The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate rear shock is an exceptional component for mountain bikers who prioritize performance, durability, and adjustability. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the world of coil shocks, maintaining this rear shock is essential to ensure optimal performance. In this guide, we’ll walk through the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting steps, as well as how to optimize the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate for better performance on your bike.

Tools Required

Before beginning any maintenance on your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate rear shock, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• 3mm, 5mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
• Torque wrench [paid link] (required for precise adjustments)
• Suspension oil (RockShox recommended)
• Shock pump (compatible with RockShox air valves)
• Rags or cleaning wipes
• Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Caster oil or a similar suspension lubricant
• Seal kits (specific to the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate)

Installing the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Rear Shock

Installing the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure that the shock is securely mounted and performs optimally. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare Your Bike: Ensure the bike is secure, ideally mounted in a bike stand [paid link]. If not, have an assistant hold the bike steady while you work.
2. Remove the Old Shock (if applicable): If you’re replacing an old shock, start by removing the existing shock using the appropriate Allen wrenches [paid link]. Ensure the bolts are loosened properly to avoid damaging the mounting hardware.
3. Install the New Shock: Position the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate into the shock mount on your frame. Ensure the shock is aligned properly with the frame’s shock mounts. The damper and coil spring should be positioned correctly in relation to the frame and swingarm.
4. Secure the Bolts: Using the 8mm Allen wrench [paid link], insert the mounting bolts and tighten them according to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. It’s important to tighten the bolts evenly on both ends of the shock to prevent undue stress.
5. Check the Installation: Before you begin adjusting the shock, verify that the shock is securely in place and there is no excessive movement or play. If needed, double-check that all bolts are torqued to spec.

Adjusting the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Rear Shock

The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate offers a variety of adjustments that allow riders to fine-tune their suspension for different riding styles and terrain. Here’s how you can make these adjustments:

Spring Preload Adjustment

Adjusting the spring preload is essential for getting the right sag, which affects the overall suspension performance.

• Locate the preload collar on the coil spring.
• Turn the collar clockwise to increase preload and counterclockwise to decrease it.
• A general guideline is to set the sag to around 30% of the total shock stroke for aggressive riding, or a little less for cross-country use.

Compression Damping Adjustment

The compression damping adjustment controls how the shock behaves when it’s compressed. The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate provides an adjustable low-speed compression knob and a high-speed compression circuit.

• Low-Speed Compression: Use this for slower, deliberate compression actions (like pedaling and braking). Adjust the knob to your preferred setting by turning it clockwise for more damping or counterclockwise for less.
• High-Speed Compression: This adjustment controls faster impacts (like hitting drops or technical terrain). Use the high-speed compression adjustment to dial in your shock’s response to big hits.

Rebound Damping Adjustment

Rebound damping affects how quickly the shock returns after compression. Too much rebound damping can cause the bike to feel sluggish, while too little can lead to an uncontrolled ride.

• Adjust the rebound dial located at the bottom of the shock body. Turning it clockwise slows the rebound, while counterclockwise speeds it up. Aim to adjust so the shock returns quickly but doesn’t bounce too much.

Maintaining Your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Rear Shock

Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate and keeping it performing at its best. Here are the necessary maintenance steps:

Cleaning the Shock

Clean your shock after every ride, especially if you’ve been riding in wet or muddy conditions.

• Use a rag or cleaning wipe to remove dirt and grime from the shock body.
• Pay special attention to the eyelet and mounting areas, as these are prone to dirt buildup.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the shock’s seals.

Lubricating the Shock

Periodically lubricate the shock to reduce friction and wear on internal components.

• Apply suspension-specific lubricants to the shock body, focusing on the seals and the coil spring.
• Use a clean rag to wipe off excess oil.

Full Service (Every 50-100 Hours of Use)

To ensure peak performance, RockShox recommends a full service every 50 to 100 hours of riding, or at least once a year if you ride infrequently. This involves removing the shock from the bike, disassembling it, and replacing the seals and oil.

• Disassemble the Shock: Carefully remove the coil spring and disassemble the shock using the appropriate tools.
• Inspect Internal Parts: Check the damper and seals for wear. If necessary, replace the seals using a fresh seal kit.
• Reassemble and Refill with Oil: After replacing any worn components, reassemble the shock, refilling it with the recommended suspension oil.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite its high performance, the Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate may encounter a few issues that affect its performance. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:

Shock Bottoming Out

If the shock is bottoming out frequently, it could be a sign of insufficient spring preload or improper compression damping settings.

• Check Spring Preload: Ensure that the preload is set correctly. Increase the preload if necessary.
• Adjust Compression Damping: If the shock is too soft, increase the low-speed compression setting.

Excessive Rebound

If the shock is rebounding too quickly, this can lead to a rough ride and even damage to the shock.

• Slow Down the Rebound: Use the rebound adjustment to slow down the shock’s return rate. Turn the dial clockwise to increase damping.

Lack of Control

A lack of control over the bike’s handling can be attributed to improper damping adjustments or a shock that’s not tuned to the rider’s weight and riding style.

• Review All Adjustments: Go through each of the damping settings (compression and rebound) to fine-tune the shock’s behavior. Test the shock under different conditions to find the optimal settings.

Optimizing Performance for Better Ride Quality

To optimize the performance of your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate, it’s essential to make slight adjustments based on your riding style and terrain. For example, more aggressive riders may need to stiffen the shock’s compression and preload, while lighter riders may prefer a softer setup for better comfort and traction. Experimenting with small tweaks will help you dial in the perfect setup for your riding needs.

Matching the Shock to Your Bike’s Geometry

The Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate should be paired with the right bike geometry to achieve the best performance. When setting up the shock, make sure the linkage, frame, and shock are compatible with one another. If your bike is designed for aggressive riding, consider a firmer setup, while for trail riding, you may prefer a more plush, forgiving setting.

Fine-Tuning for Specific Terrain

Adjusting the shock based on the terrain you’re riding on will improve the handling and responsiveness of your bike. For downhill riding, more compression and rebound damping may be necessary to control fast impacts, while for cross-country, a softer and more responsive setup will help maintain comfort and efficiency.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate rear shock is essential for ensuring a smooth, controlled ride. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and careful adjustments can help extend the life of your shock and optimize performance based on your riding style. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently service your shock and keep it in top condition for countless hours of high-performance riding.