Thanks for that suggestion Norman, I have been experimenting with spring rates and lengths on the Comet since I fitted your JE/NW steering head conversion and am currently on one 33lb/in and one 30lb/in spring, both 16.5" free length fitted but still find the ride quite harsh even though the fork friction is very low. I can't go softer on rate however as I am bottoming out regularly and the damper is already on full soft as well so the idea of a short helper spring is very useful. Incidentally I have already drilled a vent in the lower spring box exactly as suggested and found that made a noticeable difference to the front end stiffness, although I should note my spring box inners look to be modern replacements made with seamless stainless tubing and are a very close fit to the outers. I have been playing with ride heights as well as I was concerned about the amount of topping out I was getting on rough roads with the recommended ride height and so far have found no issues with running with a slight nose up incline on the lower link contrary to your recommendations. Obviously the lower ride height doesn't help with the bottoming out so trying the short helper springs will be a good next step. Cheers, Nick