Maintaining your ElevenSix 2024 [paid link] rear shock from Push Industries is essential for keeping your bike in top performance. Regular maintenance will ensure that your shock continues to provide optimal damping, smoothness, and longevity. This guide will walk you through installation, adjustment, troubleshooting, customization, and compatibility to ensure you get the best performance out of your ElevenSix 2024 [paid link] rear shock.
Tools Required
Before you begin the maintenance process, ensure you have the following tools:
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Shock pump
- T20, T25, and T30 Torx wrenches
- Soft cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Grease (for shock mounting hardware)
- Shock oil (recommended by Push Industries)
- Small brushes (for cleaning)
- Sealant kit (if necessary)
- Shock fluid drain kit (for servicing internal components)
Installation of the ElevenSix 2024 Rear Shock
Step 1: Remove the Existing Rear Shock
Before installing the ElevenSix 2024, remove your old shock from the bike frame. Use the appropriate Torx wrenches to remove the shock bolts. Keep these bolts for reinstallation.
Step 2: Prepare the Shock Mounts
Inspect the shock mounting hardware for wear. Clean both the shock mounts and the frame mounts thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Apply a thin layer of grease to the shock mounting hardware to prevent future corrosion.
Step 3: Install the ElevenSix 2024 Rear Shock
Align the shock’s eyelets with the frame’s mounting points. Slide the shock into place, ensuring it is securely seated in both the upper and lower mounts. Reinstall the shock bolts and tighten them with a torque wrench [paid link] to the manufacturer’s specified torque value.
Step 4: Set Air Pressure
Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure in the shock. The recommended pressure depends on your weight and riding style. Refer to the user manual for the ideal pressure range. Inflate the shock slowly and check for any air leaks at the valve.
Step 5: Perform a Visual Inspection
Once the shock is installed, check all bolts to ensure they are tightly fastened. Inspect the shock for any visible signs of damage, such as scratches or oil leaks.
Adjustment and Fine-Tuning
Compression and Rebound Settings
The ElevenSix 2024 comes equipped with high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustment features. These controls allow you to fine-tune the shock’s performance based on the terrain and your riding preferences.
- Compression Damping: Adjust the high and low-speed compression dials to modify how the shock resists compression during impacts. For smoother terrain, lower the compression, and for rougher terrain, increase the compression to prevent bottoming out.
- Rebound Damping: Adjust the rebound dial to control how fast the shock returns to its original position after compression. For faster terrain, you may want faster rebound, but slower rebound is generally recommended for more technical rides to maintain better control.
Volume Spacers
The ElevenSix 2024 features customizable volume spacers that adjust the shock’s progression. By adding or removing spacers, you can control how much the shock ramps up as it compresses. Fewer spacers allow more progressive travel, while adding spacers can make the shock more linear.
Adjusting the volume spacers can help tailor the shock’s response to different riding conditions. For example, adding spacers is ideal if you experience frequent bottom-outs, while reducing spacers can make the shock more sensitive to small bumps.
Sag Setting
Setting the correct sag is crucial for achieving the right balance between comfort and performance. The recommended sag for the ElevenSix 2024 rear shock is usually around 30% of the shock’s travel. To set the sag, sit on the bike in your riding gear, and use the shock’s travel indicator to measure how much the shock compresses. Adjust the air pressure accordingly to reach the desired sag.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Shock Bottoming Out
If your shock is bottoming out frequently, this could be due to incorrect air pressure or inadequate compression damping settings. Check your air pressure and adjust the high-speed compression for rougher terrain.
2. Loss of Damping Performance
If you notice a significant loss in damping, it may be due to insufficient oil in the shock. If the shock feels overly soft or unresponsive, it could require a fluid service. It’s best to have a professional service the shock if you’re unsure how to do this yourself.
3. No Rebound Control
A lack of rebound control may indicate an issue with the damper cartridge or air seals. If adjusting the rebound knob doesn’t improve the performance, the internal seals or oil may need to be replaced.
4. Leaking Oil
Leaking oil typically means there’s a problem with the shock’s internal seals. If you notice oil on the shock’s body or around the seals, a rebuild or seal replacement might be necessary.
Customization for Better Performance
Fine-Tuning for Riding Style
Customizing the ElevenSix 2024 rear shock based on your riding style can drastically improve performance. Riders who prefer aggressive downhill riding may prefer a firmer setup with higher compression damping and reduced rebound speed. On the other hand, cross-country riders may benefit from a softer setup, allowing the shock to absorb small trail bumps for increased comfort.
Adjusting Air Pressure
As mentioned earlier, adjusting the air pressure to match your weight and riding style is essential for optimal performance. Lighter riders may need lower air pressure to achieve the correct sag, while heavier riders will need higher air pressure for support.
Adjusting Shock Travel
Some riders may prefer slightly more or less travel depending on their terrain and style. Consider experimenting with different travel settings to find the best balance between comfort and control. Note that the ElevenSix 2024 is designed with a set amount of travel, but adjusting other settings like air pressure and volume spacers can influence the ride feel.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
Frame Compatibility
The ElevenSix 2024 rear shock is compatible with a wide range of frames, but it is crucial to ensure that the shock’s eyelet size and mounting hardware match your frame’s specifications. Check the frame’s geometry and the shock’s eyelet dimensions before installation to ensure a proper fit.
Drivetrain Compatibility
While the ElevenSix 2024 rear shock primarily affects the bike’s suspension, it is important to consider how it interacts with your drivetrain. Ensure that the shock doesn’t interfere with chainstays or the rear triangle when compressed. When adjusting the shock for better performance, always check that it does not negatively affect the pedaling efficiency of your bike.
Conclusion
Maintaining and optimizing your ElevenSix 2024 rear shock from Push Industries will keep it performing at its best for years to come. Regular inspection, proper air pressure, and suspension adjustments will help you achieve a smooth and controlled ride. Whether you’re tuning for specific terrain or troubleshooting common issues, following this guide will allow you to get the most out of your rear shock.