Rear shock newbie - hints and tips/advice needed

The Big Cheese
The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
edited January 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I have ridden hardtails all my life but have just entered the FS arena.

Trouble is I know nothing about sag, weight (mine) what to set it to - and generally how to look after/clean my rear shock

It's a FOX RP3

It was given a full service my Mojo in December so is in perfect working order.

I have a manual which typically I have not read it but shall do so this weekend.

Any hints/tips/dos-and-don'ts out there?

Also I shall need to buy a shock pump. Any recommendations out there?

Thanks and sorry for sounding like a noob! :oops:

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    add air till sag is correct and ride. adjust rebound to suit. adjust propedal as needed.

    Oh and read the manual. :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    :lol: was waiting for that?

    How do I know what the correct adjustments are, or is it preferential for each rider?

    Also - any pump recommendations Nick -about £25 :wink:
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    personal. and as long as the guage goes to about 300psi it does not matter.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    Set rear sag to 25% of the shock stroke initially if you're used to hardtails. So put air in or let it out until the shock moves 25% of it's stroke when you sit on it.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Cool - all starting to make a little more sense now... thanks!

    So sit on bike, measure how far the shock moves through its travel.

    If its MORE than 25% - add more air?

    If it's LESS than 25% take some out?

    Or vice versa? :lol:
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the air is the spring. it is just like the fork. if it move too far what do you need to do? make it stiffer. How? add air.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    I tend to run a bit more sag than 25% but it's a good starting point for a hardtailer until you get used to the back end moving.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    what is the bike?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Marin Attack Trail
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Thanks guys - on Marin's webby there is a set-up PDF/template that explains this topic and also setting up the TARA on the rear - 4-6" adjustable
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the shock should be a Fox Float RP23 did you make a typo?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Oops I think I did... :oops:
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Actually Nick I didn't - it's an 06 frame and shock so it's an RP3 shock...

    IMG_0875.jpg
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Cool nice and simple then.

    set air and then with the blue lever in the middle pos. set the rebound. then you can add or remove the pro pedal as needed. add for climbing remove for decending as a rule of thumb. (or more give less pedal bob)
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dave_s
    dave_s Posts: 4,362
    Not sure about ProPedal but I've got a Giant Trance with a Fox Float (without ProPedal) rear shock and it is literally just a case of setting the sag/preload and then rebound adjustment to suit.

    Not really had to touch it much since I set it up and I thought it might be a bit of a pain being an air shock after being used to coil shocks in the past, but I was wrong.

    Enjoy the bike.
    Dave S
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 3,983
    My Fox Triad came with a large O ring on the piston which is great for setting the sag, I leave it on (pushed down to one end so it doesn't trap grit and scratch the finish). As for pumps I've got the Fox one, dial goes up to 300psi, about £ 20 I think. It also has a button on it to make fine adjustments to the shock pressure, push the button and it lets out a puff of air whilst still attached to the shock, not sure if all pumps have something similar :?:
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result

Categories