Upgrading Your Suspension with Jade Coil Rear Shocks

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Upgrading your bike’s suspension is a crucial step towards improving ride quality and overall performance, especially for riders looking for enhanced control and comfort on rough trails. The DVO Jade Coil [paid link] Rear Shock is a top-tier option for riders seeking a high-performance solution. This guide will cover the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the Jade Coil [paid link], as well as provide troubleshooting tips, customization advice, and comparisons with other rear shock models to help you make an informed decision.

Tools Required

Before starting the installation and adjustment process, ensure you have the following tools:

  • 8mm and 10mm wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 2.5mm, 3mm, and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Shock pump
  • Measuring caliper
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Lubricant (optional, for shock mounting hardware)

Installation of the DVO Jade Coil Rear Shock

Step 1: Remove the Existing Rear Shock

To begin installing the Jade Coil Rear Shock, you’ll first need to remove your current shock. Follow these steps:

  1. Use an 8mm or 10mm wrench to loosen and remove the bolts securing the existing rear shock to the frame and swingarm.
  2. Carefully remove the shock from the mounting points, making sure to keep track of any spacers or washers that may be attached.

Step 2: Prepare the DVO Jade Coil for Installation

Before installing the Jade Coil rear shock, ensure that it is properly sized for your bike. DVO’s shock is designed to fit a wide range of bike models, but confirming compatibility with your bike frame is essential.

  1. Check the eye-to-eye length and stroke length of the Jade Coil to ensure it matches your bike’s specifications.
  2. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the mounting hardware, where the shock connects to the frame and swingarm. This helps prevent creaking and eases the installation process.

Step 3: Install the DVO Jade Coil Rear Shock

  1. Align the shock with the mounting points on the bike frame and swingarm.
  2. Slide the shock into place, ensuring that the mounting holes are properly aligned.
  3. Secure the shock using the bolts provided with the shock, tightening them to the recommended torque specifications (usually around 30-35Nm).
  4. Double-check the alignment and tightness of the shock to ensure that it is securely mounted.

Adjusting the DVO Jade Coil Rear Shock

The DVO Jade Coil offers a wide range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for your specific riding style and terrain. The main adjustments include:

Spring Rate Adjustment

The spring rate determines how stiff or soft the shock feels. A correct spring rate ensures that the shock performs optimally during compressions and rebounds. Here’s how to adjust it:

  1. Determine your ideal spring rate based on your weight and riding style. DVO offers a range of springs for different weights.
  2. To swap the coil spring, first remove the shock from the bike. Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to unscrew the spring preload adjuster, then slide the old spring off.
  3. Replace the old spring with a new one that corresponds to your desired spring rate.
  4. Reinstall the shock and make adjustments to the preload by tightening or loosening the preload collar.

Compression and Rebound Damping

The DVO Jade Coil features separate compression and rebound damping controls, allowing you to adjust the shock’s response to bumps and impacts.

  1. Compression Damping: This controls how quickly the shock compresses. For smoother trails, reduce compression damping. For rougher, more technical terrain, increase it for better support.
  2. Rebound Damping: This controls how quickly the shock returns after compression. Slower rebound damping helps smooth out the ride on technical terrain, while faster rebound can be more responsive on smoother trails.

Air Pressure Adjustment

The shock requires the correct amount of air pressure to function correctly. Use a shock pump to adjust the pressure to match your weight and the type of riding you plan to do.

Maintenance and Care of the DVO Jade Coil

Maintaining your DVO Jade Coil rear shock is essential for ensuring long-lasting performance. Here are some tips for regular maintenance:

Cleaning and Inspection

  1. After each ride, clean the shock using a rag to wipe off dirt and debris. Pay particular attention to the eyelets and shock body.
  2. Inspect the shock for any signs of wear, such as leaking oil or damaged seals. If you notice any issues, consult a professional for servicing.

Periodic Servicing

DVO recommends having your Jade Coil rear shock serviced every 12 months or after 100 hours of use, whichever comes first. Servicing includes replacing the oil, checking the seals, and ensuring that the shock is operating smoothly.

Spring Maintenance

Over time, the spring may lose some of its tension, especially if you ride aggressively. It’s a good idea to periodically check the spring for any signs of wear or damage. If the spring is visibly worn, replacing it with a new one can restore the shock’s performance.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Even with proper installation and adjustment, some common issues can arise with the DVO Jade Coil rear shock. Here’s how to address them:

Sag Issues

If your shock feels too soft or too stiff, you may need to adjust the sag. Sag is the amount the shock compresses under rider weight.

  1. To adjust sag, ensure that the spring rate is correct for your weight.
  2. Adjust the preload collar to fine-tune sag until you achieve approximately 25-30% sag when sitting on the bike.

Bottoming Out

If the shock bottoms out too often, it could indicate that the compression damping is too low or the spring rate is too soft. Increase the compression damping or consider upgrading to a stiffer spring.

No Rebound

If the shock does not return properly after compressing, the rebound damping might be set too low. Increase the rebound damping to allow for proper return after compression.

Customizing and Optimizing the DVO Jade Coil

To get the most out of your DVO Jade Coil rear shock, consider these customization options:

Adjusting for Different Riding Styles

If you’re primarily riding cross-country trails, you may prefer a lighter spring rate and lower compression damping for a more responsive ride. On the other hand, if you’re riding downhill or aggressive trails, opt for a stiffer spring rate and increased compression damping for greater control and support.

Fine-Tuning the Damping

Fine-tuning the damping settings is key to getting the perfect ride feel. Experiment with small adjustments to both the rebound and compression settings until you find a balance that suits your preferences and terrain.

Comparing the DVO Jade Coil with Other Rear Shocks

When considering rear shocks, it’s important to compare features and performance characteristics. The DVO Jade Coil stands out for its high-quality build, impressive adjustability, and excellent damping performance. Here’s a comparison with other popular rear shocks:

DVO Jade Coil vs. Fox Van Coil

  • Damping: The Jade Coil offers more fine-tuning options, including separate low-speed and high-speed compression, whereas the Fox Van Coil has simpler damping adjustments.
  • Weight: The DVO Jade Coil is slightly heavier than the Fox Van Coil, but this is due to its robust construction and more refined internals.
  • Customization: The Jade Coil offers more customization options for different riders, making it a versatile [paid link] choice for varied trail conditions.

DVO Jade Coil vs. RockShox Super Deluxe Coil

  • Performance: The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil offers excellent performance for aggressive riders, but the DVO Jade Coil is often preferred for its smoother ride quality and enhanced small-bump sensitivity.
  • Build Quality: DVO’s attention to detail in its shock design often results in a more premium feel compared to the RockShox Super Deluxe Coil.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The DVO Jade Coil rear shock is compatible with a wide range of bike models and drivetrain components. However, it’s important to ensure that your frame and rear triangle can accommodate the specific eye-to-eye length and stroke length of the shock. It’s also essential to check if your bike’s suspension linkage system is compatible with the shock’s mounting hardware.

For the best performance, it’s advisable to match the Jade Coil with high-quality suspension forks and drivetrain components, ensuring smooth, efficient suspension movement and an overall balanced ride.