DIY Rear Shock Sag Setup for Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT

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When it comes to optimizing your bike’s performance, setting up the rear shock sag correctly is one of the most important steps you can take. The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT is a high-performance rear shock designed for riders who demand precision, control, and comfort. Properly setting the sag will ensure that your bike performs at its best, offering optimal support for various terrains. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up the sag on your Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, troubleshooting common setup issues, and tips for customizing and optimizing the shock for peak performance.

Tools Required

Before starting the sag setup, ensure that you have the following tools:

  • Shock pump (compatible with RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT)
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • A friend or bike stand [paid link] to assist with balancing the bike during setup

Understanding Sag and Its Importance

Sag refers to the amount the rear shock compresses when you’re on the bike. It’s a critical aspect of suspension setup because it determines how much travel is available for absorbing bumps and impacts. Setting the right sag ensures that the shock operates in its optimal range, providing both comfort and control during rides. For the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, RockShox recommends a sag of around 30% of the total shock travel for most riders.

Why Sag Matters

  • Optimal Shock Performance: Proper sag helps the shock stay in its effective working range, enhancing both small bump sensitivity and bottom-out resistance.
  • Comfort: Too little sag will make the ride harsh, while too much will result in sluggish handling and reduced pedaling efficiency.
  • Control: Setting the sag correctly will improve traction and stability, especially when descending.

Step-by-Step Sag Setup for Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT

Step 1: Set Your Desired Sag Percentage

The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT has an adjustable travel range, typically between 60mm and 65mm, depending on your bike model. For most riders, aiming for a sag of around 30% of total travel is ideal. For example, if your shock has 60mm of travel, you should target 18mm of sag.

Step 2: Install the Shock and Adjust Air Pressure

  1. Install the shock onto the frame, ensuring it is mounted securely and that the pivots and bolts are tightened according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  2. Set the initial air pressure. Use a shock pump to inflate the shock to the recommended starting pressure based on your body weight and the model of the shock. Refer to RockShox’s pressure chart for guidance. Generally, this pressure will be a bit higher than your target for sag, as you will be adjusting it later.

Step 3: Measure the Static Sag

  1. Get on the bike while it is mounted on a bike stand [paid link] or with the assistance of a friend to help keep it upright. It’s crucial that you are in your riding gear when setting the sag, as the weight difference can affect the final measurement.
  2. Check the shock’s air spring setting by compressing the shock. Use the tape measure to measure the distance from the shock’s eyelet to a fixed point on the shock body. This is the uncompressed length (initial position).
  3. Sit on the bike and allow your body weight to compress the shock. Your goal is to achieve around 30% sag. For example, if your shock has 60mm of travel, the sag should be approximately 18mm, so the eyelet to the shock body measurement should decrease by 18mm.
  4. Check the sag measurement. If the sag is too much or too little, adjust the air pressure accordingly. Increase the air pressure to reduce sag or decrease it to allow more sag.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Setup

Once the sag is set correctly, test the shock’s performance by riding the bike. Take a few short rides and check for any signs of bottoming out or harshness. If you feel that the shock is too firm or soft, make incremental adjustments to the air pressure until you achieve a smooth ride that feels responsive to both small bumps and larger impacts.

Troubleshooting Common Sag Setup Issues

  • Too much sag (over 30%): If the shock feels too soft and bottoms out frequently, increase the air pressure by small increments (around 5-10 psi at a time) and retest.
  • Too little sag (under 30%): If the shock feels too firm and doesn’t compress properly under your weight, decrease the air pressure slightly to allow more compression.
  • Shock feels harsh or lacks support: Ensure the rebound damping and compression settings are properly adjusted. This is especially important for the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, which features external adjustments for both compression and rebound.

Customization and Optimization for Performance

The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT is equipped with a variety of tunable features that allow you to adjust the shock’s performance to your specific needs.

Rebound and Compression Damping

  • Rebound: Adjust the rebound damping to control how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compressing. Too slow of a rebound can lead to a “bouncy” ride, while too fast can cause the shock to top out too quickly.
  • Compression: The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT features adjustable compression damping. This helps control the shock’s resistance to compression and allows you to tune it for different types of terrain. Set it to a firmer compression setting for aggressive riding or technical descents and a softer setting for smoother, flowy trails.

Volume Spacers

Adding or removing volume spacers can also fine-tune the shock’s performance. More volume spacers increase the progressive nature of the shock, meaning the shock will resist bottoming out more effectively on large impacts. Fewer spacers result in a more linear feeling, providing more control on smaller bumps.

External Adjustments

The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT comes with external adjustment knobs for Low Speed Compression and Rebound. These allow you to make quick changes while riding. A good starting point is to set the compression to about halfway and adjust rebound based on the terrain (slower for rough, fast sections, faster for smoother, slower sections).

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT is compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrains, especially those from brands like Shimano and SRAM. However, the shock’s performance will be most optimized when paired with a compatible frame that allows for the appropriate amount of travel and geometry. Always ensure that your bike’s rear triangle and mounting points are designed to work with a shock of similar dimensions to the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT.

Conclusion

Setting up your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock sag is a straightforward process, but it requires precision and attention to detail. Proper sag setup will significantly improve your ride quality, providing better traction, comfort, and control. By following this guide and making the necessary adjustments based on your riding style and terrain, you will be able to optimize the shock’s performance for your specific needs. Regularly check and fine-tune your shock as you gain more experience and as conditions change to keep your bike riding at its best.