You said the same thing I said in a different way. Use for example a 25lb per inch spring. It takes 25lbs for the 1st inch 50lbs for the second inch and so on. So even a straight rate spring is somewhat progressive in nature. The rate does not change, just the force to move it a further distance in the travel. (250lbs to move it 10 inches) I know this is not near as progressive as the air space though. I am heavy (225 lbs) and the spring rate calculators call for .46 or .47, but I ride a little farther back on the seat than I should at times and did not get the dive in the corners to make the front wheel bite. Do you still think I should do the .44s with my weight or try something different? Thanks, Mike