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Adjusting the Damping Control
The damping is adjusted by valves inside. These valves are designed to
modify the flow rate of the oil and hence the speed with which the rear
shock moves in and out. In this way it is possible to optimise the bicy-
cle’s reaction to obstacles. Furthermore, any bobbing movement of the
rear frame while pedalling can be reduced. When you intend to make a
long uphill ride out of the saddle, it is advisable to disable the damping,
if the rear shock has a lockout mechanism. For downhill rides on rough
ground the lockout mechanism must be open
(a)
.
Rear shocks with adjustable damping
(b)
are fitted with an adjusting
knob that is (mainly) red to slow down or accelerate the rebound move-
ment. The second (mainly blue) knob, if available, is to adjust the speed
of the compression movement and/or to actuate the lockout function.
Start the adjusting
with a completely open damping (rebound and com-
pression on “-“)
(c)
. Ride over an obstacle (e.g. a kerb) and turn the re-
bound damping in small steps towards the “+” setting. You have found
the proper rebound setting when the rear shock does not compress and
rebound more than once.
Adjusting the compression damping requires a lot of fingertip feel and
experience. A softer damping makes for a good response, but also en-
hances the compression of the rear shock when riding over obstacles,
e.g. kerbs, or makes the rear frame bob when riding out of the saddle.
A stronger damping makes the rear shock more rigid which reduces the
riding comfort. Always check a modified adjustment during an off-road
test ride
(d)
.
If you are not sure about how to adjust the damping or if you face
any problems during adjustment, contact your WHEELER bicycle dealer
and follow the respective instructions in the rear shock manufacturer’s
manual, which you can find on the enclosed CD.
G
Do not turn any screws in the vague hope of adjusting them
somehow. You could release the fastening mechanism, thus
causing an accident. All manufacturers normally mark ad-
justment devices with a scale or with “+” signs (for stronger
damping/harder suspension) and with “-“ signs.
g
Do not ride your bicycle, if the rear shock often bottoms
out. This could damage the rear shock itself as well as the
frame. Always adjust the spring rate to the rider’s weight
and riding conditions.
g
A too strong damping of the rear frame can result in a slug-
gish rebound movement with a rear shock that will not re-
cover when exposed to a quick series of impacts. Risk of
accident!
a
Do not actuate the lockout function when riding over rough
terrain
(e-h)
, but only when riding over smooth terrain
(roads, field tracks).
Adjusting the Travel
Some rear shock models allow travel adjustment. With some models
reducing the travel makes for an easier uphill riding. A reduced travel
may result in modified spring characteristics of the rear shock making
the rear shock either softer or firmer. This can reduce the suspension
comfort.
With other models, changing the travel does not result in modified
spring characteristics. The rear shock provides the same suspension
comfort, however, with a reduced travel.
a
Do not ride with a reduced travel over rough terrain, in par-
ticular downhill!
i
For more information on adjusting the travel, please read
the enclosed instructions of the rear shock manufacturer,
which you can find on the enclosed CD.
Maintenance
Rear shocks and rear frames are components of sophisticated design
that require regular maintenance and care. This has led almost all rear
shock manufacturers to establish service centres where you can have
your rear shock thoroughly checked and overhauled at regular intervals
according to use, e.g. once a year. Be sure to have all bolted connec-
tions checked at regular intervals by your WHEELER bicycle dealer.
a
b
c
d
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e
f
g
h
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