DIY Rear Shock Sag Setup for Deluxe Select

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Setting up the correct rear shock sag is crucial to achieving optimal performance from your RockShox Deluxe Select [paid link] rear shock. Sag refers to the amount the rear shock compresses under the rider’s weight and is a critical part of tuning your suspension for smooth, controlled rides. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to set up your rear shock sag, troubleshoot common setup issues, and provide tips for optimizing the shock for better performance.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump (compatible with RockShox Deluxe Select [paid link])
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Zip tie or small piece of tape
  • Standard Allen wrench [paid link] set
  • Shock sag calculator (optional for precise measurements)

Understanding Rear Shock Sag

Rear shock sag is an essential aspect of suspension setup, influencing how the bike handles terrain, absorbs impacts, and provides stability. The goal is to achieve a balance where the shock’s travel is used efficiently without bottoming out too early or staying too stiff. For the RockShox Deluxe Select, the recommended sag is generally around 30% of the total shock travel, but this may vary depending on rider weight, riding style, and terrain.

Why Sag Matters

Sag plays a pivotal role in the performance of your bike’s suspension system. Too much sag can make the bike feel overly soft, leading to poor pedaling efficiency and reduced control. On the other hand, too little sag can result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride that doesn’t provide adequate traction or comfort on rough terrain.

Steps for Setting Rear Shock Sag

Step 1: Measure Your Shock’s Travel

Before you begin adjusting the sag, it’s crucial to know the total travel of your RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock. This model typically offers 50mm, 55mm, or 60mm of travel, depending on your bike’s specifications.

  • Note the total shock travel by consulting your user manual or checking the shock body itself for travel markings.

Step 2: Set Your Rider’s Weight

Your sag is based on your body weight, so it’s important to factor in the gear you typically ride with, such as a backpack or hydration pack. Weigh yourself with your full gear on to get an accurate reading.

Step 3: Install a Zip Tie or Marker

Next, you’ll need to install a zip tie or use a small piece of tape around the shock shaft. This will act as a marker to indicate how much the shock compresses under your weight.

  • Position the zip tie near the shock seal or where the shock meets the body, ensuring it won’t obstruct the shock’s movement.
  • Leave enough space for the zip tie to move with the shock when the bike is in use.

Step 4: Inflate the Shock to Your Rider Weight Setting

Using your shock pump, set the air pressure in your RockShox Deluxe Select according to your rider weight. RockShox provides general guidelines on pressure settings in their user manual, but a good starting point is around 175 psi for a 150lb rider.

  • Check your manual for specific pressure recommendations tailored to your weight range.

Inflate the shock gradually, making sure you don’t exceed the maximum pressure rating on the shock body. Ensure that the shock pump valve is securely attached before inflating to avoid any air loss.

Step 5: Compress the Shock

Once the shock is inflated to the correct pressure, mount the bike and carefully sit in the saddle. Make sure you are in your normal riding position, keeping your weight evenly distributed.

  • Stand still while gently bouncing on the saddle to simulate riding pressure.
  • The zip tie or tape marker will move, indicating the amount of shock compression under your weight.

Step 6: Measure Sag

Measure the distance the zip tie has moved on the shock shaft. This distance represents the amount of sag.

  • Sag percentage formula: Sag Percentage=(Shock CompressionTotal Shock Travel)×100\text{Sag Percentage} = \left( \frac{\text{Shock Compression}}{\text{Total Shock Travel}} \right) \times 100

For the RockShox Deluxe Select, aim for about 30% sag. If the sag is too high or too low, adjust the air pressure up or down accordingly, and repeat the process until you achieve the correct setting.

Step 7: Fine-Tune the Pressure

Once you’ve reached the desired sag percentage, test ride the bike to ensure the suspension feels comfortable and responsive. Make small adjustments to the air pressure, either increasing or decreasing it in small increments, to find the best performance for your riding style.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Issue 1: Shock is Too Soft or Too Hard

If the shock feels too soft or too firm after setting the sag:

  • Solution: Adjust the air pressure in small increments. A slight increase in pressure can firm up the ride, while reducing pressure will make the shock softer.
  • Test: After each adjustment, ride the bike over different terrain to evaluate performance and ensure the shock responds well.

Issue 2: Inconsistent Sag

If the sag is inconsistent or not behaving as expected:

  • Solution: Check for air leaks in the shock or shock pump. Re-inflate the shock and re-test the sag setup.
  • Test: Ensure that the shock is seated correctly in its mounts and the air valve is not damaged.

Issue 3: Insufficient Travel

If the shock doesn’t compress enough to fully use its travel:

  • Solution: Increase the air pressure slightly and test again. Too little sag might indicate too much pressure in the shock.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

While the recommended sag for the RockShox Deluxe Select is around 30%, you can adjust it based on your riding style and terrain:

Soft Terrain (e.g., downhill, rough trails)

  • Increase sag to 35% for better compliance and shock absorption on bumpy or rough terrain.
  • Lower air pressure slightly for a more plush, comfortable ride.

Firm Terrain (e.g., cross-country, smoother trails)

  • Decrease sag to 25% for a firmer, more responsive ride.
  • Increase air pressure for a more efficient pedaling response and less suspension movement under load.

Additional Adjustments

The Deluxe Select shock also includes adjustable rebound damping. Fine-tune the rebound to match your riding style and terrain:

  • Slower rebound for rough terrain: This helps the shock stay active and absorb successive impacts without bouncing back too quickly.
  • Faster rebound for smoother terrain: Provides quicker response and better control.

Comparison with Similar Models

While the RockShox Deluxe Select offers excellent performance, other models in the RockShox lineup like the Super Deluxe and the Monarch RT3 [paid link] may offer similar performance but with additional features. Here’s how they compare:

  • RockShox Super Deluxe: This model offers more customization, including adjustable compression damping. It’s better suited for riders who want precise control over suspension behavior.
  • RockShox Monarch RT3 [paid link]: A simpler design with fewer adjustments, the Monarch RT3 is a lighter and more affordable option for riders who don’t require as many tunable features.

Both models offer slightly different experiences, so choosing the Deluxe Select over the Super Deluxe may come down to budget and the need for additional adjustments.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock is compatible with most modern mountain bike frames that support shock sizes of 200x50mm, 210x55mm, or 230x60mm. It’s essential to ensure that the shock matches the frame’s mounting hardware and that the bike’s geometry suits the travel and setup of the shock.

For the best performance, ensure your drivetrain is also optimized. A well-matched drivetrain ensures that the bike’s suspension and drivetrain systems work harmoniously, offering maximum efficiency and comfort on your rides.