Setting up Toras

rob13

New to the suspension game, just bought a 'hopper and I need to set up my suspension but dont really know how much preload & rebound I should be setting it at. Im a 12-1/2 stone rider and will be using the bike for XC and forest trails.

Any advice?

nicklouse

sag about 20-25% and rebound so you dont get thrown off.

Have you looked at the manual? also which version of the tora are they?

rob13

they are the 302 SL which i think are specced by Specialized. Seems to feel all a bit loose with the preload backed right off and the rebound set to fast. Didnt like it at all.

supersonic

Keep experimenting. make sure the headset is properly adjusted too.

20-25% sag usually gives optimal suspension performance. Rebound as nick says, adjust so it doesnt pogos, but returns fast enough for the next hit. Preload is to set sag. If you cnat get the desired sag, you need a new spring.

Matteeboy

Also just got a Rockhopper with the same forks (more for wife though, got it two days ago) and have no idea how they work!
Obviously I know how to lock them out but not how to adjust firmness.

Must read the manual - initial impressions are that they are set a lot firmer than I have my Fox 90RLs (air filled) but feel pretty robust.

rob13

Well tried everything on the last couple of rides out and it still feels like something is not right up front. Going to take it back to the LBS and get them to check it because ive done everything bar dismantle them and I shouldnt have to do that with a brand new bike

supersonic

Probably the best bet - toras can take several rides to bed in though.

OllyUK

My tora took a couple of rides to feel good, they are now really plush. (318 u turns)
I tend to set the rebound to what I would naturally want to pull up with my hands with, ie so they arent forced back up but Im not waiting, if that makes any sense.

IIRC Rockshox do do videos on fork setup on youtube but I think thats only motion control ones. (which the 302 isnt?)

steelo

I have the Tora 302 SL on my rockhopper '07. Its a 19" frame and I was wondering about upgrading them to an air fork. Should I stick to 100mm travel? Would a longer travel fork disrupt the geometry of the bike too much? And should I stick to using the air forks that come with the higher priced rockhoppers like the reba or can I fit Fox Float on them?

I'm 16.5 stone and I want a reliable tough trail fork. My Tora fork is getting 'sticky' and only depresses about 70% of the length of the exposed stanchion. Sag is about half of that 70%. Preload adjuster doesn't turn!

supersonic

The Hopper is designed around a 100mm fork - it may handle ok at say 120, but could void the warranty. Best to check.

Sounds like your fork needs a service. Air forks are easier to tune to your weight, but dont tend to be as 'plus'. Lighter though. Reba is a good choice.

rob13

Ive been out for about 4 rides so far since getting the bike and Im still finding that they are sticking when only depressed slightly. Tends not to be so much of a problem when theyre working hard but when just going over trails, it tends to depress 10-20mm and stick.

Is there anything I can do to sort this out or is it a case of continuing to bed them in?

Matteeboy

Rob - sorry to hear of your problems.
Think we were lucky - ours bedded on very quickly. My Fox forks took longer if anything.

Might be worth a little visit to your bike shop - something is up.

saintadolf

got some 318 solo airs on my blast and they're great no idea how much sag I set or anything but meh.... they work