The Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link]+ rear shock from RockShox is a high-performance suspension component designed for aggressive trail and enduro riding. While the Super Deluxe Coil offers exceptional performance, like all bike components, it can sometimes encounter issues that hinder its optimal function. In this guide, we will walk you through some of the most common problems with the Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link]+ rear shock and provide detailed solutions for troubleshooting.
Poor Shock Performance
Symptoms:
- The shock feels either too soft or too firm.
- The bike doesn’t provide the desired control or comfort during rides.
- There is a noticeable lack of responsiveness from the shock.
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect spring rate.
- Inadequate rebound or compression damping settings.
- Damaged or worn-out shock internals.
Solutions:
- Check the Spring Rate: The most common cause of poor shock performance is using the wrong spring rate. A coil spring that is too soft or too stiff for your body weight and riding style can lead to improper shock behavior.
- Solution: Refer to RockShox’s spring rate chart and match your rider weight with the recommended spring rate. If necessary, swap the spring for one that better suits your needs.
- Adjust Rebound and Compression Damping: The Super Deluxe Coil Select+ features external rebound and compression adjusters. If the shock feels unresponsive or too bouncy, adjust the rebound and compression settings.
- Solution: Start by adjusting the rebound to a mid-range setting. If the shock is too slow to recover, increase the rebound damping. Conversely, if the shock feels sluggish, decrease the rebound. Adjust the compression damping based on how stiff or soft the shock feels during compression.
- Inspect Shock Internals: Over time, internal components like the damper or piston can wear out. If adjustments to the settings don’t resolve the issue, there may be a need for internal servicing.
- Solution: If you suspect internal wear or damage, take your rear shock to a qualified suspension service technician for inspection and servicing.
Sag and Bottom-Out Issues
Symptoms:
- The shock bottoms out frequently during heavy impacts or aggressive riding.
- The shock feels overly squishy and doesn’t support your weight effectively.
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect sag setup.
- Too soft or too stiff of a coil spring.
- Lack of proper preload adjustment.
Solutions:
- Set Proper Sag: Ensuring the correct amount of sag is one of the most critical adjustments for proper shock function. The Super Deluxe Coil Select+ typically recommends around 30% of travel as the ideal sag.
- Solution: Set your sag by compressing the suspension with your body weight while the bike is stationary. Measure the amount of compression and adjust the preload collar accordingly to achieve the recommended sag.
- Adjust the Spring Preload: If you are experiencing bottoming-out issues, you may need to increase the preload on your coil spring. Preload affects the initial ride height of the shock and can help with controlling the bottom-out resistance.
- Solution: Use the preload adjuster to tighten the spring. Make small adjustments and test the bike to find the optimal balance between comfort and resistance.
- Check Spring Rate: A spring that is too soft will often cause the shock to sag too much and lead to bottoming out. Likewise, a spring that is too stiff may prevent the shock from using its full travel.
- Solution: Reassess your rider weight and ensure the spring rate matches your needs. If you are unsure, consult RockShox’s guidelines or speak with a suspension expert.
Leaking Oil or Air
Symptoms:
- Oil stains around the shock body.
- Decreased shock performance due to loss of damping.
- Air or oil leaking from the shock reservoir.
Possible Causes:
- Seal failure.
- Impact damage to the shock body.
- O-ring or seal wear.
Solutions:
- Inspect Seals: Over time, the seals on your shock may degrade, leading to oil or air leaks. This is a common issue in heavily used suspension components.
- Solution: Carefully inspect the seals and O-rings for signs of damage. If they appear worn or cracked, replacing the seals should restore the shock’s performance. Many bike shops offer seal replacement services if you’re unsure how to proceed.
- Check for Impact Damage: Hard impacts or crashes can damage the shock body, leading to oil leakage or internal pressure loss. If the shock body is visibly bent or dented, it may need to be replaced.
- Solution: If you notice significant damage to the shock body, it’s best to take the shock to a professional for an inspection to assess the need for replacement.
- Service the Shock: Oil leaks are often a sign that the shock needs to be serviced. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and internal cleanings, helps prevent this issue.
- Solution: Consider sending your shock to a RockShox service center for a full inspection and rebuild if the leak is persistent or performance continues to degrade.
Noisy Shock
Symptoms:
- The shock makes clunking, popping, or squeaking noises during compression or rebound.
- Unusual sounds are heard when riding over bumps or drops.
Possible Causes:
- Insufficient lubrication on moving parts.
- Dirt or debris trapped in the shock.
- Loose mounting hardware.
Solutions:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation of the shock. Lack of lubrication can cause noise and poor performance.
- Solution: Apply suspension grease to the shock’s mounting hardware and moving parts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on appropriate lubricants.
- Clean the Shock: Dirt and debris can accumulate around the shock body, causing friction and noise. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues.
- Solution: Wipe down the shock with a clean cloth after each ride and use a mild soap solution to remove any grime that may have built up.
- Tighten Mounting Hardware: Loose bolts or fasteners can also lead to unwanted noise. Check all mounting hardware for tightness.
- Solution: Inspect the shock’s mounting points, ensuring the bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Tighten any loose fasteners.
Lack of Adjustability or Lockout Functionality
Symptoms:
- The lockout feature doesn’t engage or disengage properly.
- Difficulty adjusting the compression or rebound settings.
Possible Causes:
- Hydraulic lockout failure.
- Mechanical linkage issues.
- Incorrect lockout setting or dial position.
Solutions:
- Check the Lockout Mechanism: If the shock’s lockout function isn’t working correctly, the hydraulic system or mechanical components could be at fault.
- Solution: Examine the lockout lever for proper engagement. If the lockout is not functioning, it could require a fluid change or internal servicing by a professional.
- Inspect the Adjuster Dials: The compression and rebound adjusters may become stiff or non-responsive due to wear or contamination.
- Solution: Clean the adjuster dials and lubricate them if necessary. Make sure the adjusters are not stuck or obstructed by dirt.
- Internal Servicing: If adjustments still don’t yield the desired results, there may be an internal issue with the shock’s damper assembly.
- Solution: Send the shock for professional service to inspect and repair the internal components, such as the damper or hydraulic systems.
By understanding these common issues and solutions, you can ensure that your Super Deluxe Coil Select+ performs optimally and extends its lifespan. Regular maintenance and timely troubleshooting will keep your bike’s rear shock in top condition, providing the best possible performance on the trail.