5th Element Air Set-up ... made simple
These tips are to be used in conjunction with Owner's Manual. Remember, what might be your perfect set-up may not be the same for someone else with the same bike and equal weight - we, like our bikes, are individuals!
1. The main air spring pressure controls the 'sag' of the shock. Sag is the compression of the rear wheel caused by the rider's weight. Correct sag allows the rear wheel to follow the contour of the terrain as you ride and has the biggest effect on how the bike feels. Sag is expressed as a percentage of maximum stroke and is best set at 20-30% for XC (firm) and 25-35% for Enduro (plush). To increase your sag reduce the main air spring pressure. To reduce sag increase the main air spring pressure. For initial settings refer to your bike owners manual set-up
2. Before finalising the main air spring pressure, first inflate the IFP chamber to 80 psi.
3. Sitting on the bike in your riding gear and normal riding position with your elbow against a wall for balance, push up & down allowing the the shock air spring to push your weight back up until it settles. Now reach down & roll the shaft O-ring against the air can wiper seal before gently getting off the bike. When you get off the bike the shock will extend and you can measure the distance in mm between can wiper seal and the O-ring. Check this measurement in the table below to see your % sag. To increase your sag reduce the main air spring pressure. To reduce sag increase the main air spring pressure.
Shock Size Stroke 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
6.5x1.5" (165x38) 38mm 8mm 10mm 11mm 13mm 15mm
7.5x2.0" (190x51) 51mm 10mm 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm
7.875x2.0" (190x51) 51mm 10mm 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm
8.75 x2.5" (222x63) 63mm 13mm 16mm 19mm 22mm 25mm
4. IFP Air Pressure - Lower pressures (50-90psi) will provide a softer ride & lower blow-off threshold for sharp edge hi-speed bumps (large & small), and are ideal when the going is on the slippery side or you're looking for a smooth ride. Higher pressures (95-125psi) will provide a firmer ride control, firmer pedalling & a higher blow-off threshold for sharp hi-speed bumps (large & small) & work well when it's dry & pedally. If you alter the IFP pressure by more than 20psi you will need to check your sag again & possibly alter the main air chamber pressure.
NOTE - Some people damage the shock pump by screwing it in too far. As soon as the gauge registers pressure, screw ½ turn more and pump to the desired level. Use the black button on the pump to reduce air pressure. By the way, you know that hiss you hear when you unscrew the pump? That's the air from the pump, not the shock! Likewise, when you attach the pump, the opposite happens and air from the shock fills the pump, reducing the pressure around 30-60 psi in the IFP & 10-15 psi in the main air spring. All perfectly normal and no need to change your desired pressure!
5. Rebound is the speed at which the shock returns after being compressed. Gently turn the rebound adjuster clockwise until it stops. This is the slowest rebound setting. Now turn the adjuster anti-clockwise 2 turns. From this point you can fine-tune your shock. If you feel the shock is too fast in rebound turn the adjuster clockwise, if it's too slow - anti-clockwise. Make small ½ turn adjustments and try again. When adjusting the rebound, please note that ‘+’ gives you slower rebound and ‘-‘ makes it faster, i.e. less damping. Do not force past the ‘soft stop’ at both limits of adjustment as this will damage the shock. There are between 3.5 & 4 full turns of rebound adjustment
The rest is experience on the trail. Go to your favorite trail and ride short loops of it where possible - don't forget your pump! Ride various obstacles to experience how your 5th Air shock works. Only change one thing at a time and then determine if this is good or bad. Each time you change a setting make a note of the change. Setting up suspension takes time. Experiment a little and enjoy!
Once you find your perfect air pressures and damping settings, make a note of them for future use.
###
Peace,
Roger
Linear Mode
