Pike set up question

jon prothero
jon prothero Posts: 469
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Got my meta in the bike shop ready to have me pikes put on this morning. Think I am going to have it set up so the front is the height i am used to at the moment but the pikes will be set at half travel. Then for the ups and downs there will be less turning and on the downs the front will be real high! Any floors in the fiendish plan?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    which pikes? U turn? air or coil?.......
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jon prothero
    jon prothero Posts: 469
    u turn -coil 454
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    is your sag right? if yes (when set at full travel) then that is all you can change so go and ride the bike.with the U turn where ever you want it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jon prothero
    jon prothero Posts: 469
    Can you set sag with coils. Regardless it seems right for me with the springs that its come with the only question now I have got my new wheel and suspension fork all together on the bike and back home.... Do I go up to Cwmcarn (just a short ride up the road from me ) while its pissing down? I do I just sit here and look at it mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the only way to get the right sag is coil swaps. so if it seems fine then just use it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    jon prothero wrote:
    Can you set sag with coils?

    Some forks have a pre-load adjuster for a coil spring to allow you some adjustment - unfortunately the coil 454 isn't one of them which means a spring change to set sag.

    The easiest way to check if the sag is correct is to put a cable tie round one stantion and slide it down so that it touches the leg seal. Then carefully climb on the bike without bouncing, assume your natural riding position, then carefully climb off again (without bouncing). The cable-tie will have moved up the leg - measure how far it's travelled to get the sag setting. If it's moved too far, you need a stiffer spring; if it hasn't moved far enough you either need a softer spring or to eat more pies and drink more lager.

    I have the Air U-turn 454s and they are excellent - and dead easy to set and adjust too! You'll probably find that your constantly fiddling with the U-turn - I slam mine all the way down for climbing, set them mid-way for general riding, then wind 'em all the way out for loony descending!
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  • jon prothero
    jon prothero Posts: 469
    Thanks for that dave, they seem perfect for my weight as they are. Rode them for the first time today and the stiffness, tracking and bump sensitivity is great and thats just after one ride (they are supposed to get even better after a few rides! I am riding them the way you do to suit the terrain. This was the last of my upgrades where i have beefed certain components up and along with the fork i have added about 3 pounds extra weight to the bike and i must say I did find cwmcarn trail a bit of a slog today. Still it will keep me fit and the fact that I have never felt so in control on the freeride section and rocky downhill section has got to worth it!

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