DIY Rear Shock Tuning: Get the Most from Your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate

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The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate rear shock is a highly regarded choice among mountain bikers for its performance and adjustability. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a race or a recreational ride, this shock can be fine-tuned to match your riding style, terrain, and bike setup. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for installing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate, as well as optimizing its performance for the best ride possible.

Tools Required

  • 5mm and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Shock pump
  • Soft cloth or rag
  • Clean workbench or bike stand [paid link]
  • Shock oil (if performing a full service)
  • Replacement seals (if required)
  • Pliers (for some adjustments)

Installation of the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate

Installing the RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate on your bike requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper fitment and performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Remove the Old Shock: If replacing an existing shock, use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the mounting bolts on both ends of the shock. Make sure to keep track of any spacers or washers used.
  2. Prepare the New Shock: Before installation, check the shock’s dimensions to confirm that it’s the correct length and stroke for your bike. The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is available in different sizes, so double-check your specifications.
  3. Install the Coil Shock: Attach the shock’s mounting hardware to the shock eyelets on your bike frame. Use the 8mm Allen wrench [paid link] to tighten the mounting bolts to the recommended torque (usually around 200-250 inch-pounds, depending on the frame).
  4. Install the Coil Spring: Slide the coil spring onto the shock. You may need to compress it slightly to fit. Ensure the spring is seated properly against the shock body, and check that it’s aligned with the spring retainer.
  5. Secure the Coil: Tighten the preload adjuster on the coil to a desired tension (this is typically done later after setting up the sag).
  6. Check for Free Movement: Once the shock is installed, check that it moves freely and that the coil does not interfere with any other components or the frame.

Adjusting the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate for Optimal Performance

The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate offers a wide range of adjustments that allow you to fine-tune your ride. These include adjustments for compression, rebound, and preload. Each of these settings impacts how the shock behaves during different riding conditions. Here’s how to make the necessary adjustments:

Preload Adjustment

The preload adjustment on the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is used to set the initial tension of the coil spring, affecting the overall sag of the shock.

  1. Set Sag: The ideal sag for most riders is between 25-30% of the shock’s total travel. To set this, you’ll need to install a shock pump and inflate the shock to the desired air pressure.
  2. Adjust Preload: Rotate the preload adjuster clockwise to increase tension or counterclockwise to decrease it. Increasing preload will reduce sag, while decreasing it will increase sag.
  3. Test the Sag: Sit on the bike in your riding position and check the amount of sag. If it’s within the desired range, you’re ready to proceed.

Compression Adjustment

Compression damping affects how the shock responds to impacts, especially larger hits and terrain features like drops or jumps.

  1. Adjust Low-Speed Compression: The low-speed compression adjustment is made via a knob at the top of the shock. Start by turning it fully counterclockwise for the softest setting.
  2. Test on Trail: Ride on a trail with varied terrain. If the shock feels too soft or bottoming out too frequently, turn the knob clockwise to increase compression.
  3. Fine-Tune: Make small adjustments until the shock feels controlled, absorbing impacts without excessive bottoming out.

Rebound Adjustment

Rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after being compressed.

  1. Set Rebound to Neutral: Turn the rebound knob to its midpoint setting as a starting point.
  2. Test on Ride: Ride on some technical terrain. If the shock rebounds too quickly (bouncing back and causing a choppy ride), turn the knob clockwise to slow it down. If the shock feels sluggish and not responsive enough, turn the knob counterclockwise to increase the rebound speed.
  3. Fine-Tune: Adjust until you find a smooth, controlled rebound that provides good traction and control without feeling too stiff or too bouncy.

Maintaining the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate

Regular maintenance ensures that your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate continues to perform optimally over time. Here are the key maintenance tasks to perform:

Cleaning

  1. Regular Wipe-Down: After each ride, wipe down the shock with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris. This helps prevent wear on the seals and ensures smooth movement.
  2. Check for Leaks: Inspect the shock’s seals for any signs of oil leakage. If there’s visible oil around the shock body, the seals may need replacing.

Full Service

  1. Disassemble the Shock: If you’re performing a full service, remove the shock from the bike and disassemble it according to the RockShox service guide. This may require special tools such as a shock-specific tool to remove the coil spring.
  2. Replace Seals and Oil: Over time, the seals and oil inside the shock can degrade. Replace the seals and freshen up the shock oil if necessary. RockShox provides a recommended service interval, usually every 50-100 hours of riding.
  3. Reassemble and Test: After servicing, reassemble the shock and reinstall it on the bike. Perform the necessary adjustments to get the shock dialed back in.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is a high-performance shock, some riders may encounter issues during use. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

Bottoming Out

  • Cause: Bottoming out occurs when the shock compresses too far, reaching the end of its travel.
  • Solution: Increase the preload or adjust the compression settings to prevent the shock from compressing too much on hard impacts.

Too Soft or Too Firm

  • Cause: If the shock feels too soft or too firm, it might not have the right preload or damping settings.
  • Solution: Adjust the preload to set the right sag and fine-tune the compression and rebound for a more controlled ride.

Leaking Oil

  • Cause: Oil leakage may occur due to worn-out seals or damage to the shock body.
  • Solution: Replace the seals or perform a full rebuild if necessary. Always inspect the shock regularly to catch leaks early.

Optimizing Performance for Better Handling

Optimizing the performance of your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate involves adjusting the shock to your riding style and the terrain you frequent.

  1. Use High-Speed Compression for Fast Terrain: If you often ride on high-speed trails, increase the high-speed compression to prevent excessive bounce and maintain stability.
  2. Tune Rebound for Control: On technical, rocky descents, set the rebound slightly slower for better control. This will prevent the shock from rebounding too quickly and losing traction.
  3. Consider Coil Spring Weight: If you feel the shock is too soft or too harsh, consider swapping the coil spring for a different weight. RockShox offers different springs for varying rider weights, helping you dial in the perfect feel.

Conclusion

The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is a premium rear shock that offers excellent customization options for riders looking to fine-tune their bike’s performance. By understanding how to install, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot your shock, you can ensure it performs at its best, offering a smooth, controlled ride across all types of terrain. Regular servicing and tuning are key to maximizing its lifespan and keeping your bike in top condition.