I'm starting to pay some attention to shocks and forks these days and as evidenced elsewhere I have a few questions.


Next one is...


Around the output area for the main shock shaft there is a sticker, in my case 175lbs.

Am I correct in assuming that this referes to the shocks "state of tune"?
If this is the case what denotes / segregates one tune from another?
Does this tune refer to the weight of the rider or summut else.
Can it be changed other than sending to a specialist shock shop?
If so, what needs to be done to change the shocks state of tune?

Although specialist shops do service these shocks I can't get over how much they charge for a straight forward service given with P&P it can't take more than 45mins and < £10 of parts.

I understand you pay for the knowledge and can understand the cost if you elect to go for a re-tune but a service?????

Rod

A Fox RP23 is a Fox RP2 that has 3 settings for 'pro pedal' mode. RP2 has a lever for 2 positions, fully open or pro pedal, which has a level of support to help reduce pedal bob, the RP23 allows you to have this setting at either light, firm or hard, it doesn't affect the 'open' set-up at all. Specialized do a 'Tirad' shock, it's an RP2, but has a 3rd position for 'locked out'. Confusing eh ?

Furthermore each shock, whether RP2 or 23 has a base level of compression damping marked on the side, someone like Mojo or TFT could change that for you if you need to, I guess it's only if you have an RP2. Other Fox shocks are just R, these have no pro pedal and are always open (fitted on lower spec Lapierre or Giants IIRC).

Craig.

Opps... just noticed I forgot to say tah for the post!


Erm,

Tah, for the info Craig. Pretty close on my guess then and would explain why I blow through the compression stroke when the shock is in the fully open mode when sag is set correctly for my weight of 200 lbs

Looks like the option to send the shock off for a service is a better proposition if I can have the damping slowed a little at the same time.


Rod

If it has the high-volume can then that could cause it.

It does have a high volume can... but causes what?... the blowing through its' travel???

Rod

Yeah absolutely, the larger volume means it doesn't ramp up as fast as the standard can so can have a tendency to blow through the travel too easily. Simply, smaller air volumes ramp up faster and so provide more support, yet small bump compliance should remain about the same so long as you configure the same sag (which should require a little less pressure than before).

A popular fix is to either replace the can with the standard version, or modify the outer ring on the high-volume sleeve to consume its internal volume, say with strips of flexible plastic, or possibly grease (I haven't tried this myself though - but would be a quick and easy way to try it out).

What modifying the volume does:
Click to view attachment

Some links to have a look at:
http://www.ihatebikes.net/site/how-to/read...tom-out-issues/
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=5513120

EDIT: Forgot to mention, Fox also offer volume spacers now that do the same thing, could be an alternative:
http://service.foxracingshox.com/consumers...gSpacerProc.htm
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/tech-tuesday-...pacer-2011.html