The TTX1Air rear shock from Öhlins is designed to elevate the performance of your mountain bike, offering unparalleled ride quality with advanced technology that ensures both smoothness and control. In this guide, we will cover the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the TTX1Air, troubleshoot common setup issues, and discuss how to optimize the shock for peak performance. We will also explore its compatibility with other drivetrain components and compare it with similar models to help you make an informed decision.

Installation of the TTX1Air Rear Shock

Installing the Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock is a straightforward process, but it requires precision to ensure optimal performance. Below are the steps you should follow for a proper installation:

1. Prepare Your Bike:
   • Ensure that the bike is stable on a work stand.
   • Clean the area around the shock mount to prevent dirt and debris from interfering during installation.
2. Remove the Existing Shock:
   • If you are replacing a shock, remove it by loosening the bolts that secure it to the frame and suspension link.
   • Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure that the bolts are properly torqued when reassembling.
3. Install the TTX1Air Rear Shock:
   • Position the TTX1Air shock in the shock mounts.
   • Insert the appropriate bolts, ensuring that they align correctly with the shock’s eyelets and the frame.
   • Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings, typically using a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure accuracy.
4. Check for Proper Fitment:
   • Make sure that the shock is centered and does not come into contact with the frame or other components during the suspension travel.
   • Inspect the shock for any misalignment and correct it before proceeding.

Adjusting the TTX1Air Rear Shock

To optimize the TTX1Air rear shock for your riding style and terrain, you will need to make some initial adjustments. The TTX1Air features a dual-compression and rebound damping system, which offers a wide range of tuning options.

1. Setting the Sag:
   • To achieve proper sag, you’ll need to adjust the air pressure in the shock. The recommended sag for the TTX1Air is typically around 25-30% of the total travel.
   • Use a shock pump to increase or decrease air pressure. Test the suspension by sitting on the bike and measuring the amount of compression at the shock.
   • Fine-tune the air pressure to ensure the shock is neither too stiff nor too soft.
2. Compression and Rebound Damping Adjustments:
   • The TTX1Air comes with separate high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments. Start by setting the low-speed compression to your preferred level of firmness for climbing or smoother sections of the trail.
   • Adjust the high-speed compression for more aggressive trails with large impacts, such as drops or rocks.
   • The rebound damping should be set to a point where the shock returns quickly but does not create excessive bouncing after compressions.
   • Adjust each dial incrementally and test ride the bike to assess the impact of each change.
3. Volume Spacers:
   • The TTX1Air allows you to modify its volume by adding or removing volume spacers. These spacers help control the air spring’s progressivity, giving you more control in the final stages of the shock’s travel.
   • Adding more volume spacers will make the shock feel firmer toward the end of the stroke, while removing them will provide a more progressive feel, ideal for larger impacts.

Maintenance of the TTX1Air Rear Shock

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your TTX1Air rear shock performing at its best. Follow these steps to ensure its longevity:

1. Cleaning the Shock:
   • After each ride, clean the shock using mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents that may degrade the seals.
   • Pay close attention to the shock’s air sleeve, making sure that no dirt or mud accumulates around the seals.
2. Air Spring Maintenance:
   • Periodically check the air spring for leaks. If you notice a decrease in air pressure over time, inspect the air valve and seals for damage.
   • If necessary, use a shock pump to top up the air pressure before each ride.
3. Damper Service:
   • Öhlins recommends servicing the damper every 100 hours of riding or once a year, whichever comes first.
   • This involves draining the oil and replacing it to maintain smooth operation of the shock’s compression and rebound mechanisms.
4. Seal Inspection:
   • Regularly inspect the seals for wear and tear. If you notice any leakage, it’s important to replace the seals as soon as possible to prevent contamination and ensure consistent performance.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Despite the advanced technology in the TTX1Air rear shock, there are a few common issues that riders may encounter. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

1. Lack of Rebound Control:
   • If the rebound damping seems insufficient, ensure that the rebound knob is properly adjusted. Turn it clockwise for more damping and counterclockwise for less.
   • If the shock feels too bouncy, consider adding volume spacers to control the rebound speed more effectively.
2. Inconsistent Air Pressure:
   • If you are experiencing inconsistent air pressure, the issue may be related to a faulty valve or damaged seals. Inspect the air valve and seals for any visible signs of damage or dirt.
   • Reinflate the shock to the desired pressure and check again after a ride to ensure it holds.
3. Poor Pedal Performance:
   • If you notice a sagging feeling when pedaling, particularly on smooth trails, check the air pressure and adjust it as necessary.
   • If the problem persists, examine the compression settings to ensure they are set correctly for your riding style.

Optimizing the TTX1Air for Better Performance

For riders seeking maximum performance, fine-tuning the TTX1Air rear shock is key. Here are some optimization tips:

1. Fine-Tuning Compression Settings:
   • For aggressive riders or those tackling challenging terrain, increasing the high-speed compression will reduce bottom-out impacts.
   • On smoother trails, reducing the high-speed compression will allow the shock to react more naturally to small bumps, providing a smoother ride.
2. Using the Right Volume Spacers:
   • For riders who want a more progressive shock feel, adding volume spacers will prevent harsh bottom-outs and make the suspension more responsive to aggressive impacts.
   • Riders seeking a more linear shock feel can remove spacers for a smoother, less progressive response.
3. Rebound Tuning for Speed:
   • Adjusting the rebound damping to a slightly slower setting can enhance stability when descending fast, giving you more control over the shock’s behavior.
   • A faster rebound can improve efficiency on flatter trails but may lead to instability during high-speed descents.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of drivetrain components, including both modern and traditional mountain bike setups. However, it’s important to ensure that your bike’s geometry and suspension design are compatible with the shock. The shock is particularly effective when paired with high-performance suspension systems that feature progressive geometry, such as bikes with a longer travel fork or those designed for enduro and downhill riding.

Make sure that your bike’s rear triangle has the proper shock mounts for the TTX1Air and that it can accommodate the shock’s dimensions and eyelet spacing.

Comparison with Similar Models

When comparing the TTX1Air to other rear shocks in its class, such as the Fox Float X2 and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, it stands out for its unique twin-tube damper technology, which offers superior consistency and control under load.

• Fox Float X2: While similar in terms of damping adjustments, the Fox Float X2 is slightly more tuned for XC and trail riding. The TTX1Air, on the other hand, excels in enduro and downhill riding, providing more aggressive damping and a higher level of air spring progressiveness.
• RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate: The Super Deluxe is a strong competitor, known for its ease of setup and reliable performance. However, the TTX1Air’s innovative damper and air spring technology make it the top choice for riders seeking precise control in rough conditions.

In conclusion, the Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock offers top-tier performance for riders who demand the best in terms of control, adjustability, and smoothness. Whether you’re tackling challenging trails or racing down descents, this shock ensures a superior ride quality that elevates your biking experience.