Specialized EPIC EVO, User Manual

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8. AIR SHOCK SETUP
When setting suspension, always set the shock first and fork second for air
pressure, rebound, then compression.
Make sure you’re wearing all gear that would normally be worn on a ride
(shoes, helmet, hydration pack if used, etc.).
Please visit the suspension calculator tool at www.specialized.com. The
suspension calculator provides a personalized baseline suspension setup
recommendation based upon your specific height and weight. The baseline
information should be considered as a suspension setup starting point.
Adjust your suspension as needed based on your experience/preference and
terrain conditions.
8.1. SETTING AIR PRESSURE
1. Set the shock compression lever or knob (blue) to the full open or off position, and set the
rebound knob to the middle of the click range.
2. Attach a high-pressure shock pump to the air valve and set your shock pressure based on the
personalized baseline suspension setup from the suspension calculator.
3. To check the sag, push the o-ring against the seal, then mount the bicycle while propped
up against a wall and sit in the saddle in a normal riding position, without bouncing the
suspension. Do not set sag while riding!
Sag is measured as the distance between the o-ring and the shock body’s seal,
after the rider’s weight has been applied to the bike, with no bounce. When the
pressure is correctly set, sag should measure approximately 11mm of stroke,
depending on rider experience/preference and terrain conditions. If the rider is
approaching 300lbs, sag may exceed the bike’s prescribed amount.
To equalize the air pressure, cycle the shock or fork anytime after the air
pressure has been adjusted.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the shock manufacturer’s maximum pressure. Refer
to the shock manufacturer specifications for maximum shock pressures.
8.2. ADJUSTING REBOUND
Rebound damping (red knob) controls the rate at which the shock returns after it has been
compressed. Each rear shock has a range of rebound clicks to fine-tune the rebound return rate.
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Adjust the rebound based on the range provided in the suspension setup tool for your bike
setup and rider weight, as well as other factors like rider experience/preference and terrain
conditions, then fine-tune during the ride if necessary. If you do not have access to the
suspension setup tool, start in the middle of the click range.
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Clockwise for slower rebound (heavier riders, slow speed, bigger hits).
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Counter-clockwise for faster rebound (lighter riders, higher speeds, small bumps, more traction).
It is best not to veer too far from the recommended clicks, since being too far
out of the accepted range can negatively impact the ride experience.
8.3. ADJUSTING COMPRESSION
Compression damping (blue knob) controls the amount of support of the shock platform. In
other words, the shock’s ability to resist low-speed pedaling forces while still being able to
absorb high-speed compression forces.
Please refer to the suspension manual for specifics about the compression options provided by
your suspension. Typically, a suspension is equipped with some or all of the following settings:
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OPEN: Low-speed compression setting optimized for the perfect balance of control and
plushness for steep, aggressive descents.
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PEDAL (certain models): Moderate low-speed compression setting is activated for an
optimal blend of pedaling efficiency and bike control on variable terrain.
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LOCK: The firmest low-speed compression setting is activated for maximum pedaling
efficiency.