The Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock is a renowned choice for riders looking for a reliable, high-performance shock for aggressive trail riding and enduro applications. This shock combines precision, comfort, and durability to ensure a smooth, controlled ride even on the roughest terrains. Tuning the STX22 Coil properly is essential for optimizing its performance to suit your riding style and the specific conditions you encounter. This guide will walk you through the installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, customization, and compatibility considerations for your STX22 Coil.

Installation of the Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock

Installing the Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock requires precision and care. Follow these steps to ensure proper installation:

1. Remove the Old Shock
   Begin by removing your current rear shock. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to carefully loosen the mounting bolts at both the upper and lower ends of the shock. Set the old shock aside and inspect the mounting hardware for any damage or wear that may require replacement.
2. Prepare the Öhlins STX22 Coil
   Before installation, check that the Öhlins STX22 Coil is in proper working order. Verify that the coil spring is properly seated and that there are no visible signs of damage to the shock body or damper. Confirm that the eyelet and shaft are free from debris.
3. Install the Upper Mount
   Carefully align the upper mounting eyelet of the shock with the frame’s shock mount. Insert the bolt and torque it to the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure the shock is securely positioned.
4. Install the Lower Mount
   Move to the lower mount and align the shock with the swingarm or linkage. Insert the bolt and torque it to the appropriate setting. Double-check the positioning to make sure the shock is not binding and moves freely as intended.
5. Check Shock Movement
   After installation, manually compress the shock a few times to ensure smooth movement and proper alignment. Check for any rubbing or interference with the frame or other components.

Adjustment of the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

The Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock offers several tuning options to tailor your ride. These adjustments include rebound, compression, and preload settings, all of which influence the shock’s performance.

Rebound Adjustment

The rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. Adjusting the rebound setting allows you to fine-tune the shock’s ability to recover after hitting a bump or landing a jump.

1. Locate the Rebound Knob
   The rebound adjustment knob is typically located at the base of the shock. It may be a screw or dial with a range from slow to fast rebound.
2. Turn the Knob
   Turn the knob clockwise to slow the rebound, or counterclockwise to increase the rebound speed. A slower rebound provides more control on rough terrain but may make the bike feel sluggish, while faster rebound can be ideal for smoother, faster trails.
3. Test the Adjustment
   After making adjustments, ride the bike on varied terrain to assess the effect of the rebound setting. Make small incremental adjustments to find the optimal setting for your riding style.

Compression Adjustment

Compression damping controls how much the shock resists compression when it hits bumps, drops, or other obstacles. This setting allows you to adjust how much the shock absorbs initial impacts.

1. Locate the Compression Knob
   The compression knob is typically found on the shock’s remote reservoir or at the top of the shock body.
2. Adjust for Firmness
   Turn the knob clockwise to increase compression (firmer setting) or counterclockwise to soften the compression (softer setting). A firmer setting is beneficial for high-speed trails and larger hits, while a softer setting is ideal for technical sections with smaller bumps.
3. Test for Performance
   Similar to rebound, after adjusting compression, take the bike on different trail sections to gauge the effectiveness of the adjustment. Fine-tune as necessary for comfort and control.

Preload Adjustment

The preload adjustment sets the initial tension on the coil spring. Correct preload ensures the shock is not too soft or too firm for your weight and riding style.

1. Locate the Preload Collar
   The preload collar is typically found at the top or bottom of the shock, depending on the model.
2. Adjust the Preload
   Use a spanner wrench to adjust the preload collar. Turn the collar clockwise to add more preload (stiffer ride) or counterclockwise to reduce preload (softer ride). Be sure to adjust it evenly on both sides to maintain symmetrical spring tension.
3. Set the Sag
   After adjusting preload, measure the sag by sitting on the bike and noting how much the shock compresses. A typical sag setting for enduro riders is around 30% of the shock’s total travel, but this may vary based on personal preference and riding style.

Maintenance of the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

Proper maintenance is essential to keep the Öhlins STX22 Coil performing at its best. Regular checks and servicing will extend the life of the shock and prevent common issues.

1. Clean the Shock
   After each ride, wipe down the shock with a damp cloth to remove dirt, mud, and debris. Pay special attention to the shock body and seals, as dirt buildup can cause premature wear.
2. Check for Leaks
   Inspect the shock for any signs of oil leaks or damage. Leaking fluid indicates that the shock needs immediate servicing or a rebuild.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
   Apply a small amount of lubrication to the shock’s moving parts, including the bushings and eyelets. This helps reduce friction and prolongs the life of the shock.
4. Service Intervals
   The Öhlins STX22 Coil requires a full service every 100-150 hours of riding, depending on the riding conditions. Regular servicing by a qualified technician will ensure that internal components are functioning optimally.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

When tuning or installing the STX22 Coil, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Lack of Rebound Control
   If the rebound setting doesn’t seem to have much effect, ensure the shock’s oil level is correct and that there are no internal issues. If the shock feels overly bouncy, increase the rebound damping.
2. Bottoming Out
   If the shock bottoms out frequently, check the preload and compression settings. You may need to increase the preload or adjust the compression damping for firmer support.
3. Excessive Sag
   If the sag is too deep, increase the preload or consider a stiffer coil spring if you’re heavier. Ensure the spring rate is appropriate for your weight and riding style.
4. Squeaking or Noises
   If you hear squeaking or unusual noises, it may be due to dry bushings or improperly lubricated parts. Reapply lubricant and check the shock mount points for any loose bolts.

Customization for Optimal Performance

To further enhance the performance of your Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock, consider the following customizations:

1. Spring Rate
   Customize the spring rate to better match your weight and riding conditions. Öhlins offers a range of springs, allowing you to select the perfect coil for your bike setup.
2. Damper Customization
   If you are an advanced rider, consider having your shock custom-tuned by a suspension specialist. They can adjust the damper to suit specific riding conditions, providing you with an even more tailored experience.
3. Adjusting for Riding Style
   Experiment with different rebound, compression, and preload settings to find the ideal balance for your riding style. Whether you’re focusing on steep descents or technical climbs, fine-tuning these parameters will enhance your performance.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock is compatible with a wide range of mountain bike drivetrains. When selecting compatible components, consider the following:

1. Frame Compatibility
   Ensure your bike frame is designed to accept a coil shock. The STX22 Coil’s dimensions and mounting options are compatible with most modern enduro and trail frames, but always double-check your frame’s shock specifications.
2. Spring Rate and Rider Weight
   The spring rate should match your body weight to ensure optimal performance. If you’re using a different drivetrain or suspension setup, the STX22 Coil may work well with other components, provided the spring rate and damping settings are appropriately adjusted.
3. Adjusting for Different Linkages
   If you have a bike with a progressive linkage, the STX22 Coil’s damping settings may need to be fine-tuned to account for the varying leverage ratios through the suspension travel. This adjustment ensures you achieve optimal performance across the full range of travel.

By following this detailed guide, you can ensure that your Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock is properly installed, tuned, and maintained for peak performance. Whether you’re upgrading your suspension for competitive racing or casual trail riding, these steps will help you get the most from your investment.