Fanylion Mountain Bike Team
Official site of the Fanylion Mountain Bike Team. Includes mountain bike ride guides, gear reviews, bike maintenance, team reports and rider profiles of the Fanylion Racing Team.
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5th Element Coil Set Up
So you’re the proud owner of what is arguably the best coil shock there is; but do you know how to set it up and get the most from it? Here is a step by step guide on how to set your shock for optimum performance.
1. Air Pressure Setup (Silver Cap)
Before riding ensure that the correct air pressure is installed or serious damage to the shock, your bike or yourself could result. I weigh approximately 14 stone and run a pressure of 120-125 psi; this gives a fairly firm, responsive ride without being overly soft or wallowy. Don’t worry about the pressure dropping slightly when re-apply the pump as this is just the chamber filling up.
2. Pre-load and Sag (Adjustment Collar)
Firstly measure the eye to eye length of the shock (mount hole to mount hole). If for example it is 100mm and then you sit on the bike and the measurement is now 80mm, then the sag is 20mm or 20%. I run the sag at about 25%, which is ideal for XC: downhill or freeride duties require more sag, usually about 33%. The pre-load adjustment collar can be used to reduce or increase sag accordingly.
3. Air Volume Setting (Blue Nut)
To adjust the air volume take a16mm socket and ¼ drive wrench and adjust accordingly. I use a large air volume (counter clockwise). If you use less then clockwise from fully in. Once you are happy, check the air pressure again as described in section 1.
4. Rebound Adjustment (Red Allen Screw)
Using a 4mm Allen key, adjusting the rebound screw clockwise will slow down the rebound and anti-clockwise will speed up the rebound. This is going to be a personal preference so something between a “snap-back” and “sluggish” rebound is best. Too fast and it will throw you off, too slow and rear wheel will pack down and not return for the next bump. The best idea is to adjust whilst out on the trail thus giving a better feel of how you like it set.
5. Beginning and End Stroke Adjustment (Blue Allen Screws on shock chamber)
The beginning- and end-stroke adjustments control the velocity and speed sensitivity of your shock. The ideal adjustment is suited to the model of your bike but adjustments that are too firm will induce “spiking” (where shock doesn’t have time to react to the terrain).
The Beginning-Stroke will determine the ride firmness and stability of the bike. I start anti-clockwise and work from there until I am happy with the feel. Again the End Stroke adjustment is a personal preference due to model of bike and rider weight as this adjustment determines the firmness of big hit and sharp edged hits. Again, start with a minimum setting (anti-clockwise) and work from there.
6. Maintenance
No matter what conditions you ride in ensure the shock is serviced as stipulated in the manual and checked at regular intervals throughout its working life in order to retain the plushness and performance you expect and keep it operating as it should. There is no point paying for the best shock on the market only to neglect it so it works like a bag of knackers.
Any further queries email me at FanyLion towers: starkey@fanylionracing.com
Fany fact
Make sure you donate to the Mountain Rescue & Air Ambulance whenever you see a collection box. Remember, on your next ride you may need them, especially if you ride with Team FanyLion.