Shock Tech - A How To Guide
March 03, 2009
Bicycle suspension is becoming more and more complicated with every passing year. In the store, your shock seemed great with knobs, valves and doofers coming out the ying-yang, the adjustability seems limitless. Now, as you are in the moments before a ride trying to get the shock set up, the only thing limitless is confusion.
Shock setup is to say the least, less than intuitive. . .
The two most widely used types of air shocks on the market are the Marzocchi Rocco and the Fox DHX. Although they are based on different technology, adjustment is relatively similar. In this article I will go over the adjustment of a Fox DHX-5 and a Marzocchi Roco Air TST-R. If you are using a different shock the air pressures are similar to what I will mention but it is a good idea to consult your owners manual
On first inspection, the DHX and the Roco look quite similar. They both feature two air cartridges, a rebound knob and an Pedaling Efficiency Switch.
That is great. . .but – what do they do?
The main air cartridge is your main spring, this is the side mounted valve on the main body. The pressure in this valve will control the overall stiffness and sag on your bike. When setting up your shock, regardless of brand it is a good idea to start by inflating your body weight in air pressure. (if you weigh 170lbs, inflate to 170psi) From this base there is room for adjustment. In a Marzocchi shock you will likely let out air while a Fox will require increased pressure. Adjustment from this reference point should be made to adjust for optimal sag (usually between 20 and 30 percent) based on riding type. Sag is the amount of travel used while sitting on the bike.
The Second, smaller air cartridge will adjust how progressive the shock is. Simply, the more air you put in the assist valve, the harder it will be to bottom out. When setting up your bike, if unsure, make the two air-pressures equal and adjust from there.
On the Fox shock, you will also notice a knob called the bottom out adjustment. This knob controls the air volume in the boost valve. Wound all the way in is the lowest volume setting, where the bike will ramp up (get stiffer) late in the travel. Wound out, in the high volume setting the shock will ramp up slower through the entire length of the travel creating a more even feel.
Rebound adjustment will control how fast the shock ‘springs back’ after being compressed. The rebound knob is a small dial found at the base of the shock on the main body. When adjusting rebound there are two requirements to think about. The rebound should me slow enough that it does not give a bucking sensation and fast enough that it has decompressed fully before the next hit. Remember; when it comes to rebound, increasing rebound will equate to a slower return.
The Last adjustment on the shock is the Pedal Efficiency Switch. This adjustment is where you will find numerous confusing names which all pretty much mean the same thing. Fox calls their system ProPedal while Marzocchi uses TST. What are these adjustments? When engaged, the shock will have reduced pedal bob and be more efficient while climbing. To engage the switch move the pro-pedal to ‘Max’ position. On the Roco shock, rather than max/min, labels you will see CL and DS. CL is used while climbing while DS is used while descending. Simple enough?
It should also be noted that there are both min. and max. pressures for all shocks. Be sure to check labels and your owner’s manual as it can be potentially dangerous to be outside the recommended pressure range.
Your shock adjustment will not be perfect out of the box. The best way to dial it in is to throw a shock pump in your bag and hit the trails. Adjust it as you go.
Suburban Rush - Adventure Racing Starts Here.
March 03, 2009
As we look forward to the upcoming 2009 event season, there are world renowned events such as Sea Otter, and Crankworx, there are infamous races such as the Test of Metal and the Trans Rockies, but where are the weekend warrior adventure races that I have grown to love? One may have to look around, but there are countless diamonds in the rough. In British Columbia, we are surrounded by small and not-so-small events that occur on a nearly weekly basis. One such race can be found in Port Moody, called Suburban Rush.
Taking place April 25th, Suburban Rush not only offers a great race opportunity, but also a kickoff to the ‘09 Race Season. I have committed to racing the event this year and looking forward to the physical and mental challenge. In addition to running and riding, all participants are subject to "Mystery Challenges" testing the wits and the mind. Your guess is as good as mine as to what the tasks will be. The element of surprise is something that builds intrigue and spurs on competitive spirit. Although clouded in mystery I look forward to the next obstacle, the next challenge. Surprises can also be a double-edged sword. Spending the day in the wilderness offers the threat of exhaustion, wildlife and the elements. It is for this very reason that the mandatory equipment list for this event is both thorough and extensive. From spare tubes to energy bars, emergency blankets to tensor bandages, we are all better off safe rather than sorry. All types of riding require caution and preparation. Whether you are out for an afternoon ride, or on a multi-day venture, being prepared will only make your life easier and safer.
Now to hit the trails and get ready for the upcoming race and a great '09 season,
Dustan
The race is almost sold out. Sign up at suburbanrush.com
Paying it Forward. . . A True Story
March 03, 2009
I was out on a big ride down in one of my favorite riding spots in Moab Utah and about mid way through a full day epic I pedaled past a guy who was standing by the side of the trail. As I pedaled by I gave the quick “everything OK?” call-out but didn’t hear an answer. Thinking that was kind of weird as he was only 5-6 feet away I stopped and looked back to see he had a stunned/semi shocked look on his face. I got off my ride and walked back to him, looked down and quickly saw that he had totally slashed open his right calf on his big chainring. DEEP! And the tap had just opened and it was just starting to pour out the blood! Apparently his pedal had come unclipped at an inopportune time while he was stomping down and well… you get the jist.
I asked him, “do you have any gear”? “anyone with you”? Nope, and no. His buddy had dropped him and was long gone while he was stuck with no First Aid gear. I got him deated and slowed the bleeding. I then called my crew on my radio to tell them to back it off a notch and waitup for us. Anyway, long story short, after cleaning, bandaging and wrapping the wound, he joined our group for the rest of the ride. His “buddy” never did hold up and wait for him, simply left him on the trail and rode out!
Our new addition to our group was blown away with our level of preparedness and enthusiasm on our rides. The fact that we had 8+ riders, intermixed radios, meeting spots and regroup etiquette, shuttles and post-ride beverages arranged ahead of time blew his mind. He was basically amazed with the organization and gear we had and always carried, when really, in the big picture it wasn’t much.
Over and over that day, he kept saying to me “I don’t know how I can thank you guys enough.” After about the 10th time, I called him on it and said “OK, I know how you can re-pay me… you can go home, take a First Aid Course, build a good kit, start carrying it on every ride, and then help someone else out”.
He promised he would. Yada-yada-yada. Off he went. We dropped him off in town on our way home to our place.
So here is the fun part… Probably 10 months and many rides later - long after I had forgotten about this guy I get an e-mail out of the blue from him. It was on a Monday morning. He was SO STOKED… he proceeded to tell me that after returning home from Moab he had in fact signed up for a back country First Aid Course, he had built a good First Aid kit and had been carrying it ever since. You guessed it; the day before he had saved the day and helped out a fellow mountain-biker that had crashed hard and needed assistance. The guy we had helped out had totally been “the guy” that bailed out another downed rider.
The moral to all this rambling is, sh*t happens. Be prepared. Don’t count on others around you to bail you out. Carry your own gear, and know how to use it. AND along the many rides you will do this year, collect as much karma as you can helping out fellow riders - this will help keep you safe when you need it.
Happy (and safe) riding my friends,
Steak-Sauce
