Setting up the correct sag on your RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link]+ rear shock is a crucial step in ensuring that your bike performs optimally. The sag directly affects how your bike handles rough terrain, offers comfort, and responds to pedal forces. A proper sag setup will enhance the bike’s overall performance, making the ride smoother and more controlled. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of setting up the sag for the Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link]+ step by step, troubleshooting common issues, and discussing how to optimize your shock settings for peak [paid link] performance.
Understanding Rear Shock Sag
Before diving into the setup, it’s essential to understand what sag is and why it’s important. Sag refers to the amount of suspension travel that’s used when a rider is on the bike. It’s typically measured as a percentage of the total shock travel. Setting the right sag ensures that your suspension operates within its optimal range, balancing comfort and control. Too much sag means the suspension will bottom out frequently, while too little can lead to a harsh ride and poor traction.
Tools Required
- RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ rear shock
- Shock pump (compatible with your shock)
- Ruler or tape measure
- A scale (for accurate weight measurement)
- A friend or a wall to lean against for proper setup
- Pencil or marker (for marking your sag measurement)
Step 1: Determine Your Rider Weight and Target Sag Percentage
The first step in setting your rear shock sag is understanding your weight and the appropriate target sag percentage. The Super Deluxe Coil Select+ rear shock is designed to offer a comfortable and responsive ride. Typically, for most riders, a sag of around 30% of the shock’s total travel is ideal.
- For riders who are looking for a more plush and forgiving ride, 30% sag is a great starting point.
- If you’re racing or prefer a firmer setup, you might choose 25% sag, but this will depend on your riding style and terrain.
Step 2: Adjust the Coil Spring Rate (if needed)
The Super Deluxe Coil Select+ uses a coil spring, which requires selecting the correct spring rate based on your body weight. If your current coil spring is too soft or too firm, it will be difficult to achieve the proper sag setup.
- Too soft: If the spring is too soft, you won’t be able to achieve the desired sag, and the shock will feel bottomed out frequently.
- Too firm: If the spring is too firm, achieving the correct sag will be impossible, and the ride will feel harsh and less responsive.
Use the weight guide provided by RockShox to determine the correct spring rate. If necessary, you can switch to a different coil spring before proceeding with the sag setup.
Step 3: Set the Shock to Its Full Travel Position
Before setting the sag, it’s essential to ensure that the shock is set to its full travel position. This allows you to accurately measure the amount of sag the shock uses when you’re on the bike.
- Place the bike on a stable surface.
- Ensure the shock is mounted correctly and functions smoothly.
- Compress the shock to make sure it’s properly aligned and there is no pre-load in the system.
Step 4: Measure the Sag
Now it’s time to measure the sag. To do this, you’ll need a ruler or tape measure. Here’s how to measure the sag properly:
- Position yourself on the bike: Put on your gear (including your riding shoes) and get into riding position.
- Sit on the bike: Have a friend or lean against a wall to help balance yourself while you sit in the riding position.
- Compress the shock: With your full body weight on the bike, compress the shock to its lowest point, ensuring it is fully settled.
- Mark the shock’s position: After the shock settles, use a pencil or marker to mark the position of the shock’s stanchion (the part of the shock that slides up and down) at the fully compressed point.
- Measure the sag: Measure from the top of the shock’s stanchion to the mark you made. This will tell you how much travel has been used.
- Calculate the sag: Divide the amount of travel used by the total shock travel and multiply by 100 to get the percentage of sag.
For example, if your shock has 60mm of total travel and you’ve used 18mm of it, the sag would be: Sag=18mm60mm×100=30%\text{Sag} = \frac{18mm}{60mm} \times 100 = 30\%
Step 5: Adjust the Preload (if necessary)
If the sag is too much or too little, you may need to adjust the preload on the shock. Preload is the amount of compression on the coil spring before you apply your body weight.
- Too much sag: Increase the preload by turning the preload collar clockwise (tightening it). This will reduce the amount of sag.
- Too little sag: Decrease the preload by turning the preload collar counterclockwise (loosening it). This will allow the shock to compress more and increase the sag.
Recheck the sag measurement after adjusting the preload to ensure it falls within the desired range.
Step 6: Fine-Tuning the Compression and Rebound Settings
Once you’ve set the sag correctly, it’s time to fine-tune the other settings for optimal performance.
- Compression: The compression setting controls how quickly the shock compresses when it encounters a bump or obstacle. For general riding, set the compression to a middle position. For more aggressive riding, you may want a firmer compression setting.
- Rebound: The rebound setting controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. Set the rebound to a moderate setting so that the shock returns at a controlled pace, preventing excessive bouncing.
Step 7: Test and Adjust Based on Riding Style
After making your adjustments, take the bike for a test ride. Pay attention to how the rear shock responds during your ride.
- If the ride feels too soft or you experience bottoming out, increase the spring preload or adjust the compression settings.
- If the shock feels too harsh and doesn’t provide enough comfort, reduce the preload or soften the compression.
After testing, make further adjustments if necessary until you achieve the perfect setup.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
1. The Shock Feels Too Soft
If the shock feels too soft and bottoms out frequently, check the preload. Increase the preload to stiffen the spring. Alternatively, you may need to switch to a stiffer coil spring if you’re carrying more weight.
2. The Shock Feels Too Firm
If the shock feels too firm and doesn’t compress adequately, reduce the preload. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider switching to a softer coil spring that better matches your weight.
3. Inconsistent Sag Measurement
If your sag measurements are inconsistent, ensure the shock is mounted correctly, and that you’re using the proper procedure for measuring sag. Double-check that the shock is at full travel when measuring.
Customization and Optimization for Better Performance
To optimize your suspension further, consider tuning both the compression and rebound settings for your specific riding style. For aggressive downhill riding, a firmer compression setting and faster rebound may be ideal, while for cross-country or trail riding, a more plush setup with slower rebound can improve comfort.
Experimenting with these adjustments based on the terrain you’re riding on will provide the best overall performance.
Comparison with Similar Models
The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ rear shock stands out due to its coil spring design, which provides consistent performance, especially on rough terrains. When compared to air shocks, coil shocks tend to offer a more predictable and plush feel, making them ideal for aggressive riders and those riding on challenging trails.
However, if you’re looking for a lightweight solution or need finer adjustments for various terrains, an air shock might be a better option. Air shocks are typically lighter and offer more customizable settings, which can be advantageous in competitive cycling scenarios.
Conclusion
Setting up the rear shock sag for your RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select+ is a simple yet essential process for ensuring your bike performs at its best. By following these steps, adjusting preload, and fine-tuning your settings, you can optimize your suspension for both comfort and performance. Whether you’re riding cross-country or hitting the most technical trails, achieving the right sag will enhance your overall riding experience.