The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate by RockShox is a premium rear shock designed for riders seeking exceptional performance on rugged terrains. This rear shock stands out for its robust coil-sprung design, providing outstanding damping and responsiveness. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, customization, and optimization of this high-end suspension component. Additionally, we’ll compare it to other similar models to help you make an informed decision and ensure compatibility with other drivetrain components.

Installation of the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Rear Shock

Installing the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is a straightforward process, but requires attention to detail to ensure proper setup and optimal performance. Follow these steps to install your rear shock correctly:

Step-by-Step Guide to Installation

1. Remove the Old Shock: If you’re replacing an existing shock, begin by removing it from the frame. Use appropriate tools to unbolt the shock from both the top and bottom mounting points. Be careful not to damage any components during removal.
2. Prepare the New Shock: Ensure that the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is equipped with the correct spring rate for your weight and riding style. Also, confirm that the mounting hardware is correctly sized for your frame.
3. Mount the Shock: Position the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate onto the frame’s shock mount points. Secure the top and bottom mount bolts but do not fully tighten them yet. You should leave enough room for slight adjustments.
4. Align the Shock: Ensure the shock is aligned properly within its mount to avoid any binding or excessive friction. This will ensure smooth travel throughout the suspension’s range.
5. Tighten the Bolts: Once the shock is correctly aligned, tighten the mount bolts to the recommended torque specifications. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s torque values to avoid over-tightening or under-tightening.
6. Check the Compression and Rebound: Before riding, adjust the compression and rebound settings to match your riding style and terrain preferences. Perform a quick check to make sure the shock functions properly without any obstruction or binding.
7. Test the Installation: Carefully test the rear shock by compressing it a few times to ensure it moves smoothly. Double-check the mount bolts for any looseness before taking your bike out on the trail.

Adjusting the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate

Proper adjustment of the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is key to optimizing its performance. This shock offers a wide range of adjustments, including high-speed and low-speed compression, rebound, and coil spring preload.

Compression Adjustment

• Low-Speed Compression: This controls how the shock responds to slow impacts like landings and larger trail features. Adjust the dial to suit the terrain you’ll be riding on. For smoother terrain, reduce compression to allow for more sensitive response; for rougher terrain, increase compression to prevent bottoming out.
• High-Speed Compression: This affects how the shock handles rapid impacts, such as drops or fast choppy terrain. Start with a middle setting and fine-tune to your preference for handling harsh hits.

Rebound Adjustment

The rebound controls how fast the shock returns after compression. Set it too fast, and the bike may feel twitchy. Set it too slow, and it can make your bike sluggish and unresponsive. A well-balanced rebound setting should return the shock at a controlled pace, allowing the bike to maintain stability while climbing or descending.

Coil Spring Preload

Preload adjusts the initial sag of the shock. Too much preload will make the shock feel stiff and unresponsive, while too little preload will result in too much sag, affecting performance and bottom-out resistance. Adjust the preload to ensure your bike’s suspension feels balanced based on your weight and riding style.

Maintenance of the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate

Maintaining your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate ensures longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance will keep the shock in peak condition, allowing for consistent performance over time.

Cleaning and Inspection

• Clean Regularly: After every ride, clean the shock with a soft cloth and water to remove dirt, grime, and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the seals.
• Inspect for Damage: Check the shock’s body and mounting hardware for any signs of damage or wear. Pay special attention to the bushings and seals to ensure they are intact and free of debris.

Spring Maintenance

Coil springs are durable, but they require periodic inspection for any signs of fatigue or damage. If you notice any sag or irregular movement, inspect the spring for cracks or bends. If you’ve ridden for an extended period on rough terrain, it may be a good idea to replace the coil or have it inspected by a professional.

Air Can Service

Although the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate uses a coil spring, it also has an air can that may need servicing over time. Regularly inspect the air can for pressure leaks and perform a full service (cleaning, lubing, and replacing seals) every 50 hours of use or annually, whichever comes first.

Rebuilding the Shock

RockShox recommends having the shock rebuilt after about 150 hours of riding. This rebuild service includes replacing seals, refreshing oil, and ensuring the shock operates at its best. Rebuilding should be performed by a qualified mechanic or through an authorized service center.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

If you experience any issues with the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate, there are several common problems that can usually be traced back to setup or maintenance. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Problem: Excessive Sag

• Cause: Incorrect coil spring rate or insufficient preload.
• Solution: Check your body weight and riding style to ensure you are using the correct spring rate. Adjust the preload to eliminate excess sag, or consider switching to a stiffer coil if necessary.

Problem: Shock Bottoming Out

• Cause: Too little compression damping or too soft of a spring.
• Solution: Increase compression damping to handle larger impacts or switch to a stiffer coil spring to prevent bottoming out.

Problem: Poor Rebound Performance

• Cause: Incorrect rebound setting or excessive oil leakage.
• Solution: Adjust the rebound setting to suit your preferences. If the issue persists, inspect the seals and oil levels, and replace if necessary.

Customization and Optimization

Customizing your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate allows you to fine-tune your ride for different types of terrain, ensuring maximum performance. Here’s how to optimize the shock for various riding styles:

For Cross-Country Riding

• Adjust the compression to a firmer setting for better pedaling efficiency and less movement during climbs.
• Set the rebound to a quicker rate for faster recovery, ensuring you maintain control on rougher sections.

For Enduro Riding

• Increase the compression damping to handle larger drops and rough descents without bottoming out.
• Adjust the preload to achieve the correct sag for better stability and handling on fast, technical terrain.

For Downhill Riding

• Set the compression to a lower setting for greater sensitivity to bumps and impacts.
• Adjust the rebound to a slower setting to maintain better control when descending at high speeds.

Comparison with Similar Models

The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate stands out among other high-end rear shocks like the Fox DHX2 and Ohlins TTX Coil. Here’s how it compares:

• Performance: While the Fox DHX2 and Ohlins TTX Coil are both excellent shocks, the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate offers slightly more progressive damping, making it better suited for riders who need higher bottom-out resistance on extreme terrain.
• Customization: The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate offers a wider range of adjustments, particularly in the low-speed compression and rebound settings, giving riders more fine-tuning options.
• Weight: The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is competitive in terms of weight, but the Ohlins TTX Coil is slightly lighter, which may appeal to weight-conscious riders.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is compatible with most modern mountain bike frames. However, it is important to verify compatibility with your specific frame, particularly regarding the shock mount sizing and axle standard. Additionally, make sure that the shock’s spring rate matches your weight and riding style to avoid any performance issues.

When upgrading your drivetrain or other suspension components, ensure that your rear shock’s performance is balanced with the rest of your setup. For example, pairing it with a high-performance drivetrain and front fork will help maximize your bike’s handling and suspension efficiency.