3
1057 01/14
For additional product and safety information go to salsacycles.com/safety
SPLIT PIVOT
®
SUSPENSION SETUP
At Salsa, we believe that a sense of adventure makes life better.
The bicycle can be so much more than just a bike; it’s a path
to new places, new people, and amazing experiences.
Thank you for your purchase. We hope it makes a good riding
experience even better!
Salsa. Adventure by bike
®
.
WARNING:
CYCLING CAN BE DANGEROUS. BICYCLE PRODUCTS
SHOULD BE INSTALLED AND SERVICED BY A PROFESSIONAL
MECHANIC. NEVER MODIFY YOUR BICYCLE OR ACCESSORIES.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGS INCLUDING INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER’S
WEBSITE. INSPECT YOUR BICYCLE BEFORE EVERY RIDE.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.
Getting Started
Proper suspension setup is important to get the most out of your
Salsa Split Pivot suspension bike and preventing damage to the
damper units, the frame, and/or yourself. Initially, setup should
be performed at home or at your shop prior to heading to the trail.
This will give you adequate time to properly set and check the
shock and fork pressure as well as dial in the base damper
settings. After initial setup, subsequent use of the bike will only
require a quick air pressure check, and verification of the damper
settings in addition to your normal pre-ride inspection.
Compatibility
This setup guide is for Salsa Spearfish, Horsethief, and Bucksaw
bikes featuring Split Pivot Technology.
Tools Required
Bike with pedals
Shock pump
Measuring device (ruler, tape, or calipers)
Riding gear (including hydration pack w/water, tool kit,
and anything else you regularly carry)
A clear space with a flat, firm floor
Friend or a sturdy wall
Instructions
Step 1: Determine Target Sag
The recommended amount of sag for Salsa Split Pivot models
is 30% of the rear shock stroke and 25% of the front fork travel.
These amounts are listed in the table below in millimeters.
Note the sag amounts for your particular bike model and record
them in the “Goal” column of the table in Step 4.
Step 2: Set Initial Pressures
Knowing your riding weight isn’t necessary, but if you can
estimate, it will help you get closer to the actual final pressure
from the onset. This should help reduce the number of guess-
and-check cycles needed to hone in on the actual final pressure
settings that achieve the proper sag amount for your bike.
Use the table below to estimate the starting initial shock and
fork pressures. Record these pressures as “Press. 1” in the table
in Step 4.
Step 3: Prep the Bike
Ensure tire pressure is adequate, set the saddle height to your
normal riding position. Set any low-speed compression levers/
adjusters on the rear shock and fork to the fully open setting.
If performing this setup on your own, position the bike on a firm
level surface next to a sturdy wall so that when you are on the
bike, you can lean your near hand or shoulder lightly against the
wall for balance. If performing this setup with a friend or your
mechanic, have them straddle the front tire facing the bike and
firmly hold the handlebars between the grips and stem, in order
to balance you as you are on the bike.
Step 4: Check Rear Shock Sag
Climb on the bike, clip-in if needed, and bounce the rear
suspension a couple times. Settle into a normal seated position.
While remaining seated and still, push the o-ring on the shaft of
the rear shock firmly against the wiper seal. Then carefully
dismount the bike without further compressing the rear
suspension. Using your measuring device, measure the distance
between the seal and o-ring and record it below.
REAR SHOCK
FRONT FORK
Model
Wheel
Travel
Shock
Stroke
30% Sag
Wheel
Travel
25% Sag
Spearfish
80mm
38mm
11.4mm
100mm
25mm
Horsethief
120
44.5
13.3
130
32.5
Bucksaw
100
44.5
13.3
100
25
Model
Initial Rear
Shock Pressure
Initial Fork Pressure
Spearfish
Rider weight (lb) – 20 psi
50% of initial rear shock pressure
Horsethief
Rider weight (lb) + 10 psi
33% of initial rear shock pressure
+ 5 psi
Bucksaw
Rider weight (lb) - 30 psi
Follow RockShox Solo Air chart
SAG GOAL Press. 1/
Sag 1
Press. 2/
Sag 2
Press. 3/
Sag 3
Press. 4/
Sag 4
REAR SHOCK
/
/
/
/
FRONT FORK
/
/
/
/
