suspension: rear shock adjust

[John]

Being the 'frugal' SOB that I am, the best/'frugalist' method that I have found is a bicycle tire pump, and check it with a tire gauge that is marked in one psi increments. Just a few of pumps is all you need. It is a very small area that you are pressurizing, so like it was mentioned earlier, you will loose a couple of psi just by checking the pressure, so it may take a few attempts to get everything equal.

[webbcraft2150]

Most of the "oilfree" air compressors will come with a regulator that you can adjust pressure with. The higher end, belt driven compressors may or may not come with a regulator. If you don't have a compressor yet and want to get this done just get yourself a small bike pump with a quick release chuck. I have one that you can operate without having to put it on the ground and put your foot on it. If we get off on air compressor recommendations this thread will grow real quick and really get off topic. I can tell you one thing before you buy, listen to it run first. Some (most) of the oilfree units are VERY loud when they run. Look at the specs and see what the "run" horsepower is. Alot of the manufactuers rate theres at "peak" horspower which isn't even close to actual horsepower. My reccomendation, Quincy QTS3 for most uses. Also sold under the "Airmaster" brand. Belt driven reciprocating compressor is the only way to go.

[Axel]

forks and shocks

Still unclear as to the settings and air pressure of the forks and shocks . Can someone dummy it up . Thanks . Axel

[Axel]

I set my damping wheels all to 2 . They were at 4 . I put 8.5psi in the fronts and 28psi in the rears . The shop had my rear wheel at 40+ so i set it at 36 . I also had to let air out to get the front tire to 32psi . This is with cold tires . I weigh 200lbs and have no real place for luggage . I have no good reason for my settings other than i read them in here .

[mro]

Best way is to try different settings until you find the combination that YOU like .
Plenty of different type roads in Oakland, twisties in the hills, smooth to pot holes and HY 13/580/880 to test on.

Can pick up a cheep pressure regulator, attach a quick disconnect and short hose to it then attach to hose on your compressor. Get one that can be set from 0 to 50 psi (if can't find, check with car paint store).

OR, send me a PM and we can meet at my shop and we can go over your bike. You should be no more than 20 minuets away.


mro
same to you in Canada, just will take you longer to get to my shop

[Axel]

why is there air ?

OK . What is damping ? What does the setting actually do ? The air pressure would seem to make the shocks harder . Is damping the speed they extend /compress ?

I go to the corner and use the electric compressor for a quarter
Still pressurizes pretty fast but works .

Thanks for the invite ,you never know . Axel

[mro]

OK . What is damping

1 a : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : CHOKE b : to diminish the activity or intensity of <damping down the causes of inflation> <liquid damps out compass oscillations> c : to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2 : DAMPEN
intransitive verb : to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation
3 : Damp, to be less than XSivley wet


mro
shop open for any XSive

why is there air ?

do you really want an answer for that one?

[Axel]

That doesnt help

[mro]

That doesnt help

Sorry, what part you don't get?

The damping settings help regulate (more or less) the "speed" shock or spring compresses and/or de-compresses, sorta to smooth it out some.


mro
3 : Damp, to be less than XSivley wet
I just made that part up

[skids]

You see those springs in the shocks? Imagine the carnival ride experience if they continue bouncing up and down with no "dampening." The shock cylinder actually destroys that energy by converting it to heat.

Originally posted by Axel
That doesnt help

[mro]

actually destroys that energy

Tish Tish there skids...

Can not create nor destroy matter or energy,
but can convert it to one form or another.

mro

[Axel]

So , might setting # 1 be loose and quick and maybe setting # 4 be slow and thick .
I guess a bit of test riding must be done either way .
Oh , and my shocks have a rubber boot over the (springs?) so I cant see them .

[mro]

Oh , and my shocks have a rubber boot over the (springs?) so I can't see them .

So.......how do you know there there?


mro
think this is going to be a long night
time to mix another vodka

[motoman]

Possible air shocks installed by P.O.?

[Axel]

sleepy

You know - I'm not sure they are . Are there springs in car shocks or struts ? I'm getting a headache . I just found out the PO of my bike put a bolt in when he stripped the clutch adjustment . So I guess thats my priority . Then work . Then food ...