Setting up your Float DPS Performance [paid link] rear shock to the correct sag is one of the most crucial steps for achieving optimal performance on your mountain bike. Proper sag ensures that your bike’s suspension performs as intended, providing comfort, control, and stability across varied terrains. This guide will walk you through the steps of setting up the sag on your Float DPS Performance [paid link] rear shock, troubleshooting common setup issues, and optimizing the shock for improved performance.
Tools Required
- Shock pump (with gauge)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- A helper (optional, but recommended)
- Air can volume spacer (if needed)
- Clean rag (for maintenance)
Setting Up the Float DPS Performance Rear Shock Sag
The Float DPS Performance rear shock is a highly adjustable shock that offers both rebound and compression settings. To ensure the shock is performing at its best, setting the correct sag is essential. Follow the steps below for an accurate sag setup.
1. Measure Your Rider Weight
Before starting the sag setup, it’s important to know your weight. Your weight affects how much the shock will compress under your body’s load. Ensure that you are in your riding gear when measuring your weight for the most accurate result.
2. Prepare the Rear Shock
Before adjusting the sag, ensure that the Float DPS Performance shock is properly installed on your bike. Check that all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque specification. Once the shock is installed, use a clean rag to wipe off any dirt or debris from the shock. This will prevent dirt from entering the air chamber when adjusting the pressure.
3. Set the Air Pressure
Start by setting the air pressure in your rear shock. The correct air pressure depends on your weight and riding style. Fox provides a pressure chart with recommended air pressures based on rider weight and riding style, but a general rule of thumb is to start with a baseline pressure and adjust from there.
- For lighter riders: Use lower air pressure.
- For heavier riders: Use higher air pressure.
Use a shock pump to add or remove air, checking the pressure with the gauge to ensure it’s accurate.
4. Check the Sag
To check sag, it’s best to do it while you’re on the bike. The sag percentage refers to how much the shock compresses when you are sitting on it. For most riders, a sag of around 25-30% of the shock’s total travel is optimal.
Steps for measuring sag:
- Stand next to your bike and measure the shock’s stroke (the total length of travel). You can find this in the manufacturer’s specifications.
- While standing, compress the shock by sitting on the bike with your full weight.
- Measure how much the shock compresses. A 25-30% sag should compress the shock to roughly one-quarter of its total travel distance. For example, if the shock has 50mm of total travel, you should see a compression of around 12-15mm.
- You can mark the shock’s body with a small piece of tape or a zip tie to indicate the starting position. As you sit on the bike, the shock should compress, and you can measure the amount of compression.
5. Adjust the Air Pressure for Correct Sag
If the shock compresses too much (more than 30%), remove some air to increase the pressure. Conversely, if the shock doesn’t compress enough (less than 25%), add more air to decrease the pressure. Adjust the pressure in small increments until the desired sag is achieved.
6. Recheck the Sag After Adjustments
After making adjustments, it’s crucial to recheck the sag. Take the bike for a short ride or do a few test hops to ensure the shock compresses as expected when riding under load. Adjust again if necessary.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Insufficient Sag
If you find that the shock isn’t compressing enough (less than the recommended 25-30% sag), the issue may be caused by too much air pressure or an incorrect shock setup. To fix this, try lowering the air pressure in small increments and test again. If the sag is still too low, check for any volume spacers in the air chamber that may be affecting the compression. You may need to remove or replace them for a better feel.
Excessive Sag
If the shock compresses more than 30% of its travel under your weight, it may feel too soft, leading to a “bottoming out” feeling during aggressive riding. To resolve this, increase the air pressure to stiffen the shock and prevent it from compressing too much. You may also need to consider adjusting the rebound or compression settings for more control.
Inconsistent Sag After Use
If you notice that your sag seems to change after riding for a while, it could be a sign of air leakage or improper setup. Check the shock’s air valve to ensure it is properly sealed. If the air pressure seems to drop consistently, you may need to replace the air seal or check for any other issues with the shock’s integrity.
Optimizing the Float DPS Performance Rear Shock
After correctly setting up the sag, you can further optimize the Float DPS Performance shock to improve your bike’s performance. Consider the following adjustments for a smoother, more controlled ride:
Rebound Adjustment
Rebound adjustment controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. If the rebound is too fast, the shock may feel bouncy, while if it’s too slow, the bike may feel sluggish. The Float DPS Performance has a rebound adjustment knob that allows you to fine-tune this setting.
- Fast rebound: Use when you want the shock to return quickly, suitable for smoother terrain.
- Slow rebound: Use for rougher terrain or to prevent the shock from bouncing back too quickly.
Compression Settings
The Float DPS Performance shock features adjustable compression damping, allowing you to fine-tune the shock for different riding conditions. Increasing compression damping makes the shock stiffer, helping the bike handle better on rough trails, while reducing compression damping allows for more plushness on smoother trails.
- Firm compression: Ideal for smooth, hard-packed trails.
- Softer compression: Best for technical, rocky terrain where more compliance is needed.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The Float DPS Performance rear shock is designed to be compatible with most modern mountain bike frames that feature a standard shock mount. However, it is important to check the specific measurements of your frame and shock to ensure proper fitment.
- Shock size: Verify that the eye-to-eye length and stroke length of the shock match the specifications of your frame.
- Suspension kinematics: Ensure that your frame’s suspension design is compatible with the Float DPS Performance’s characteristics, including the shock’s compression and rebound features.
Conclusion
Proper sag setup for your Float DPS Performance rear shock is essential for maximizing bike performance, comfort, and control. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily achieve the correct sag, troubleshoot common setup issues, and optimize the shock for your riding style. Regular maintenance and adjustments will ensure your rear shock continues to perform at its best, providing you with a smooth and responsive ride on every trail.