of my Stillwell Performance tuned suspension. No more deflection, no more skitter-skatter feeling, no more sore back and butt cheeks!”We have also been able to drag Alan away from the workshop for long enough for him to film four very informative suspension tuning segments with one to be featured in each of the four DVDs in our new series of DirtWise with Shane Watts Advanced Instructional DVDs. Plus all students who attend a DirtWise Academy of Offroad Riding school receive a free discount coupon for their suspension tuning needs. Thanks to Stillwell Performance for providing such awesome expertise and workmanship.
Shane Watts
Six Time Australian Enduro Champion
Australian 500cc Motocross Champion
1997 World Enduro Champion
1998 International Six Day Enduro Overall Champion
2000 Grand National Cross Country Champion
Alan,
Just wanted to say thanks for setting up my ‘09 250 XC-F… After completing my first major ride on the bike today at Rampart I only have one word to say… “Wow” I took your advise and moved the clickers out to 18 or so from the previous moto setting you had recommended to me for the track. I was most impressed with the way the forks and the shock worked in the long whoop sections. I rode down there last week on my YZ450F
and I felt like I was all over the place struggling to gain confidence and momentum. I was able to get the 250f in 4th gear a few times over the whoops and the bike just flowed right over the top of each whoop and I’ve never felt more confident or fast. As the miles wore on I gained more and more confidence in the bike and especially the suspension setup. The back end was extremely stable and I felt no harshness on the rebound of the shock and never swapped uncontrollably like on my other bike.
As far as the rest of the “trail junk”, the front fork valving you did made rocks, ruts and roots disappear and the front end tracked incredible in the corners. I swapped bikes for a few miles with a buddy of mine and he didn’t want to give my bike back at all because he loved the way it handled…
Thanks again,
Paul
Angel Fire New Mexico was my first Hare Scramble on my new KX450F suspension setup. Wow!!!!! Man did my bike handle great. The faster I went and the harder I pushed it the better it all worked. Thanks to Stillwell Performance and the great job they did on my Kawi I walked away with a win. The setup was great, and the guys from Stillwell are always there to help if you have a question. Looking forward to seeing you guys at the next race and thanks again.
Seth Boutilier
#779
Let me sum up my impression of the new suspension; I don’t like it…I LOVE it!Initially, one of the reasons for choosing Stillwell, besides the good reputation on the forums, was the ability to schedule the exact day the work would be performed and a promised return date. Since I don’t live near the shop, everything was going to be done long distance and I really wanted to reduce my down time. Sure enough, two suspensions later (530 & 300) I’ve always received everything quickly and as promised.
When I purchased a new 530 and began researching suspension mods, I was suspect of the real difference they could make and if the mods are worth the money. Let me tell you that the difference was amazing and led to 1) more enjoyment riding as arm pump and sore shoulders/neck went away, 2) speed increased and that wasn’t even what I was after but the bike was much more planted, so it was a natural byproduct and 3) my riding boundaries expanded as new areas that I had trouble riding previously were now more accessible due to a more stable ride.
When it came time for a new bike (300XC), the first thing I did was call to get on the schedule for a suspension setup. Due to timing issues, I rode the bike with stock suspension for several hours and was very disappointed as the new bike rode much harsher than the old one with Stillwell suspension. I can happily report that it was completely transformed once the new mods were complete. No more harshness, like you’re riding a mechanical bull. It is like butter over the choppy stuff and again my speeds have increased as a byproduct of the suspension.
The final note I want to make is the great service Alan provides from delivering on his promised completion date to follow up phone calls to ongoing support. I’m no suspension guru by any means so the value of being able to call and get setting recommendations for a ride is huge. Hell, I even got a return call when the shop was supposed to be closed for vacation!
Kurt Marsan
Illinois Enduro B Rider
I have taken four rides on my new suspension and all I can say is awesome. I was hesitant to spend the money for springs, valves and bladder, but after having done so can easily say it was the best money spent. The bike rides extremely well for the varied terrain we cover and was set up perfect for the conditions we cover. Can’t ask for better suspension, service or support.
Thanks Alan.
Jeff Townsend
Alan,In January this year I was planning on sending my forks and shock for my new 2010 KTM EXC 200 to my normal suspension doctor. My friend Jake Todd gave me your name and a really strong recommendation to use your services. I was very skeptical at first-I guess I had to come out of my comfort zone. Jake finally pushed me enough to call you on the phone. Lines like, “Alan knows KTM suspension like no other”, and “you wouldn’t believe how the trail trash has disappeared”, and “the personal service and knowledgeable response from Alan to your specific bike is unbelievable!!”
From my first call to you, I was met with eagerness and knowledge wrapped into one. You interviewed me like I was top pro GNCC racer, (even though I am an old fart riding the Masters and Super Senior Classes in GNCC’s, WNYOA and ECEA Hare Scrambles and Enduros), to get just the right set up for my style and speed of riding.
I received my forks and shock back from you just before leaving for Florida in February. I spent about three weeks getting in shape for the 1st GNCC and the Gator National. While getting in shape at Croom Sports Park, I didn’t need to dial in too much, and you answered my calls when I needed some council right away for some fine tuning on the trail. The GNCC and Gator were tough races to compare how everything felt for me. Jake bothered me every other day to see how I liked it. It wasn’t until I was back in the Northeast for the Sandy Lane Enduro in New Jersey, when I really started to see the awesome Colorado tuning to my KTM. The whoops of South Jersey are a real test to the knowledge you have when it comes to suspension. After Sandy Lane, which is a great kick off for the ECEA Enduro Series, I told Jake, “You can tell Stillwell, that’s the best $1,000 I’ve ever spent!!!”….. A couple of weeks later, we rode the Delaware State Enduro, with the same results, the mind boggling thing is that your suspension setup just keeps getting better – The confidence level that I have keeps growing while keeping it pinned and pointed in the right direction, the back end of my bike stays straight as an arrow, over logs, thru the roots of Florida, the whoops of South Jersey have nearly disappeared, and corning is just unbelievable- just nail it and that little 200 just roosts away. I have been riding EXC 200’s for that last 14 years and have never felt so comfortable in wide-open situations as with this bike.
My hats off to you Mr. Stillwell – best bang for the buck ever, best confidence builder ever and all around great product for the sport. I will encourage many people just to give you a call. My boy Jakie was right for once, even if he does ride an old KX 250 two stoke – for a boy with Stillwell suspension under him, he really flys. Have a great year and come on out to the East Coast and Ride our Hare Scramble in King Ferry, New York on August 1st, it’s one of the tightest Hare Scrambles you will ever ride, just ask young Jakie!!
Keep it twisted,
Larry Barnes
King Ferry New York
Let me start by clarifying a couple things:1 – I am not a revalve junkie, I’ve always set my bikes up with correct springs and have tweaked endlessly with oil levels and clicker setting to get them working good.In 30 yrs of riding I have only had 2 bikes that I have had full on revalve jobs done, both were by Alan.First one was my ‘05 WR 250F, it just never responded well to anything I tried.
Second was my current bike, an ‘09 400XCW, it had been revalved/sprung for a much heavier and slower rider and was not setup to handle Arizona rocks.
Alan was able to get them both working fantastic!
2 – Alan is a good friend of mine (for 12+ years) but I would never give someone props if they didn’t deserve it.
Alan has always been a master at bike setup, I’ve never met anyone with a better eye for what your bike is doing wrong and how to fix it.
Ever since Alan started Stillwell Performance I know he has spent a tremendous amount of miles and hours testing his settings.
With him you will get real world results from a fellow rider, not some production line, generic revalve, aimed to fit a general range of rider ability and terrain.
Alan will ask you for specific info about your size, speed, ability and terrain you ride. Answer honest and you will get suspension that works very well for you and where you ride.
The suspension on my ‘09 400 is working so good now it scares me how much faster I can ride, I keep clinching up, waiting for it to kick, deflect or bottom out. It wont!
I am actually riding beyond my comfort level right now as I gain newfound confidence in the bike.
The 400 is my only bike and it gas to pull double duty as a singletrack weapon and a dual sport cruiser.
The suspension has an amazing balance of plushness for the 1st gear trails and firmness for the 6th gear jeep roads.
If you are questioning getting your suspension done. Do it, the results are worth every dollar!
And if you are looking for a suspension tuner Stillwell Performance is the one to use!
Bob B.-Arizona Off-Road Godfather
WOW!What a huge difference, night and day.Thanks to Alan Stillwell, you made my bike fun to ride and me a lot faster as a result.Folks I just tested out my new suspension work today…WOW…08 KTM 450 XCF…this is the best suspension I have ridden on any of my bikes.With the stock suspension I never really knew when entering a turn if it would wash out or not, not anymore, it goes wherever I point it, even in flat turns it just grips and rockets out of the turn, I could not do this before (stock).With stock suspension I got beat up every time I rode, totally exhausted, we have a lot of decomposed rock, square edged stuff, baby heads, sand, rocky climbs, you name it etc. But my shakedown ride was one of the most enjoyable and non-strenuous rides in a long time.The deflection was dangerous in stock form. Not anymore, it is much smoother now and you don’t have to work hard to control your lines in the choppy and rocky stuff, just point it and go, deflection is gone now. If anyone has ridden out west you know the terrain, it is pretty tough and easy to get beat up.
The bike also hooks up much better, much better traction now, and in particular rocky or steep hill climbs are a breeze and I know where the bike is going to go…right where I point it.
I have to say the difference is astounding, my buddies I ride with are typically a little to a lot faster than me, and I used to lose sight of them quickly, not now, they were even surprised as I was so much faster (and I never felt unsafe) I always had them in sight….a huge improvement and confidence builder.
So what I did, re-valve the front, mid-valve modification, rear re-valve and bladder kit along with a progressive rear spring. I have to say I always worry when I cough up $xxx dollars but Alan Stillwell did an amazing job….Can’t say enough about it and easily some of the best $’s I have spent in a long time.
Believe me I am a critic of doing lots of mods , also skeptical it would really work. I was on the verge of trying a different motorcycle, But everything Alan did worked 110% and it is fun to ride now, plus I don’t get worked by the bike.
Stillwell Performance, highly recommended.
I want to offer a RAVING endorsement for Stillwell Performance suspension service. Alan, you are a true professional and a technical perfectionist. The KTM 250 XC is the best handling bike I have ever ridden thanks to your suspension work. I appreciate all of your other bike setup tips way beyond suspension as well.Joe W.-Utah singletrack addict
Alan made my bike feel like it was made just for me. I am a large man and Alan’s choice of spring rate and re-valve for the off-road riding I do are awesome. I can ride nasty technical roots, rocks, chop and it will suck it all up with no deflection and track straight or I can make a few small adjustments and run through a set of nasty whoops and just skim the tops in 4th gear or go ride the track and it also works great there. Out of everything I have done to my bike the work that Alan did is by far the best thing I have done. I was in New Mexico and had a question on race day set-up and Alan was at a GNCC with Watts, I left him a message and he called me back within 20 minutes to help me out. If you are looking for a more enjoyable ride and unbelievable customer support then give Alan Stillwell a call.
Clint Chew
RMEC Vet B 2nd place 09
Alan is a magician! Roots, Rocks, Ruts Disappeared after he revalved my suspension! Hands down the best money i have EVER spent on a motorcycle! Plus the best customer service available.THANKS AlanRay B.
RMEC 200A #1 in 2009 (Thanks to Stillwell performance)
Alan:I wanted to follow up and let you know about the results of my first ride on the new suspension.First, I’ve never actually set out for a ride while it was actively raining. In fact, it rained the entire day. However this didn’t detract from the ride at all.Overall the ride of the bike is excellent. Lowering 2 inches made a world of difference in balance and control for my (and my short legs). The suspension is smooth and controlled over rocks, ruts and roots.The front forks simply ate up the terrain with ease. Places where I’d prepare for a “jarring and pounding” surprised me with smooth fork operation. I had no front end wash out and the front tire stayed pretty much where I needed it to be.Similarly the rear suspension worked smooth and flawless. Previously the uphill rocky terrain would cause my rear tire to hop and bounce and lose traction. Not any more, now my rear tire tracked along the rough terrain with relative ease. Applying power to the rear tire caused the bike to “sit down” and dig in.I also got the bike airborn to see how it would respond. To my great pleasure the bike simply soaked up the landing in a balanced an controlled way allowing me to power on and hit the next obsticle.
I have to say, this may have been the most enjoyable 30 mile ride I’ve had in a very long time, even though it rained all day! Thanks for the work and for making my 450X a bike I can now ride for a long, long time!
I didn’t think a suspension tune-up for an old, slow rider was worth it. But after having Alan do two suspension jobs for the KTM’s of my son, I thought it was time to see what he could do with my 2005 200EXC. I thought it was beating me up in the whoops and chop, and man was I ever right! After Alan revalved it, I discovered what I haad been missing-a compliant suspension that resisted bottoming out! What fun it is to see an older bike and an even older rider have fun attacking the rough stuff, and suspension that just soaks it up. I can’t wait for enduro season next year! Thanks Alan and Stillwell Performance!!!
After fixing the engine then the bike was off to Stillwell Performance for the suspension upgrade. If you have not heard of how great Alan and the guys at Stillwell Performance are you need to know… this is the best company for getting questions answered and stuff taking care of quick… cannot wait for Alan to make my bike new again if you know what I mean. Cheers for great companies like Stillwell Performance. Thanks for all the help, truly very helpful. Thanks Alan!!!
ThumperTalk Post
“Just wanted to give you a huge thanks for the fantastic work you did for me. After having my ‘08 300xc revalved by another well-known KTM tuner, I kept thinking it was better than stock, but still very harsh, especially in the forks.After riding my new Stillwell setup now for a month I still get a smile every time I ride at how much better everything works. Very plush in the initial stroke yet excellent resistance to bottoming. It soaks up everything I throw at it and I can hammer difficult terrain like I couldn’t before with so much more confidence. This is how suspension should work. I let my riding buddies ride it and my bike is now known as the cheater bike.On top of that, I feel like you’re always available to answer my questions and are genuinely concerned that I am 100% satisfied. Support like that is just the icing on the cake. Thanks again!!!
Ken C. – Las Vegas, NV
“Alan, What else can I say? Three bikes, three great rides. It all started in December ‘08 when I was looking for a smoother ride for my ‘08 YZ250. Could someone actually take a motocross bike and turn it into an awesome trail bike? I had my doubts until Stillwell Performance reworked my suspension.It was so awesome that I had Alan also do my son’s ‘07 YZ250F and in May of this year a new KTM 250XCF. All three have been nothing short of fantastic!!! If you want the best ride…Call Stillwell Performance!
Gary A. – Arizona
“Hey guys – I have just had the pleasure of dealing with Alan Stillwell of Stillwell Performance in the Denver area. Alan does the suspension for Shane Watts. I spent 50 minutes or so with Alan on the phone before deciding to haul my ‘07 450XC-W down to him. When I pulled up to his shop, I knew that I was in the right place. The 5 bay suspension shop was neat as a pin and Alan is “one of the boys” and a real professional. I had joked that my 7 year old wanted an apron and a wrench, both of which he had waiting along with a signed Shane Watts poster. After introductions, he put the apron on Luke and handed him a wrench and had him help remove my rear shock. Luke is still talking about Stillwell Performance! I left the bike over the weekend while I traveled and I returned today and spent another 2+ hours with Alan. I found out that Alan and his family lost a dog last night and he still got up at 5am and finished my bike so that it would be ready for me when I flew in today. He went over every detail with me and even installed some sweet new orange factory KTM triple clamps which are the bomb. Although I haven’t officially gone out for a test ride, the experience thus far has exceeded any expectations that I might have had and I know that I have another friend for life and that is so cool. I know that if I have any issues or questions that Alan will give me the time I need. Now that’s how things ought to be done. Thanks Alan and I look forward to going for a rip sometime… You are awesome brutha!!!Went for my first ride yesterday and all I can say is WOW!!! The first thing I noticed was the increased pull from the additional traction I was getting. The first time we hit a gnarly whoop section, I gunned it and floated across the tops like they weren’t there. I was skimming across the tops of rocks and logs like never before. I had no idea that a suspension setup could do so much. I let my instructor who is a former Chilean World Champion ride my bike and he was blown away. He will be calling Alan! Thank you for the amazing transformation of my bike… Riding will never be the same…Well, now two rides into the suspension and all I can say is “magic.” It feels like cheating and my bike is a whole new experience. I was with a posse of guys recently riding perhaps some of the best singletrack in America and it was wet with slippery Aspen trees on the ground. Guys asked how I got so fast and that my suspension was absorbing stuff that they were bouncing off. I just smiled and pointed to the sweet new Stillwell graphics… My forward momentum was much greater than before and the increase in traction was a trip to experience. I was cruising through rocky sections faster than I was comfortable before and making it through stuff that used to kick me around before. I continue to be blown away. Thank you again Alan. You are a rock star and I look forward to that “tuning” ride here in Aspen. Lets do it!!! I have just about every piece of bling on my bike and this is by far the best money spent on my bike thus far. It will be the first money put into any future bikes and Alan has a customer and friend for life. Thanks Alan for the superb experience.
Eric L. – Aspen, CO
“I have been very skeptical about letting anyone work on my CRF250R suspension for ever. I met a guy on the trails in Cave Creek Arizona by the name of Tim Bickley and he had Stillwell Performance stickers on his front fender. I had no idea who Stillwell was so I got to talking to him and he said that Alan was a suspension wizard. I watched Tim on his Husaberg, as I followed him in the rocks and big whoops he never got out of shape or looked out of control. I asked him if it was the bike being new or what, he said one word-Stillwell!So I called Alan and from the first call through getting my suspension back that guy was 100 percent awesome. I found out things about myself I didn’t even know just from the questions he was asking me. He wanted to know everything about the way I ride to my bike to what I eat for breakfast. He broke everything down toa specific and then he told me what he could do for me.To make a long story a little shorter I was very unhappy with my bikes handling. I loved the power but the bike was out of control. I ride a lot of single track and desert and the 250R was made for the track. So I sent Alan my stuff and in about a week I got it back and the only thing I can say is WOW!!! The bike felt different, from the tracking to the traction. The front end is a lot less active in the rocks and big whoops and what a difference in the way bike stays underneath you and planted. My buddies can’t believe how fast I’m going and how smooth I look. I have a confidence now that I have never had and it is all thanks to the work Alan did. I have fallen in love with my bike all over again.The moral of this story is it doesn’t matter how good you think your suspension is Alan can make it better. Give him a call and let him work his magic for you.” Thanks Stillwell Performance !!!!!!
Bo R. – Deming, NM
“Alan – just wanted to thank you again for the work you did on my suspension. The re-valve, new springs, and custom set-up for my level and ability are perfect! We did our first ride for fun, a team hare scramble event, that gives you a chance to practice at race speed but is non-points paying. Having not ridden in 6 months and brand new set-up, I figured I would take it easy and see how it felt. Well in the first lap I rode flawlessly. Rocks, huge logs, sand, mud, slippery roots, ruts, I didn’t feel rusty at all. The bike just floated over everything! Very predictable and with the stiffer set-up it actually saved me several times. The worst was back end sliding out around a sandy turn as I was launching off the lip of an embankment. I went off sideways and my front landed in a hole. My old soft suspension I would have crashed hard. With the new one somehow I recovered even though my upper body went up on my bars when I landed. I hit the gas and somehow rode out of it. I was amazed! Every time I bobbled or thought I was going to fall I got out of it! The bike handled awesome. I have not touched any settings yet (except set the sag). Like you told me – once I get used to new set-up it will give me another class of speed. What a confidence builder – I am use to it already and going for a trophy in our first hare scramble event this weekend. Thanks again for all your help and expert advice!”Barry F. – District 23 Minnesota – Senior “B”
“I did a ton of research on who I was willing to let do my re-valve job and though there are many to choose from I chose Stillwell Performance. I wanted someone with great customer support and someone I could also meet in person so that I could see who I was dealing with. With that being said Stillwell Performance was 5 1/2 hours away and so I was dead set on delivering the bike personally. I own a 2003 KTM MXC 300 that was absolutely beating the hell out of me due to its typical nature, the stock suspension absolutely BLOWS. After Alan gave my suspension the magic touch I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY at how well the bike handled during my typical ride today. Knowing what I know now a re-valve will forever be at the top of my to-do-list with any bike that I own in the future, and Alan at Stillwell Performance will be my go to guy. My riding buddy hopped on my bike and after a few miles we stopped to talk and he was sold, we’re hoping to get his bike done next week.Some things I noticed immediately was all the traction I was getting today, the bike was pulling much harder than it used to. Also NO MORE DEFLECTION, this was the major complaint I had all along with this bike. If you ever done desert riding the whoops and rocks and rough terrain will throw a bike around like no other. I was hitting everything with half the effort or less as before, I couldn’t stop smiling. I did come across one issue and it was that I’m now riding in 5th gear because I’m pinning the bike now where as before I never left 3rd. I may try changing the sprocket unless anyone else have any other ideas.Some things to know about Alan if you’ve never met him, this guy is one of the most down to earth inliiduals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Not only does he do superb work but his workmanship and shop is VERY organized and clean. Ever met that Mechanic who could never find the right tool or had crap laying around yet you were in fear of becoming a victim of bad practice? Not with Alan, rest assured that your hardware is in good hands. When you call the shop if you leave a message he will get back to you and if you call the shop you will speak with Alan. Enough talk, this is probably starting to sound like an advertisement but guys honestly if your looking to get your suspension re-valved I HIGHLY recommend Stillwell Performance, you will not be disappointed. Thanks Alan, I’m one happy customer.”
Post from KTMtalk.com
“All I can say is Stillwell is Performance! I have had revalves from most of the major suspension companies over the years, and Alan’s valving along with Race Tech parts exceeded my expectations. My 300XC stays in contact with the ground through the roughest terrain and still provides the right amount of feedback. Alan is always testing and pushing for improvement. His customer service before and after is second to none. The follow-up tuning he provided is solid gold. Thanks again for all your advice.”
Mike L. – 40+C Enduro Rider
“My experience with Stillwell Performance suspension tuning has been nothing short of fantastic. From the time I initially spoke with Alan about what I was looking for on both my 08′ 300XC-WE and 08′ 200XC to the follow up calls I received after getting my suspension back, the quality customer service and attention to detail were very obvious. I really like the fact that Alan spent a lot of time getting to a precise level of detail about the kind of riding I do, the terrain I ride on, the equipment I ride with and even my own personal style of riding. By the time I finished talking with him, I was very confident that he had built up a good profile on me and what kind of setup would suit me. Not only did he take the time to really understand what I was looking for, but he also went out of his way to provide outstanding communication throughout the entire process from notifying me that he’d received my suspension, when he was working on it and then when he had shipped it and even follow up calls after I had a chance to ride with the new suspension setup. I always knew the status of the job and in addition to the fantastic communication; Alan turned it around faster than I’ve ever had any suspension done before. So, how did the suspension turn out? In a word: Magic! I’ve never had a suspension setup that suited me better and that inspired so much confidence. It’s exactly the way that I’ve always imagined suspension should behave, but I had never actually been able to achieve prior to working with Stillwell Performance. Over the years I’ve had suspension re-valves by most of the major suspension houses in the industry. While some setups were better than others, I was usually left feeling like I was just another number in line and I probably received a fairly cookie cutter suspension setup. Since riding with my Stillwell Performance Race Tech setup, I now know what really good suspension feels like!
Dan H. – Vet A class off-road Enduro/Hare Scramble racer
“The verdict is in! First, the setup…. 165lb 40+A rider on Colorado’s rockiest nastiest trails 08′ KTM250XC- complete revalve, gold valves, springs, etc…. and the secret Stillwell mod!Over the years I’ve had Factory Connection, MX-Tech, Enzo, A-Loop, Dicks Racing probably some others that I can’t remember. All I can say is this is the best suspension I’ve ever had……. nothing else has even been close!!! No deflection in the rocks, perfectly balanced, no square edge spikes, soaks up the whoops, totally confidence inspiring. But the real proof is that as I’ve allowed my bike to be demo’d by my buddies and several have sent there’s off the be fixed as well!!!! I’ve been so happy with my 250XC setup I thought lets give the 540EXC (my dual sporter) the full treatment. Again a complete home-run!! Extremely plush but controlled.The service is excellent, Alan is always available for any setup questions and advice.” Also: Arizona’s #2 40+A rider is running his valving and the current #1 40+A is looking into the upgrade now.
Also 2 30+A riders in the WEBE Series are using the setup………. the word is getting around!
Tim B.-Senior A Class Colorado – Singletrack Guru
“Stillwell’s setup is the most balanced and evenly damped ride I have ever experienced with the perfect progression for transitioning from the worst rocks to sand whoops. I’ve had a few revalves and have ridden numerous setups, but this trumps them all. During testing with some of Alan’s other customers, you could tell the level of satisfaction by the grin on everyone’s faces after the first ride. In my dealings with Alan, I have found that his integrity and enthusiasm towards riding embodies the real reason we veterans have continued to ride over the years.”
Tony A. – Vet Off Road
“Alan, thanks for the revalve, Best Investment ever! The suspension on my 200XC was amazing at Angel Fire. I took 7th overall A and haven’t ridden in awhile. Thanks so much.”
Curt P. Vet A class off-road Hare Scramble racer
“Hey, Alan! It works great! I haven’t changed any settings other than adjusting the rear preload to arrive at the 100mm of sag you recommended. The ride on my WR450 over rocks is SO MUCH better than stock and I’m gaining a lot more confidence in the corners, it seems much more glued to the ground. I switched to Guts Racing soft seat foam at the same time I reinstalled the suspension and now I can ride all day without getting sore. What a difference! Thanks again for everything! (Now I’ll have to find some faster riding partners!)”
Mike R.-Off Road
“My Stillwell suspension rocks! My WR250F rides up in the travel and is nice and plush. It made the clickers much more sensitive to adjustment and no longer has a dead feel too it. I’ve ridden with Alan for 10 years and he has always been a master at bike setup and suspension settings. Over the years I’ve ridden many bikes with suspension done b other shops. Alan’s work is better than any of them.”
Bob B.-Dual Sport Godfather
“I never considered having my suspension revalved thinking it wasn’t worth the expense. I kept hearing good things about Stillwell Performance so I decided to give Alan a call. I told him I wanted my CRF250X to be totally plush in the rocks, yet handle the whoops and G-outs, and ride higher in the stroke; a tough thing to do but Alan did it! With Alan’s valving front and rear , including Gold Valves, I will never ride stock suspension again!
Mark F.-Singletrack
“Alan’s Stillwell Performance Suspension turned my bike from an overly dampened and soft suspended machine into a true race bike. The new valving on my 450XCWR works very well for the rocks, G-outs, whoops and tight, twisty trails we encounter everyday. The suspension is now more balanced, more plush and at the same time stiff enough for the A level racing I do. Thanks Alan for your wonderful knowledge and support. Let’s Race!!!
Scott S.- ARMA Senior A Class #2 Off Road Racer
“I have a 300XCW with Stillwell Performance suspension mods. I am 160 pounds and now can say I now know the difference between good and the best suspension, Stillwell is the best. I am in Colorado where we have a wide range of terrain including rocks, roots, sand, mud, high altitude, and desert riding. I finally have what I have been looking for throughout my 50 plus years of offroad riding. I no longer have sore shoulders from the rocks; my legs and back don’t hurt from the stair steps and roots the day after a ride. Because of the suspension multi day rides are not only fun but easier. Thanks to Alan Stillwell at Stillwell Performance. If you are looking for suspension that works the way you want it to work now you know where to go to get it and get it right. Alan will respond and work to make you happy. He’s doing my 525 EXC next week!”
Chuck-Baja Desert Fox
“Alan re-valved my forks on my 08′ 300XC, I’m 240lbs. with gear and presto-no more harsh hit, they work great. He also re- did my 06 seals and oil but still better than they had been from my other tuner after he adjusted oil levels and clickers, I still need to get the shock done. Thanks.”
Kent P.-50+ Open C Points Hare Scrambles Champ 2007
Well, lets see. Senior B rider with a stock 08′ KTM 300XC. As long as I was fresh I could attack everything and the bike worked well. However, once a little fatigue set in the stock suspension would beat you to death. It required two ice packs on the knees and a nap after each ride. I checked around town for anyone knowledgeable on the 08 KTM’s and Dan Ragland got me in touch with Alan Stillwell at Stillwell Performance. Now I’m somewhat informed about suspension and have sent off several sets to various suspension shops and have never really been pleased. Alan assured me he could get my suspension working the way I wanted it to. He even offered to ride with me and check settings to ensure all was well, what a deal. I gave the suspension to Alan and the suspension revalve was completed on the day he said it would. That means a lot to me. I set the sag to Alan’s recommendation and the bike was magic. Much more controllable in the whoops and the front end stopped pushing in the corners. Took the bike up to the mountains and into the rocks, took three clicks out of the compression and I was able to hang with the over 40 “A” boys. It wasn’t cheap but then again quality never is. I’m super pleased with my Stillwell Performance suspension and would recommend Alan to anyone who takes his or her riding seriously.
Mark C. – OffRoad
Alan, I have had my bike (KTM 300 XCW) out three times since you did the complete revalve on both the front and rear suspension and added the progressive rear spring. I can’t believe the difference! I am totally satisfied with the modifications you did. You even had the clickers just about perfect for my riding style and ability. I played with them for awhile, but by the end of the day I was only out one click on the forks compression from where you had it already set. The harder you push the bike, the better the suspension gets. The bike feels more stable and predictable, raising my confidence and overall speed. I have never had a bike’s suspension work so well for me.
Guy Huft