adjusting rear shock pressure

[FatPossum]

STR peeps,

how do I determine how much pressure to have in my rear shock? does it have to do with my weight & size? I'm 6'3 and 195lbs if that info is necessary.

thanks for your advice in advance!

[CalEpic]

I'm assuming this is an air shock.

Set pressure by measuring sag. Shoot for 25% sag. For example, if the shock has a 2" stroke you want ~ 1/2" of sag.

To measure:

If there is an o ring on the shaft of the shock push it all the way up against the shock body. If not use a zip tie.

Sit on the bike with your riding gear and Camelbak on. You want to measure using the weight you will be riding at. Don't bounce around. Make sure if there is any sort of pro pedal or platform on the shock it is all the way open.

Measure how far down the shaft the o ring or zip tie moved my sitting on the bike.

Adjust air pressure accordingly.

C

[Rivet]

Originally Posted by FatPossum

STR peeps,

how do I determine how much pressure to have in my rear shock? does it have to do with my weight & size? I'm 6'3 and 195lbs if that info is necessary.

thanks for your advice in advance!

If it's an air shock it's easy. Check manufacturers spec for the amount of sag the shock should have. (sag is the amount the shock compresses with you just resting on the bike balancing yourself with something. You can use an o-ring or sip tie on the shock shaft to measure) Sag is typically 1/4-1/3 of total shock compression. Mess with the air pressure until you get it right.
If it's a coil shock setting sag is a little more tricky, you have to basically eyeball it ( you can but a zip tie on the small inner shock shaft but it's a pain in the butt) Good luck.

[FatPossum]

it is an air shock - thanks for your replies. I will gear up with the camelbak and shoot for the 25% sag.

Cheers-
FP

[bcblur]

Which bike? Some bikes require more sag than others. Check your bike manual or manufacturer's web site for the correct sag for your bike.