Öhlins is renowned for producing high-performance suspension components, and their STX22 Coil rear shock is no exception. Designed for aggressive trail riders and those seeking enhanced control over rough terrain, this rear shock offers a unique blend of reliability, adjustability, and performance. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to install, adjust, maintain, and optimize the STX22 Coil rear shock, as well as troubleshoot common issues and understand its compatibility with other components.
Installation of the Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock
Installing the STX22 Coil rear shock requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper fitment and performance. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install this rear shock on your bike.
1. Tools Required:
- 8mm and 10mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link] (with appropriate range)
- Shock pump
- Socket set
- Grease (optional)
2. Step-by-Step Installation:
- Prepare the Bike: Ensure the rear triangle of your bike is clean and free from debris. Position the bike on a stable stand or surface to avoid instability during installation.
- Remove the Existing Shock: Use your 8mm and 10mm Allen wrenches [paid link] to remove the bolts securing the existing shock to the frame. Set aside the hardware as you will need it for the new shock installation.
- Prepare the New STX22 Coil Shock: Apply a thin layer of grease (optional) to the mounting points of the shock, which helps in ensuring smooth installation and prevents creaking.
- Install the Shock: Align the shock with the frame and carefully insert the mounting bolts into the shock eyelets. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings to ensure a secure fit.
- Re-check Fitment: Before moving on, check the alignment of the shock. Ensure that there’s no interference with the frame and that the shock moves freely.
- Set Up the Preload and Rebound: Set the preload and rebound settings to your initial preferences (you can fine-tune these settings later). Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure to match your rider weight.
- Final Torque Check: Double-check the torque on all bolts, ensuring they’re secure but not overtightened.
Adjusting the Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock
The STX22 Coil rear shock offers multiple adjustment options to help riders dial in the shock for their specific riding style and terrain.
1. Preload Adjustment
The preload on the STX22 Coil shock controls the initial compression of the spring. This is crucial for setting up the shock based on your rider weight and riding style.
- How to Adjust: Use a spanner wrench to adjust the preload collar on the spring. For heavier riders, you may need to increase preload, while lighter riders should reduce it to maintain the desired sag and comfort.
- Optimal Setting: Ensure the shock maintains around 25% to 30% sag when in riding position. This will help in achieving a balanced and responsive feel.
2. Rebound Adjustment
Rebound damping controls how fast the shock returns to its original position after compression. Proper rebound settings are critical for maintaining control, especially on rough terrain.
- How to Adjust: Turn the rebound dial (located at the bottom of the shock) clockwise to slow down the rebound, or counterclockwise to speed it up.
- Optimal Setting: Start with a neutral setting and make small adjustments depending on the trail conditions. If the bike feels too “bouncy,” slow down the rebound; if it feels sluggish, speed it up.
3. Compression Adjustment
The STX22 also offers compression damping to adjust the shock’s resistance to compression under load. This is particularly useful for controlling how the shock reacts to different trail features.
- How to Adjust: Use the compression dial to adjust low-speed compression (affecting the small bumps and initial stroke) and high-speed compression (affecting bigger hits and aggressive landings).
- Optimal Setting: Begin with a mid-range setting and fine-tune based on the trail and your preference. On smoother trails, less compression damping can offer more comfort, while on rougher terrain, more compression helps prevent bottoming out.
Maintenance of the Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock
Maintaining the STX22 Coil rear shock is essential to ensure long-lasting performance and smooth function. Regular maintenance can help prevent premature wear and ensure that the shock operates at peak efficiency.
1. Cleaning the Shock
After every ride, clean the shock body with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Pay attention to the shock’s mounting hardware and eyelets, ensuring no dirt accumulates that might cause damage over time.
2. Inspecting for Leaks
Check the shock’s seals and shaft for signs of oil leakage. Any fluid on the shock body can indicate a worn seal that needs to be replaced. If you notice significant leaks, it’s best to contact a professional for servicing.
3. Lubricating the Shock
Every few months, remove the shock from the frame and apply a small amount of grease to the eyelets and shock mount bolts. Lubricating these parts helps maintain smooth movement and prevents creaking.
4. Spring Maintenance
Inspect the coil spring for any signs of damage, such as cracks or deformations. If any damage is noticed, the spring should be replaced immediately to ensure safe riding.
5. Shock Service
Öhlins recommends servicing the STX22 Coil rear shock every 100-150 hours of riding. During this service, the shock’s internals (oil and seals) should be checked and replaced as necessary.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the STX22 Coil Rear Shock
Despite its robust construction, riders may encounter some common issues with the STX22 Coil rear shock. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them:
1. Shock Bottoming Out
- Cause: This can happen when the shock is set to too low a preload or too little compression damping.
- Solution: Increase preload to adjust sag, or tighten compression damping to prevent bottoming out on large impacts.
2. Excessive Rebound
- Cause: A shock with too fast a rebound can feel uncontrolled.
- Solution: Slow down the rebound by turning the rebound dial clockwise to provide better control and stability.
3. Unresponsive Compression
- Cause: If the shock feels too soft or unresponsive, it might indicate a problem with the compression setting or oil leakage.
- Solution: Check for oil leaks and adjust the compression damping. If the problem persists, consider servicing the shock.
Customization and Optimization of the STX22 Coil Rear Shock
To achieve optimal performance from your STX22 Coil rear shock, consider custom tuning based on your specific riding style and the terrain you frequently ride.
1. Fine-Tuning Rebound and Compression
To maximize performance, fine-tune the rebound and compression settings. On fast, flowy trails, a more plush setup (less compression and faster rebound) may be preferable. For rocky and technical terrain, stiffer compression and slower rebound can improve control.
2. Spring Rate Selection
The STX22 Coil shock is available with different spring rates. Choosing the right spring rate based on your weight and riding style is key to achieving ideal performance. Riders looking for a more stable setup on aggressive trails may opt for a firmer spring, while those looking for a smoother ride may prefer a softer spring.
Comparison with Similar Models
When compared to other similar rear shocks, the Öhlins STX22 Coil stands out in terms of smoothness, adjustability, and consistency. Unlike air shocks, the coil spring in the STX22 provides a more consistent feel over longer periods of time, making it ideal for riders who want predictable performance without the worry of air pressure fluctuations.
While other models, like the Fox DHX2 or RockShox Super Deluxe Coil, offer similar performance, the Öhlins shock tends to be praised for its high level of adjustability and ability to absorb even the harshest impacts with ease.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The STX22 Coil rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with most modern mountain bike frames that support coil shocks. It’s compatible with a wide range of drivetrain components, though it’s essential to verify the shock’s specific requirements in terms of eyelet sizes and stroke length for the best fit.
Riders should ensure that their bike’s rear triangle is optimized for coil shocks, as some designs might favor air shocks due to weight considerations. However, for riders seeking optimal performance and plushness on technical terrain, the STX22 Coil provides excellent compatibility with most setups.