DIY Rear Shock Sag Setup for DBcoil CS

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Setting up the sag on your Cane Creek DBcoil CS rear shock is essential for achieving optimal bike performance, ensuring that you get the best ride quality whether you’re tackling trails or hitting the downhill. Sag, the amount of travel your rear shock uses under your body weight, plays a critical role in both comfort and control. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to properly set the sag on your DBcoil CS shock.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump with pressure gauge
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Zip tie or Velcro strap
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (optional)
  • Pencil or marker (optional)

Understanding Rear Shock Sag

Before adjusting the sag on your DBcoil CS, it’s crucial to understand its role in suspension setup. Sag is a measure of how much the shock compresses under the rider’s weight, and it directly affects how your bike behaves on different terrains. Too little sag and your bike will feel harsh, especially on rougher terrain. Too much sag and you’ll lose support, which can result in poor pedaling efficiency and handling.

The DBcoil CS features a coil spring, which provides superior consistency in performance, especially in rougher conditions, compared to air shocks. The key to maximizing this feature is ensuring the correct sag setting.

Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Sag

1. Determine the Ideal Sag Range

The recommended sag range for the Cane Creek DBcoil CS rear shock is typically between 25-30% of the total available shock travel. This percentage ensures that the shock has enough compression for comfort, while still providing enough support for pedaling and control.

  • Example: If your rear shock offers 60mm of travel, you would aim for a sag of 15-18mm (60mm x 0.25 to 0.30).

2. Set Up the Shock for Measurement

  • Install the shock on your bike: Ensure that the DBcoil CS is properly installed according to Cane Creek’s guidelines. The shock must be securely mounted on your frame.
  • Set your rider weight: Before setting the sag, make sure to adjust the spring preload. This means ensuring the spring is not overly compressed or loose. If needed, consult the Cane Creek spring rate chart to determine the appropriate spring for your weight.

3. Measure the Current Sag

  • Prepare the shock: To measure sag, you’ll need to apply some rider weight to the bike. Stand on the pedals while holding onto something stable, like a wall or post. This position ensures that your weight is fully on the bike, allowing the shock to compress.
  • Mark the shock position: Use a zip tie or Velcro strap to mark the shock’s stanchion tube at its maximum extended position. As you stand on the bike, the shock will compress, and the zip tie will move downward.
  • Check the sag: After you’ve marked the shock, carefully get off the bike and measure the distance the zip tie has moved. Compare this measurement with the recommended sag range.

4. Adjust the Sag

If the sag is outside the ideal range, you will need to adjust the spring preload or shock pressure:

  • Increase preload: If there is too much sag (i.e., the shock compresses too much), you can add more preload to the spring. This is done by adjusting the preload collar, which increases the initial spring tension.
  • Decrease preload: If there’s too little sag (i.e., the shock doesn’t compress enough), reduce the preload by loosening the collar. This will allow the spring to compress more under your weight.

5. Fine-tune the Compression and Rebound Settings

After achieving the desired sag, it’s important to fine-tune the compression and rebound settings on the DBcoil CS shock. These settings will further optimize the shock’s performance based on your riding style and terrain preferences.

  • Compression adjustment: The compression dial allows you to adjust how much the shock resists compression. For smoother terrain, you can reduce compression, while for rougher, more technical riding, you may want to increase it.
  • Rebound adjustment: The rebound knob controls the speed at which the shock returns to its original position after compression. For faster trails, a faster rebound is ideal; for rougher trails, slower rebound settings provide better control.

6. Test the Setup

Once you’ve set the sag and made any necessary adjustments to compression and rebound, take the bike for a test ride. Pay attention to how the rear shock feels during different types of terrain. If the bike feels too bouncy or too stiff, you may need to make slight adjustments to the compression or rebound settings.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

1. Too Much Sag (Shock is Too Soft)

  • Cause: If your sag measurement exceeds the recommended range, this may indicate too little spring preload.
  • Solution: Increase the preload on the coil spring to decrease the amount of sag. Check the sag again after making adjustments.

2. Too Little Sag (Shock is Too Firm)

  • Cause: If the sag is too low, your shock is too stiff, and the bike may feel harsh over rough terrain.
  • Solution: Decrease the preload on the coil spring, allowing for more sag to be achieved. Re-test to confirm the sag range.

3. Inconsistent Sag After Adjustments

  • Cause: The shock might be losing its position because of improper preload adjustments or an incompatible spring rate for your weight.
  • Solution: Double-check the spring rate for your weight and adjust the preload accordingly. If needed, consult Cane Creek for the right spring options.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

1. Fine-Tuning the DBcoil CS for Specific Terrain

  • Downhill riders: If you’re focused on downhill riding, you may prefer a slightly higher compression setting and slower rebound to maintain control through high-speed sections.
  • Enduro riders: For enduro, a more balanced setup with moderate compression and faster rebound will ensure that you can handle a mix of climbing and descending with comfort and control.

2. Adjusting for Different Rider Weights

The DBcoil CS is designed to accommodate a wide range of rider weights, but choosing the right spring rate is crucial. A lighter rider may need a softer spring, while heavier riders will need a firmer spring for proper sag setup.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Cane Creek DBcoil CS rear shock is designed to be compatible with most modern full-suspension bikes. However, it is important to ensure that the shock’s eye-to-eye length and stroke are compatible with your bike frame. Additionally, consider your bike’s geometry when selecting a spring rate. Improper shock sizing or spring rate can affect the bike’s overall performance.

Conclusion

Setting the correct sag on your Cane Creek DBcoil CS rear shock is a crucial step in optimizing your bike’s performance. By following these steps and adjusting the preload, compression, and rebound settings, you can ensure that your suspension performs at its best for both comfort and control. Whether you’re hitting the trails, racing, or simply enjoying your ride, a properly set-up DBcoil CS will enhance your overall experience.