Setting up the rear shock sag on your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T is crucial to ensuring that your bike performs optimally. Proper sag allows the suspension to absorb impacts effectively, enhancing comfort and control, whether you’re on technical descents or rough terrain. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of setting up rear shock sag for the Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T, including installation, adjustments, troubleshooting, and tips on getting the best performance.
Tools Required
- Shock pump with a high-pressure gauge
- Tape measure or ruler
- Allen wrenches [paid link] (for adjusting the shock’s mounting bolts)
- Flathead screwdriver (for adjusting rebound and compression)
- Stand or assistant to help with bike stabilization
Understanding the Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T
The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T is a high-performance rear shock designed for aggressive trail riders and enduro cyclists. It features a dual-speed compression adjuster (RC2), along with a high- and low-speed rebound adjustment. The RC2T model also incorporates the latest technologies for both comfort and performance, making it one of the top choices for mountain bikers seeking to dial in their suspension.
Sag refers to the amount of shock compression that occurs under the rider’s weight when on the bike. Setting the correct sag is essential for maximizing the shock’s performance, as it ensures the suspension is neither too stiff nor too soft. Too little sag results in harsh rides, while too much sag reduces the shock’s responsiveness, affecting your bike handling and control.
Step 1: Install the Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T on Your Bike
Before starting the sag setup process, ensure that the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T is correctly installed on your bike. Follow these steps:
- Attach the shock to the rear triangle of your bike using the appropriate bolts.
- Tighten the bolts securely, ensuring the shock is aligned correctly in the suspension frame.
- Check for proper clearance to avoid any rubbing of the shock on the frame or other components.
Once the shock is mounted, you are ready to begin the sag setup process.
Step 2: Check and Adjust the Air Pressure
The Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T is an air-sprung shock, meaning it relies on air pressure to provide the necessary support for your weight. Correct air pressure is essential to achieve the ideal sag.
How to Adjust Air Pressure:
- Determine your rider weight: Your weight, in combination with the intended riding style, will determine the initial air pressure setting.
- Set initial air pressure: Using your shock pump, add air to the shock according to the recommended pressure chart provided by RockShox. As a general guideline, aim for about 30-35% of total shock travel as sag. For example, if your shock offers 65mm of travel, aim for approximately 20mm of sag.
- Check the pressure: After pumping the shock to the initial setting, ensure the pressure is stable and the shock feels properly inflated.
Step 3: Measure the Sag
Measuring the sag is an essential step in achieving the correct setup. To do this, you’ll need to measure how much the shock compresses under your weight.
Steps to Measure Sag:
- Prepare the bike: Ensure your bike is in an upright position. You may need an assistant to help stabilize the bike while you measure the sag. If working alone, use a bike stand [paid link].
- Compress the shock: With your full riding gear on, mount the bike and sit in your riding position. Apply pressure on the pedals to compress the shock. Make sure you keep your body still and let the shock settle to its fully compressed position.
- Mark the shock shaft: Once the shock is fully compressed, use a piece of tape to mark the position on the shock shaft. This is your starting point for measuring sag.
- Measure the sag: Carefully dismount the bike, and use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the shock shaft’s original position (before compression) and the new position (after compression). The difference is the sag amount.
If the sag is not within the 30-35% range of your shock’s travel, adjust the air pressure up or down as necessary, and repeat the measuring process.
Step 4: Adjust the Rebound and Compression
After setting the correct sag, you should fine-tune the shock’s performance through the rebound and compression settings.
Rebound Adjustment:
The rebound setting controls how quickly the shock returns after compression. For smooth, controlled rides, the rebound speed should be neither too fast nor too slow.
- Turn the rebound dial on the shock counterclockwise to increase the rebound speed (faster return).
- Turn it clockwise to slow the rebound (slower return).
- Start with a mid-range setting and test the shock by pushing down on the saddle and observing the rebound. Make adjustments as needed until you achieve the desired feel.
Compression Adjustment:
The compression settings control how the shock absorbs impacts and resists bottoming out.
- Use the dual-speed compression knobs (high and low) to adjust the shock’s response to different types of terrain.
- For smoother trails, a lower compression setting works well to maximize comfort.
- For rougher, more aggressive terrain, increase the compression to prevent the shock from bottoming out too easily.
Start with the mid-range settings on both high and low compression knobs, and test them on your usual riding terrain. Fine-tune the settings to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Sag Issues
If your sag setup isn’t quite right, several common issues could be to blame. Here’s how to address them:
Excessive Sag:
If you notice too much sag (the shock is compressed too deeply), try adding more air to the shock. Ensure the air pressure is in line with the recommended range based on your rider weight and shock travel.
Insufficient Sag:
If the sag is too little (the shock is too stiff), it could mean the air pressure is too high. Reduce the air pressure slightly and test the sag again. It’s important to achieve the optimal sag range for the best performance.
Rebound or Compression Issues:
If the rebound is too fast or too slow, adjust the rebound knob as discussed earlier. Similarly, if the compression feels too stiff or too soft, adjust the compression settings using the dials on the shock.
Step 6: Fine-Tuning for Performance
For aggressive riding or more technical terrain, it’s crucial to fine-tune the shock for ultimate performance. After adjusting the sag, consider experimenting with different compression and rebound settings until you achieve the optimal balance between comfort and control.
Step 7: Compatibility Considerations
The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T is designed to be compatible with a wide range of bikes, but it’s important to confirm compatibility with your bike’s frame and other components. Make sure that the shock’s length, stroke, and mounting hardware are appropriate for your frame. Double-check the shock specifications to ensure proper fitment.
Conclusion
Setting up your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T rear shock is a vital step in ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. By following the correct procedures for adjusting sag, compression, and rebound, you can enhance the performance of your suspension system. Regular maintenance and fine-tuning will help you get the most out of your shock, allowing you to tackle different types of terrain with confidence.