Extend the Life of Your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock with These DIY Hacks

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The Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock from RockShox is designed for high-performance mountain biking, offering precision, control, and durability. However, to keep it functioning at its peak, regular maintenance, proper setup, and optimization are essential. This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to install, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot common issues with the Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock. We will also cover how to customize it for better performance and discuss its compatibility with other drivetrain components.

Tools Required

  • 8mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • 10mm wrench
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Suspension pump
  • Soft cloth
  • Shock oil (RockShox recommended)
  • Cleaning brush
  • Grease (high-quality bicycle grease)
  • 3mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • T30 Torx driver

Installation of Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock

Proper installation of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock ensures smooth performance and longevity. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preparation: Before beginning, ensure your bike frame is clean, and that the suspension mounting hardware is in good condition.
  2. Remove Old Shock: If you are replacing an old shock, remove it using the 8mm Allen wrench. Make sure to keep all mounting hardware as it will be reused.
  3. Install New Shock: Attach the new Deluxe Ultimate RCT to the frame by aligning the shock mount with the frame’s shock eyelet. Use the 10mm wrench to secure the bolts, making sure they are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
  4. Check Mounting Position: Ensure the shock is aligned straight and the hardware is not overtightened, as this can cause damage or affect shock performance.
  5. Connect to the Linkage: If applicable, attach the shock to the rear linkage system, ensuring all bolts are properly tightened and aligned.

Adjusting Your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock

Once installed, you’ll need to make several adjustments to tailor the shock’s performance to your riding style. Here’s how to do it:

Rebound Damping Adjustment

  1. Locate the Rebound Knob: The rebound knob is typically found on the lower part of the shock body.
  2. Turning the Knob: Turn the knob clockwise to slow down the rebound and counterclockwise to speed it up. Aim to adjust the rebound speed based on trail conditions—slower for technical descents, faster for smoother trails.

Compression Damping Adjustment

  1. Locate the Compression Knob: This is typically found on the shock’s damper side.
  2. Turn the Knob: To increase compression damping (stiffening the shock), turn the knob clockwise. To reduce compression damping, turn the knob counterclockwise.
  3. Test the Adjustment: After every adjustment, test the shock to ensure it’s absorbing bumps appropriately while keeping the bike stable.

Air Pressure Adjustment

  1. Use the Suspension Pump: Attach the suspension pump to the shock’s valve.
  2. Set Correct Pressure: Refer to your rider weight and the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure range. Pressurize the shock to the specified level.
  3. Check Sag: Ensure you have the correct amount of sag (the amount the shock compresses under your weight). Ideally, this should be around 30% of the total shock travel.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

Proper maintenance is critical to extending the life of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock. Here are some essential tips:

Regular Cleaning

  1. Clean the Shock: Use a soft cloth and cleaning brush to remove dirt and debris from the shock body and linkage.
  2. Inspect for Damage: Check for any cracks or leaks in the shock’s body or air chamber. If you spot any issues, it may be time for a professional inspection or service.

Lubricating the Shock

  1. Apply Light Grease: Before installation, apply a small amount of high-quality bicycle grease to the shock’s mounting hardware to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
  2. Check Shock’s Seals: Lubricate the seals around the shock to ensure they stay moist and functional.

Oil Change

  1. Schedule Oil Changes: Over time, the shock’s internal oil can degrade. Replace the oil as part of a regular service schedule—RockShox recommends changing the oil every 50-100 hours of riding.
  2. Disassemble the Shock: To change the oil, you’ll need to carefully disassemble the shock. If you’re not familiar with this process, consider sending the shock to a professional service center.

Inspecting the Mounts and Bolts

  1. Torque Bolts Properly: Regularly check that all bolts and hardware are correctly torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over time, these bolts can loosen due to the shock’s movements.
  2. Inspect Mounts for Wear: Examine the shock mounts for signs of wear or bending. If you see any damage, replace the mounting hardware immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Issue 1: Shock Feels Too Stiff

  1. Check Air Pressure: Ensure the air pressure is within the correct range for your weight and riding style. Too high a pressure can cause excessive stiffness.
  2. Adjust Compression Damping: If the shock is still too stiff after adjusting air pressure, reduce the compression damping to allow more give in the shock.

Issue 2: Shock Feels Too Soft

  1. Increase Air Pressure: If the shock feels overly soft or bottoming out, increase the air pressure slightly.
  2. Adjust Rebound Damping: You may also want to increase the rebound damping slightly to control the shock’s response during compression.

Issue 3: Noisy Shock

  1. Clean the Shock: Noise can often be caused by dirt and debris accumulating around the shock. A thorough cleaning can resolve this issue.
  2. Check Shock Seals: Inspect the seals for any damage. Leaking air or oil can cause the shock to underperform and may produce a noisy ride.

Customizing Your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock for Better Performance

If you’re looking to enhance the performance of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock, consider the following adjustments:

Fine-Tuning Compression and Rebound

Experiment with minor adjustments to the compression and rebound settings to suit your preferred ride style. For aggressive riding, you may want to firm up the compression damping, while for smoother rides, you can soften it up.

Adjusting Sag

If you’re riding on very rough terrain, slightly reducing the sag can increase the shock’s responsiveness and improve handling. However, make sure the reduction doesn’t compromise comfort.

Changing Air Springs

Switching to a different air spring or tuning kit offered by RockShox can further optimize the shock for specific riding conditions, such as downhill or cross-country riding.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock is designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of mountain bike drivetrain setups. It works well with:

  • Boost Spacing Frames: The Deluxe Ultimate RCT is compatible with frames designed with Boost spacing for a more stable and responsive ride.
  • Wide Range Drivetrains: Whether you’re using a 1x or 2x drivetrain, the Deluxe Ultimate RCT offers excellent performance in both configurations.
  • Dropper Post Integration: For bikes equipped with dropper posts, the shock’s performance is unaffected, providing smooth suspension movement while maintaining ride quality.

Conclusion

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock from RockShox is an exceptional choice for riders who demand the best in performance and durability. By following this guide for installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customization, you can ensure that your shock performs at its best for years to come. Regular care and attention will help you avoid common issues and keep your shock operating smoothly, enhancing your overall riding experience.