- Pag. 4. -
2-2. Selecting rear travel (only XtC Team, XtC Mt. Snow and XtC Big Bear).
XtC Mammoth and XtC Napa have just one possibility to assemble the rear shock unit: the so called
“Marathon” setting. This setting has been developed to insure maximum control: fixed maximum rear
wheel travel of 3¾”, with relatively low shock rebound speed.
XtC Team, XtC Mt. Snow and XtC Big Bear models however, have 2 possibilities to mount the rear
shock unit, the so called “Pro Racing” settings.
These “Pro Racing” settings offer the rider the choice of 2 different rear suspension characteristics,
depending on personal preference, how fast or slow the course is and how high or low the shock
impacts are. These 2 characteristics are more aggressive than “Marathon” setting and purely
developed for hard core racing.
Position “1” of the “Pro Racing” setting results in a 3” maximum rear wheel travel, with a high rebound
speed.
Position “2” of this “Pro Racing” setting results in a 3¾” maximum rear wheel travel, but the suspension
characteristics are not the same as “Marathon setting”: rebound speed higher than “Marathon” setting,
but lower than “Pro Racing” position “1”.
The ideal setting cannot be prescribed by Giant, but here are some tips:
Position “1” with 3” travel may be an option for fast races or courses with relatively low shock impact
(smooth terrain). Because in this setting the rear shock unit doesn’t need such a high “positive” air
pressure, it’s also recommended for heavier riders, say 80 kg. or more.
Position “2” with 3¾” travel may be more suitable for slower and very technical races or courses with
relatively high shock impact (rough terrain). In this position the rear shock unit needs a higher “positive”
air pressure, so it’s less suitable for heavier riders.
Position “1”
Position “2”
Figure 3.