Suspension - Set Up - Shock Sag

SETUP   CANE CREEK   CURNUTT   DT SWISS   FOX BOOST VALVE   FOX PROPEDAL   MANITOU SPV   MARZOCCHI   PROGRESSIVE   ROCK SHOX   FORK SAG   SHOCK SAG   FORK PRESSURE   SHOCK PRESSURE   FORK SPRING RATES   SHOCK SPRING RATES           The SAG corresponds to initial suspension sinking due to the rider’s weight.   How to measure SAG In order to measure the SAG, you only need to carry out the following steps. First measure the shock eye-to-eye length (H1) without you sitting on the bike (see picture 1A below). Sit on the bike and measure the shock eye to eye again (H2) (see Picture 1B below). Take the difference between the two measurements; divide it by the shock absorbers shaft travel. SAG = H1 - H2     How to find the best SAG Sag settings for XC and All Mountain riding are 15-20% of the total rear shock travel.   Sag settings for Downhill and Freeride riding are 25-30% of the total rear shock travel.    The following calculation is sufficient to calculate the optimal SAG for your rear shock: SAG = T x S T = total travel; S = suggested sinking percentage. The optimal SAG can be obtained by varying the spring preload (rear shock with coil spring), or by varying the inline air pressure (rear shock with air spring).

Eye to eye and shock stroke   A is the eye to eye measurement, and B is the shock stroke length - remember to include the shaft length hidden by the bottom out bumper.         Shock Sag Example 2   Sag is the amount of shock travel that is used as the rider sits stationary on the bike. The purpose of sag is to pre-load the shock and force the rear wheel down toward the ground when the bike is unweighted over small bumps. This helps to maintain contact and traction over rough terrain. Typically, sag on rear shocks is 15 to 35 percent of available wheel travel. Check with your bicycle manufacturer to determine the rear wheel travel and recommended sag for your particular bike before setting sag. To set sag on your rear shock, you will need to adjust the spring preload by using the preload collar. Turn the preload collar away from the spring until the spring feels slightly loose by hand. This equals zero preload.   important: the preload collar should maintain contact with the spring and the spring should only feel slightly loose on the shock when moving it by hand. if there is excessive movement in the spring you will not get an accurate sag measurement.   Reach in between the shock coils and move the bump stop until it rests against the seal head. Gently get onto your bicycle and sit in your normal riding position, then carefully step off your bicycle.   important: if you jump on your bicycle or move too much while getting on or off, you will not get an accurate sag measurement.   Measure the distance between the bump stop and the seal head. This is your sag measurement. Write it down. You can calculate your sag as a percentage of travel by using the following formula: [Sag measurement(mm) x 100] / shock shaft travel(mm) = %sag