Tuning and Maintenance
Shock Tuning Guidelines
The Ripley provides a wide range of adjustment based on rider weight, size of
bike and personal rider preference. The primary adjustment you need to make is
to add preload for heavy riders, or back it off for light riders.
Ibis offers tuning kits with softer and stiffer springs, and you are invited to
call us any time for help in tuning.
The factory-set spring configuration for the Ripley is measured with the
adjuster (part # 11 pg. 9) mid-travel (factory preload settings on next page).
Turning the adjuster out two turns will give you the light preload (left picture
below), and turning the adjuster in two complete revolutions will provide you
with the heavy preload configuration (right picture below). There are 4 com-
plete turns of adjustment available on the shock, each corresponding to
approximately 15 pounds of rider weight adjustment.
Note: Do not adjust farther than the two extremes (4 turns apart).
You will
know when you are at either extreme by a visual inspection of the adjuster. If
the bottom of the adjuster is flush with the bottom of the shock mount (2"
diameter piece) you are at maximum preload. The adjuster won’t turn any
further. If you need more preload, first use a harder main spring (part #8 page
9). If you need even more preload, install a new supple spring (part # 4 pg. 9).
If you begin to see the o-ring groove on the side of the adjuster, you are at the
minimum preload setting. If you are not getting enough sag and you are at
this setting call us to get a softer spring.
Minimum Shock Preload
Maximum Shock Preload
4
5—Lubricate the outside of the main spring, insert.
6—Pull down on shock to release pressure and thread in shock adjuster. You
should be able to turn two full turns by hand before needing to use the
wrench.
7—Set the preload and sag as mentioned above.
8—Ride. A lot.
9
Shock Diagram
What They’re Called
1—Shock Boot
2—Shock Body
3—Seat Washer
4—Supple Spring
5—Inner Sleeve
6—Center Bolt Washer
7—Center Bolt
8—Main Spring
9—Bottom Out Bumper
10—O-Ring
11—Adjuster
