Quick Suspension Fork Adjustments for Better Boxxer Select RC Performance

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The RockShox Boxxer Select RC [paid link] is a high-performance suspension fork designed for downhill and aggressive mountain biking. To get the best out of your Boxxer Select RC [paid link], it’s important to understand how to adjust it properly for optimal performance. Whether you’re setting up the fork for the first time or tuning it for better handling and comfort, the right adjustments can significantly improve your ride quality and overall control.

Tools Required

  • 8mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • 10mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • RockShox suspension oil (recommended for Boxxer)
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Suspension pump (for adjusting air pressure)
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Zip ties (for setting sag)
  • Clean rags

Suspension Setup: Getting Started

Before diving into specific adjustments, it’s important to get the basics right. The Boxxer Select RC fork has multiple points of adjustment, including the air pressure, rebound, and compression settings. Properly setting these initial values is key to creating a balanced and responsive ride.

1. Air Pressure Adjustment

The Boxxer Select RC fork uses an air spring system that needs to be adjusted based on rider weight and riding style. The air pressure directly affects the fork’s feel, including its responsiveness and plushness.

To adjust the air pressure:

  • Use a suspension pump to adjust the positive air chamber pressure.
  • For optimal performance, start with a pressure that allows for about 25-30% sag. This can be measured by using zip ties around the fork stanchions or by feeling how much the fork compresses under your body weight.

2. Setting the Sag

Sag is an important measurement for suspension setup. It’s the amount the suspension compresses under the rider’s weight when seated on the bike. Setting the right sag ensures that the fork performs optimally without feeling too stiff or too soft.

To measure sag:

  • Place the zip tie around the stanchion of the fork and set the fork to its maximum travel.
  • With your full body weight on the bike, compress the suspension.
  • Measure how much the zip tie has moved. Adjust the air pressure if the sag is outside the ideal range (typically 25-30%).

Rebound Adjustment

The rebound control on the Boxxer Select RC adjusts the speed at which the fork returns to its original position after compression. Too slow and the fork feels sluggish; too fast and the bike will feel bouncy and unstable. Getting this right can significantly affect your handling on rough terrain.

To adjust the rebound:

  • Turn the rebound knob on the bottom of the left fork leg clockwise to decrease rebound speed (slower return) or counterclockwise to increase it (faster return).
  • Start with a middle setting, and adjust from there depending on how the fork behaves on the trail. If the fork feels like it’s bouncing back too quickly after hits, reduce the rebound. If it feels sluggish, increase it.

Compression Adjustment

Compression damping controls how the fork behaves under pressure, especially during rough or aggressive riding. The Boxxer Select RC features a low-speed compression (LSC) adjustment that is particularly useful for fine-tuning fork performance.

To adjust compression:

  • Use the compression knob located at the top of the right fork leg.
  • Turn the knob clockwise to increase compression damping (firmer, less travel) or counterclockwise to reduce compression damping (softer, more responsive).
  • Start with the mid-range setting, and adjust based on your riding style. For downhill riding, stiffer compression can help reduce bottoming out, while a softer setting may improve sensitivity and comfort on less aggressive trails.

Fine-Tuning for Performance

Once the basics of sag, rebound, and compression are set, you can fine-tune the Boxxer Select RC for better performance based on your riding needs.

1. Handling:

If you notice that the fork feels too harsh over small bumps, reduce the air pressure or soften the compression damping. This allows for a more supple feel and better traction. On the other hand, if you’re riding on very rough terrain or need more control, stiffening the compression damping can help prevent the fork from diving too much or bottoming out.

2. Steering Response:

Adjusting rebound affects your fork’s steering response. If you prefer more control in high-speed sections, slower rebound settings can provide stability. If you find the fork too stiff and unresponsive, try increasing the rebound speed.

3. Bottoming Out:

If you often feel the fork bottoming out during aggressive impacts, increase the air pressure to reduce travel, or adjust the compression settings to make the fork firmer during compression. For riders who prefer more plushness, reducing air pressure can increase travel and help the fork absorb bigger hits more effectively.

Common Setup Issues and Troubleshooting

Even after adjustments, you may encounter issues that need further fine-tuning or troubleshooting.

1. Fork Bottoming Out

  • Cause: If the fork bottoms out frequently, it could be because the air pressure is too low or the compression damping is set too soft.
  • Solution: Increase air pressure or stiffen the compression settings. Check the sag again to ensure it’s set correctly.

2. Fork Not Rebounding Fast Enough

  • Cause: Slow rebound can occur when the rebound knob is set too far clockwise.
  • Solution: Turn the rebound knob counterclockwise to increase the rebound speed.

3. Excessive Bouncing

  • Cause: If the fork feels bouncy and unsteady, this might be due to too fast of a rebound or too soft of a compression setting.
  • Solution: Slow down the rebound or tighten the compression knob to prevent excessive bounce.

4. Uncomfortable Ride

  • Cause: A harsh or uncomfortable ride often stems from an incorrect air pressure setting or too stiff of a compression setting.
  • Solution: Adjust the air pressure to suit your weight and riding style, and soften the compression setting for better comfort on smaller bumps.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Boxxer Select RC fork is designed for downhill and aggressive mountain biking, typically paired with wide tires and sturdy wheels. It’s essential to ensure that your fork’s compatibility extends to the rest of your bike’s components for optimal performance.

  • Wheel Size: The Boxxer Select RC is compatible with 26” and 27.5” wheels, though the 27.5” setup is becoming more common.
  • Brake Compatibility: Make sure your fork is compatible with the size of disc brakes you’re using. Most Boxxer forks use a post-mount brake system.
  • Steerer Tube: The Boxxer Select RC comes with a tapered steerer tube, so ensure your frame supports this size.

Conclusion

Proper suspension fork adjustment is vital for enhancing the performance and comfort of your RockShox Boxxer Select RC. By adjusting air pressure, compression, rebound, and tuning for handling and comfort, you can optimize your bike’s performance to suit your riding style. Regular maintenance and adjustments ensure a smoother, more controlled ride, giving you the confidence to tackle any trail.