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SPV AIR
PRESSURE
The SPV technology depends
on air pressure to function properly. Use of the fork or shock with
improper air pressure will cause damage and failure of the unit and
will void the warranty. Note that this is not spring pressure, but is the
valve located on top of the fork stanchion or the reservoir of the
shock. The air pressure
setting controls the starting compression force that affects the pedaling
platform and bump-dump blow-off, as well as the overall compression
damping characteristics. This is the primary adjustment of SPV technology.
The SPV air pressure range is 40-175 psi. Never use a pressure below or
above this recommended pressure range.
To quickly get “in the ballpark” for your
weight, set the starting pressure to recommended settings below.
The air pressure also affects the sag, so you should set the air pressure
before setting the spring (air or coil preload) and sag. The air pressure
setting will vary according to the following: 1) rider weight, 2) spring
rate, 3) bike leverage ratio, and 4) personal preference. Lower pressures
will create a lighter platform for a softer ride and lower blow-off
threshold to the bump dump feature. Higher pressures will provide a firmer
platform for firmer pedaling, firmer ride control and a higher blow off
threshold to the bump-dump feature.
Once you find an acceptable setting, note that
this may not be the optimal setting for all riding. Some courses or trails
may have more pedaling sections (requiring higher SPV pressure), some may
have more small “chatter bumps” (requiring lower SPV pressure) and some
may have more big hits, drops and jump landings (higher SPV pressure and
volume ramp). With SPV, this can all be done in a matter of minutes with
an air shock pump and a 16 mm socket!
1. SPV PRESSURE:
Start by pressurizing the red Schrader valve to the
following percentage of your body weight:
Pounds and PSI
Rear
Shocks - SPV 50-70% of your body weight
(between minimum 40 and maximum 175 psi)
Forks -
SPV/SPV Evolve 30-40% of your body
weight (between minimum 40 and maximum 175 psi)
Forks -
Snap Valve SPV 35-50% of your body weight
(between minimum 40 and maximum 175 psi)
Kg and Bar
Rear
Shocks - SPV 7.5-10.5% of your body weight
(between minimum 2.75 and maximum 12 bar)
Forks -
SPV/SPV Evolve 4.5-6.5% of your body weight
(between minimum 2.75 and maximum 12 bar)
Forks -
Snap Valve SPV 5.25-7.5% of your body weight
(between minimum 2.75 and maximum 12 bar)
More pressure will create more compression damping, hold
the bike up more, and pedal better.
Less pressure will create less compression damping, allow
more sag, producing a more supple ride.
2. SAG:
Set
your air pressure or use the main spring of your fork or shock that
corresponds with your normal sag range (approx 25-40% of travel, depending
on application. DH requires more sag while XC riders typically run less).
For shocks, your main spring air pressure can go up to 300psi (21 bar) so
start with a higher pressure, sit on the bike to measure sag, and decrease
pressure until approximately ¼ if your travel is taken up by your static
weight. Ride, then make minor adjustments according to your preference if
necessary.
3 SET SPV
VOLUME:
You should begin with the red 16mm volume adjuster
completely backed out (note: 3-way rear shocks and
Snap Valve SPV lack this adjustment). Go for a ride. If you feel you’re
bottoming out or that your suspension feels too linear
(ie. it doesn’t ramp up enough) turn the volume adjuster inwards ½ a turn at a time until the rear shock or fork
resists bottoming while maintaining full
travel.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Max Air Can Pressure for Air shocks: 300psi (20
bar)
SPV Pressure Range: between 40-175 psi (2.75-12
bar)
Note: This information will get you started, but riding
styles and preferences differ greatly, as do frame
designs and leverage ratios. Because of these factors there is no magic
computer that can input your weight and output your
optimal settings. Within these ranges, play with your adjustments until you find a setting that you
like. | 
