DIY Rear Shock Tuning: Get the Most from Your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH

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The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] is one of the most advanced rear shocks available for downhill mountain biking. With its customizable features, riders can adjust the shock to suit their riding style, terrain, and personal preferences. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about tuning your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] to get the best performance. Whether you’re installing, adjusting, maintaining, troubleshooting, or optimizing your shock, this guide has you covered.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump with a high-pressure gauge
  • 8mm hex key
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 2.5mm hex key [paid link]
  • 5mm hex key [paid link]
  • 10mm socket wrench
  • Air can service kit (if required for maintenance)
  • Fine-tipped brush (for cleaning)
  • Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning)
  • RockShox oil (for damper maintenance)

Installation of the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH

The installation process of the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure safety and proper performance.

1. Removing the Old Shock

Before installing the new rear shock, it is essential to remove the old one. Use a 5mm hex key to unscrew the bolts connecting the shock to the frame. Be cautious of any spacers or washers that might fall off during removal.

2. Installing the New Shock

Position the new Super Deluxe Ultimate DH shock in place and align the mounting hardware. Use the torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Tightening bolts too much or too little can lead to poor performance or damage.

3. Setting the Air Pressure

After securing the shock, use a shock pump to set the air pressure. The air pressure in the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is crucial for setting up sag, a key factor in getting the best performance. Start by setting the recommended air pressure for your weight (this can be found in the shock’s user manual).

Adjusting the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH features various adjustments that can fine-tune the performance for downhill riders.

1. Compression and Rebound Adjustments

The shock offers both low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments, which allow you to control how the shock absorbs bumps at different speeds. Adjust the high-speed compression for rougher terrain and the low-speed for smoother, more technical trails. The rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns after compressing. Make adjustments based on how the shock feels after riding, ensuring the bike doesn’t feel too stiff or too soft.

2. Sag Adjustment

The sag refers to how much the shock compresses under your weight. Setting the correct sag ensures that the shock performs optimally throughout the ride. For the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH, the recommended sag is typically around 30-35% of the shock’s total travel. To adjust the sag, increase or decrease the air pressure in the shock until you reach the desired level.

3. Volume Spacers

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH comes with volume spacers that can be added or removed to modify the air spring curve. Adding spacers makes the shock feel firmer towards the end of its stroke, while removing them allows for a more progressive feel. Adjust the volume spacers depending on your preferred riding style or terrain type. For aggressive downhill riders, increasing the volume may be beneficial to prevent bottoming out.

Maintaining Your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH

Regular maintenance of your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is essential to ensure it continues to perform at its best. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

1. Cleaning the Shock

After every ride, clean the shock to remove dirt and debris. Use a fine-tipped brush and isopropyl alcohol to clean the body and seals. This helps prevent contamination from affecting the shock’s performance.

2. Air Can Servicing

Occasionally, the air can in the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH may require servicing. To do this, you’ll need to remove the shock from the bike, carefully remove the air can, and clean the inner parts. You may also need to replace the seals or lubricate the inner components to ensure smooth operation.

3. Damper Maintenance

The damper of your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH needs to be maintained regularly for optimal performance. This may include replacing the oil and checking for any signs of wear. RockShox recommends servicing the damper every 50-100 hours of riding.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Sometimes, even after careful installation and adjustment, issues may arise. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Shock Bottoming Out

If the shock bottoms out too easily, it may be due to too little air pressure, incorrect volume spacer settings, or insufficient rebound damping. Check the air pressure and adjust the volume spacers for more support. Ensure the rebound setting is not too fast, which could cause the shock to compress too quickly.

2. No Rear Shock Movement

If the rear shock is not moving or feels stuck, it could be due to over-tightened mounting bolts or an issue with the air can. Double-check the mounting bolts to ensure they are torqued properly and verify that the air can is functioning as it should.

3. Harsh Ride Feel

A harsh ride feel could be the result of too much compression damping or too high of an air pressure setting. Try reducing the compression settings and adjust the air pressure to a lower level to achieve a smoother ride.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To optimize your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH for different types of riding, there are several adjustments and customization options you can explore:

1. Adjusting the Compression for Terrain

For downhill trails with big hits and rough terrain, increase the high-speed compression to help prevent bottoming out. For smoother trails, reduce compression to improve comfort and control.

2. Fine-Tuning Rebound for Stability

Rebound settings control how quickly the shock returns after compression. For high-speed sections, use a faster rebound setting to maintain stability, while slower rebound is ideal for technical sections with more precise handling.

3. Volume Spacer Experimentation

Experiment with different volume spacer configurations to adjust the bottom-out resistance. Adding spacers makes the shock stiffer at the end of its stroke, which is beneficial for aggressive riders, while removing spacers gives a more forgiving feel for smoother terrain.

Comparing the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH to Other Models

While the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is an excellent choice for downhill riders, it’s useful to compare it to other shocks available in the market. Here are some key points to consider:

  • RockShox Vivid R2C: The Vivid R2C is a good alternative for downhill riding, offering similar adjustability. However, the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH has more customizable features and better overall performance on extremely rough terrain.
  • Fox DHX2: The Fox DHX2 is another top-tier rear shock for downhill. It offers excellent performance but can be less adjustable than the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH, especially in terms of air spring tuning.
  • Öhlins TTX22M: Known for its exceptional damping performance, the Öhlins TTX22M provides a more progressive feel. While it excels on high-speed terrain, the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH offers better fine-tuning options for different riding styles.

Understanding Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

When tuning your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH, it’s important to consider its compatibility with other drivetrain components. This includes ensuring that the shock works well with your bike’s frame and other suspension components.

1. Frame Compatibility

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is designed for aggressive downhill bikes and may not be suitable for cross-country or trail bikes. Ensure that the shock’s dimensions and travel are compatible with your frame.

2. Linkage and Suspension Design

The shock performs best when paired with a bike frame that has a high-quality suspension linkage. Ensure that your bike’s linkage is capable of handling the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH’s features, including its range of adjustments.

Conclusion

Tuning and maintaining your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock can significantly improve your downhill performance. With its adjustable features and ability to fine-tune for your specific needs, you can achieve optimal shock performance for any riding style. Regular maintenance, careful tuning, and troubleshooting will ensure that your shock continues to provide excellent support, control, and comfort for all your downhill adventures.