Rock Shox fork help

dc71

Hi, I'm having a bit of trouble getting full travel from my 2010 Rock Shox Recon 351 Solo Air fork. It's setup for full travel (140mm) but when I set to anywhere close to the min recommended pressure (110-120 psi as I'm almost 80kg with gear), it really only seems to be giving me about 100mm of travel max. The sag seems OK at about 2cm.

If I go lower with the air pressure (100psi or less), it will give me full travel but is way too soft and bounces too much even when pedaling in the saddle.

Any ideas? I think this fork is very similar to the Sektor Solo Air, anyone have any issues with that?

If I can't get it sorted, my next option would be a Revelation in CRC sale or a Fox 32 F140 which I can get here at around 370 quid.. I know my 456 would warrant either of these forks but I was hoping the Recon would be good enough based on this http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/forks-suspension/product/recon-351-solo-air-10-37831/

supersonic

Try 40mm of sag, and whatever pressure it takes to get that (set sag when stood on the bike).

The 351 has low speed compression damping adjust. Try turning it to nearly fully locked to help prevent fork dive and bob.

With a bit of tinkering you will get a set up that gives full travel, yet doesn't bob too much. Though it does happen on longer forks where soft spring rates are needed for full travel.

The RS pressure guides are on the high side.

dc71

Thanks for the input, forgot to mention it's the poploc version, but I left the lever off for the moment.

If I set it with low enough pressure for 40mm of sag I'm going to need to fit the lever otherwise it will be back to feeling too soft and blowing through the travel too easily as well as bouncing under normal riding

supersonic

You can modify the damper as in our FAQ: you unhook the sping inside so you have full range of adjustment.

Otherwise you will have to compromise I am afraid. Other forks will not cure this problem, the motion control is a good sytem.

dc71

Thanks SS, found it.. Didn't know you could do that with the poploc spring! Bit more fiddling about with a pump and it seems to have a better compromise between the right sag and not blowing through all the travel (gets nice and firm in the last 3cm) which is a big improvement.

It's the first time I've had a longer fork. If the bob is unavoidable I guess I'll probably fit the poploc lever anyway but will ride it first and see.