The RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 is a high-performance rear shock designed for aggressive mountain biking. It provides excellent damping control, adjustability, and durability. This guide will walk you through the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the Monarch Plus RC3, along with troubleshooting common setup issues, customization tips for enhanced performance, and compatibility considerations. With these insights, you’ll be able to tune your rear shock to meet your specific riding style and terrain.

Tools Required

• Shock pump (with pressure gauge)
• 5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Suspension fluid (specific to RockShox)
• T30 Torx wrench [paid link] (for certain models)
• Small flathead screwdriver (for damping adjustments)
• Soft cloth or towel (to protect the shock during maintenance)

Installation of the Monarch Plus RC3

Installing the Monarch Plus RC3 requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper setup and performance. Below are the essential steps to install this shock on your bike frame.

1. Remove the old shock: If replacing an existing shock, use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the mounting bolts from both ends of the shock. Be sure to keep the hardware as you may need it for the new shock.
2. Prepare the new shock: Check that the Monarch Plus RC3 is properly set up for your bike’s frame and desired riding style. Make sure the shock’s eyelet diameter and mounting hardware are compatible with your frame.
3. Install the shock: Position the shock on the frame and line up the mounting points. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them using a torque wrench [paid link], ensuring the torque values specified by RockShox are adhered to (typically between 20-30 Nm for most mountain bikes).
4. Check alignment: After installing the shock, ensure that it is aligned properly and that the mounting bolts are secure.

Adjusting the Monarch Plus RC3

The Monarch Plus RC3 offers multiple adjustment settings, allowing you to fine-tune the performance of your rear shock for your specific riding conditions. Below is a breakdown of each adjustable feature and how to use it:

Air Pressure

The air pressure in your shock determines the sag, or the amount the shock compresses under rider weight. To adjust this:

1. Set the sag: Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure. The recommended sag is typically around 25-30% of the total shock stroke, but you should check RockShox’s guidelines for your specific model.
2. Fine-tuning: If you feel the shock is too soft or too firm, adjust the air pressure in small increments and recheck the sag. Make sure you always adjust both sides of the shock symmetrically.

Rebound Damping

Rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns to its extended position after compression. To adjust:

1. Turn the rebound dial: The Monarch Plus RC3 features a rebound adjuster at the bottom of the shock. Turn it clockwise for slower rebound and counterclockwise for faster rebound.
2. Test on the trail: Start with a neutral setting (about halfway) and test ride the bike. If the rear end feels too bouncy, slow down the rebound. If it feels too sluggish or doesn’t return quickly enough, speed up the rebound.

Compression Damping

Compression damping determines how much resistance the shock has when it compresses under impact. The RC3 has both high and low-speed compression settings.

1. Adjust low-speed compression: Located at the top of the shock, the low-speed compression adjuster allows you to control the suspension’s response to small, slow impacts like pedaling. Turn it clockwise for more compression and counterclockwise for less.
2. Adjust high-speed compression: The high-speed compression adjuster is for controlling how the shock reacts to larger, faster impacts. Adjust this setting by turning the knob clockwise for stiffer damping or counterclockwise for a softer response.
3. Experiment: Begin with mid-range settings and adjust based on your riding preferences. For aggressive descents, you may want firmer compression, while smoother trails benefit from softer settings.

Bottom-Out Resistance

This setting helps prevent the shock from bottoming out under extreme compression.

1. Adjust the bottom-out knob: Some models of the Monarch Plus RC3 feature a dedicated bottom-out adjuster. Increase the resistance by turning it clockwise, which will prevent the shock from fully compressing on hard hits.

Maintaining Your Monarch Plus RC3

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your rear shock. Here are some essential steps for maintaining your Monarch Plus RC3.

Cleaning the Shock

1. Clean the shock regularly: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the shock after each ride, removing dirt, mud, and debris that could damage the seals.
2. Lubricate the shock: Periodically lubricate the shock’s stanchions with a light coat of suspension oil. This helps maintain smooth action and protect the seals.

Servicing the Shock

1. Regular fluid changes: Over time, suspension fluid can degrade, affecting performance. RockShox recommends servicing the Monarch Plus RC3 every 50-100 hours of use, depending on the riding conditions. You can either perform this service yourself or take the shock to a professional for servicing.
2. Check for air leaks: Inspect the shock’s air canister and seals for any signs of air leakage. Replace worn or damaged seals promptly to avoid suspension performance degradation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, issues can arise with your Monarch Plus RC3. Below are some common problems and their solutions.

Loss of Air Pressure

• Cause: A drop in air pressure can occur due to a slow leak in the shock.
• Solution: Reinflate the shock using a shock pump, and check the shock for any visible signs of damage or air loss. If the issue persists, inspect or replace the seals.

Rebound Too Slow or Too Fast

• Cause: Improper rebound damping adjustment may cause the rear shock to either return too quickly or too slowly after compression.
• Solution: Adjust the rebound dial until the shock returns to its extended position at an appropriate speed, ensuring it doesn’t feel either too bouncy or too sluggish.

Loss of Damping Control

• Cause: A loss of compression or rebound control may occur due to worn-out oil or seals inside the shock.
• Solution: Perform a fluid change or take the shock to a qualified service technician for a complete rebuild.

Customization for Better Performance

Customizing your Monarch Plus RC3 to suit your riding style is crucial for maximizing performance. Here are some tips:

1. Set sag based on terrain: For rough, technical trails, aim for a higher air pressure (lower sag) to prevent bottoming out. For smoother trails, a softer setup with more sag offers greater comfort and control.
2. Fine-tune compression: If you’re an aggressive rider tackling rocky descents, you may benefit from a firmer compression setting. For cross-country or lighter riding, you can dial in a softer compression to improve comfort and control.
3. Adjust rebound based on terrain: If you ride on more technical terrain, you may prefer a faster rebound to keep the rear shock responsive. For smoother, flowy trails, a slower rebound can enhance comfort.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Monarch Plus RC3 is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of mountain bike frames, but compatibility with your overall drivetrain setup is crucial for achieving optimal performance. It’s important to ensure the following:

1. Frame Compatibility: Ensure your bike frame has the correct shock eyelet size and the proper mounting hardware to fit the Monarch Plus RC3.
2. Drivetrain Setup: The shock’s performance should complement your drivetrain, ensuring efficient power transfer and minimal loss of energy. Adjust your shock’s sag and compression settings to match your riding style and the demands of your bike’s drivetrain.
3. Wheel Size and Geometry: Different bike geometries and wheel sizes may affect how your suspension behaves. Be sure to consider these factors when setting up the Monarch Plus RC3 for the best possible handling and control.

Conclusion

The RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 is a versatile and highly adjustable rear shock that offers excellent performance on a variety of terrain. By carefully following the installation, adjustment, and maintenance steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your shock is fine-tuned for optimal performance. Regular maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and customizing your settings based on your riding style will help you get the most out of your Monarch Plus RC3, keeping your ride smooth and responsive.