DIY Rear Shock Sag Setup for DBcoil IL Trunnion

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Setting up the sag for your DBcoil IL Trunnion [paid link] rear shock is a critical step in optimizing your bike’s suspension performance. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to mountain biking, understanding how to properly set the sag can significantly impact the comfort, control, and efficiency of your ride. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to help you achieve the ideal sag setting for the Cane Creek DBcoil IL Trunnion [paid link] shock.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Zip ties (optional for easy measurement)
  • Suspension setup chart (refer to the DBcoil IL manual for recommendations)

Understanding Sag

Sag refers to the amount the suspension compresses under your weight when you sit on the bike in a riding position. The DBcoil IL Trunnion shock uses a coil spring, which requires a different approach to setting sag compared to air shocks. Setting the correct sag ensures that your shock performs optimally, providing a good balance of comfort and control. Too much sag can cause bottoming out on rough terrain, while too little sag can make the ride feel harsh and unresponsive.

Step-by-Step Sag Setup for DBcoil IL Trunnion

Step 1: Measure Your Rider Weight

Before you can set your sag, you need to know your rider weight, including any gear you typically ride with (helmet, pack, etc.). This weight is essential to determine the right spring rate for your suspension, ensuring it is neither too stiff nor too soft for your riding style and conditions.

Step 2: Adjust the Coil Spring

The DBcoil IL Trunnion uses a coil spring, and the right spring rate is critical to achieving the correct sag. To begin, ensure that the coil spring is appropriate for your weight and riding style. Cane Creek provides recommendations for spring rates based on rider weight in their shock manual.

To change the coil spring, you will need to:

  1. Remove the shock from the bike.
  2. Use the appropriate tools to remove the old coil spring and replace it with a new one that matches your needs.
  3. Reinstall the shock onto the bike.

Ensure that the spring is properly seated before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Set the Shock Pump to Zero

Next, attach the shock pump to the DBcoil IL Trunnion’s air valve. Before adjusting the sag, make sure the shock pump reads zero pressure. This will ensure you are measuring sag without any added air pressure, as the DBcoil IL Trunnion’s sag is determined primarily by the coil spring and not air pressure.

Step 4: Measure the Current Sag

To begin measuring your current sag:

  1. Sit on the bike in your riding position, keeping your feet on the pedals and your body in the typical riding stance.
  2. Have a friend or use zip ties around the shock shaft to mark the uncompressed position of the shock.
  3. Slowly dismount the bike, then measure the amount of compression from the uncompressed position to the point where the shock shaft has moved.

For the DBcoil IL Trunnion, aim for around 30-35% of the shock’s total stroke to be used as sag. For example, if your shock has a 60mm stroke, aim for 18-21mm of sag.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Sag with Compression

If the sag is too deep or too shallow, you may need to adjust the preload on the coil spring. Preload is the amount the spring is compressed before the rider applies their weight.

  1. To adjust the preload, use the preload adjuster collar on the DBcoil IL Trunnion.
  2. Turn the collar clockwise to increase preload and reduce sag, or counterclockwise to decrease preload and increase sag.

Be sure to make small adjustments, as even a slight change in preload can affect the sag.

Step 6: Check the Final Sag Measurement

Once you’ve adjusted the preload, repeat the measurement process to check the sag. If the sag is within the 30-35% range, your setup is good to go. If not, continue adjusting the preload until the desired sag is achieved.

Step 7: Test Ride

Once you’ve set your sag, it’s important to go for a test ride. Pay attention to how the bike feels, especially in technical sections with bumps, drops, and corners. If the bike feels too harsh or too soft, return to the garage and make further adjustments to the preload or spring rate.

Troubleshooting Common Sag Issues

  • Too much sag: If the sag exceeds the recommended range, the suspension may bottom out during aggressive riding. This can be addressed by increasing the preload on the spring or switching to a stiffer coil spring if necessary.
  • Too little sag: If there is too little sag, the suspension will feel too stiff, reducing comfort and traction. In this case, reducing the preload or choosing a softer spring may help.
  • Inconsistent sag: If sag measurements fluctuate during your ride, ensure that the shock is installed correctly and that the coil spring is seated properly. Also, check the condition of the shock’s seals and lubricate them as needed.

Customization and Optimization

  • Adjusting Rebound and Compression: Once sag is set, fine-tune the rebound and compression settings to further optimize the DBcoil IL Trunnion. The rebound controls how quickly the shock returns after compression, while compression adjusts how the shock reacts to forces when compressing. Play with these settings based on your riding style (e.g., fast downhill vs. cross-country) to get the most out of your shock.
  • Spring Rate Adjustments: If you frequently change your riding style or weight, consider switching to a different spring rate for better performance. Cane Creek offers a range of spring rates for the DBcoil IL Trunnion, so finding the ideal one for your needs is an easy process.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The DBcoil IL Trunnion is designed to work seamlessly with most mountain bike frames that have a trunnion mount. However, it’s important to ensure that your frame’s geometry and suspension design are compatible with the shock’s specifications, including stroke length and mounting hardware. Always verify these details before making a purchase or installing the shock.

Conclusion

Properly setting up the sag on your Cane Creek DBcoil IL Trunnion shock is an essential part of ensuring optimal performance, comfort, and control while riding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect sag for your weight and riding style. Regular checks and fine-tuning of your setup will ensure that your shock continues to perform at its best, no matter the conditions.