The Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock is a high-performance suspension component designed for road and mountain bikes, offering a unique blend of comfort, control, and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to bike maintenance, understanding how to tune your TTX1Air will help you achieve the best performance, enhance your riding experience, and extend the lifespan of the shock.

Tools Required

• Shock pump with a pressure gauge
• 2.5mm, 3mm, and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Dampening tool or spanner
• Cleaner (bike degreaser)
• Soft cloth or microfiber towel
• Lubricant for suspension parts (optional)

Installation of the TTX1Air

The installation of the Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock requires attention to detail, as incorrect mounting can lead to poor performance or damage to the shock.

1. Prepare the Bike: Remove the rear wheel and ensure the frame is clean. This will provide access to the rear shock mounting points.
2. Install the Shock: Line up the shock’s eyelets with the mounting points on the frame. Insert the hardware, ensuring the shock is oriented correctly. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification, typically using a torque wrench [paid link] for precision.
3. Secure the Shock: Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to tighten the mounting bolts. Avoid overtightening, which could stress the shock or the frame.
4. Check for Movement: After installation, push the shock to verify that it moves smoothly through its full travel range. Ensure no binding occurs during compression or rebound.

Adjusting the TTX1Air

The TTX1Air shock offers multiple tuning options that allow you to adjust its compression, rebound, and air pressure to suit your riding style and terrain. Proper adjustment ensures optimal performance.

Air Pressure Adjustment

The air spring in the TTX1Air can be adjusted to suit your weight and riding preferences. The correct air pressure ensures that the shock compresses and rebounds efficiently, providing both comfort and control.

1. Set Sag: Sag is the amount the shock compresses under your weight. Ideal sag for the TTX1Air is typically around 25-30% of the total shock stroke. To set the correct sag, use a shock pump to adjust the pressure, and check the sag by sitting on the bike.
2. Increase Pressure for Stiffer Feel: If the bike feels too soft and bottoms out too easily, increase the air pressure. Use the shock pump to incrementally add pressure and check the sag again after each adjustment.
3. Decrease Pressure for Softer Feel: If the ride feels too harsh and doesn’t offer enough compliance over small bumps, decrease the air pressure slightly. Be cautious not to go too low, as this could affect bottom-out resistance.

Compression and Rebound Adjustments

The TTX1Air comes with external dials for adjusting compression and rebound, which control how quickly the shock compresses and rebounds.

1. Compression Adjustment: The compression dial adjusts how the shock resists compression when encountering bumps or impacts. If you often ride on rough terrain, you may want to increase compression for better control. Conversely, decrease compression for a more comfortable, plush ride.
2. Rebound Adjustment: The rebound dial controls how fast the shock extends after being compressed. A fast rebound can cause the shock to “bump” back too quickly, while slow rebound can result in a “spongy” feel. Adjust the rebound to ensure the shock returns smoothly after compression without bouncing or feeling sluggish.

Common Set-up Issues and Troubleshooting

Despite the TTX1Air’s high-end design, improper setup can lead to issues that affect your riding performance. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

1. Bottoming Out: If the shock is bottoming out too frequently, even with appropriate air pressure, check the compression settings. A too-soft compression setting might be contributing to this issue. Increase the compression slightly to provide more resistance.
2. Harsh Ride: A harsh ride can be caused by excessive air pressure, an overly firm compression setting, or incorrect rebound damping. Start by lowering the air pressure and making small adjustments to the compression and rebound for a smoother feel.
3. Shock Not Moving Smoothly: If the shock feels stiff or sticky, it could be due to inadequate lubrication or dirt build-up. Clean the shock’s stanchions with a soft cloth and apply a small amount of lubricant to keep the seals functioning properly.
4. Leaking Air: If you notice a drop in air pressure over time, check the valve for damage. Use a soapy water solution to check for leaks around the valve area or air seals. If leaks persist, consider replacing the valve or seals.

Customizing the TTX1Air for Better Performance

While the TTX1Air comes pre-tuned for general use, you can further customize it to match your riding style, weight, and terrain conditions. Here are a few tips for optimal customization:

1. Weight and Riding Style: If you are a heavier rider or often ride aggressively, you may need to increase the air pressure slightly to prevent bottoming out. Conversely, lighter riders might benefit from a softer shock with a lower air pressure setting.
2. Terrain Considerations: For technical trail riding, where you need more control, increase the compression damping. For smoother roads, a softer setup with more rebound might provide better comfort.
3. Seal and Oil Maintenance: Regularly check the shock for signs of wear, and perform routine maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating seals, to ensure smooth operation. This extends the life of the shock and keeps it performing optimally.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of modern road bike drivetrains and suspension systems. However, to ensure compatibility and optimal performance, consider the following:

• Mounting Standards: Double-check the shock’s eyelet dimensions and mounting hardware to ensure it fits your frame. The TTX1Air is available in different sizes, so ensure compatibility before installation.
• Suspension Linkage: Some frames have specific suspension linkages that might affect the shock’s performance. Ensure the frame’s geometry and suspension design are compatible with the TTX1Air’s characteristics.
• Drivetrain Compatibility: The shock’s performance is not directly impacted by your drivetrain, but choosing the right suspension settings can complement your overall bike setup. Pairing it with a high-quality drivetrain can ensure smooth power transfer and a balanced ride.

Conclusion

The Öhlins TTX1Air is a versatile, high-performance rear shock that can be tuned to suit a wide range of riding styles and conditions. By carefully adjusting the air pressure, compression, and rebound settings, you can fine-tune the shock to achieve the best performance for your bike. Regular maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing the shock’s settings based on your specific needs will help you get the most out of this premium component.