rider is seated in a normal, relaxed riding position. Add or release air pressure to the
suspension, compress the shock once, and recheck your measurements to achieve
the desired sag setting.
NOTE: Rear suspension preload is a matter of personal preference. We encourage
riders to experiment with different preload settings and find the setting that suits
them best. If too much preload is set, the suspension will be stiff and unresponsive
over small bumps. Alternately, if the preload is too soft, the rider may feel some
amount of "bouncing" while climbing or sprinting, and may tend to bottom out the
shock (compress it to the limit of its travel) on large bumps.
REBOUND DAMPING ADJUSTER KNOB
Rebound damping controls the speed at which the suspension returns to its
extended position after being compressed by a bump. The rebound damping on
some Fox rear shocks can be adjusted by turning the red knob located on the shock
body. To set the rebound damping to a heavier position (for slower suspension
return), turn the adjuster knob clockwise. Conversely, to set the damping lighter (for
quicker suspension return), turn the knob counter-clockwise.
Rebound should be as fast as possible without kicking back and pushing the rider off
the saddle when riding the bike in rough terrain. If the rebound is too slow the
suspension will not allow the wheel to follow the changing terrain. Determining the
proper rebound setting may take a number of rides. During the first few rides adjust
the damping and note the different ride characteristics. You may want to change your
rebound setting for different riding conditions.
COMPRESSION DAMPING ADJUSTER
Some Fox rear shocks also have a two-position compression adjuster that
changes the rate at which the shock compresses through the shock stroke,
stiffening the shock against small bumps. The compression adjustment may be
activated by a blue lever on the shock or by an optional handlebar-mounted
remote rear lockout lever.
Determining the proper compression setting is a matter of personal preference,
and different trail conditions may favor either the stiffer or more plush
compression setting. During the first few rides adjust the two position blue lever
to vary the compression characteristics, and figure out which setting you prefer
for different situations.
SCALPEL REAR SUSPENSION PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
SCALPEL REAR SUSPENSION PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
All Cannondale Scalpel models use Fox shock absorbers to provide 65mm of rear
wheel travel, which is ideal for race-oriented cross country use. The Fox FLOAT
shocks use an air spring to adjust the stiffness of the rear suspension, and oil to
damp the suspension movement. To get the best performance from the rear
suspension, the preload pressure in the rear shock should be adjusted to suit the
rider's weight and riding style. Before adjusting the air spring preload, clean any dirt
from the area around the Schrader valve on the shock absorber. Also, if equipped
with a blue compression adjuster lever or remote rear lockout, make sure that the
lever is in the "open" or "unlocked" position.
1. With the rider off of the bike, attach a high pressure precision air pump with gauge
to the threads and add air pressure equal to the rider's weight MINUS 10% (in p.s.i.).
For example, if the intended rider weighs 180 lbs, you would inflate the shock to 162
p.s.i. (180 18 = 162). Then compress the suspension once to charge the negative
air spring. This inflation is a good starting point, but can be fine tuned by following
the remaining steps.
2. With the rider off of the bike, slide the
shock wiper O-ring (found on the body of
the rear shock) up to the shock air
sleeve. If you don't have a wiper O-ring
on your shock body, put a zip tie around
the piston and slide it up against the air
sleeve. See Fig. 3.
3. Have the rider sit on the bike in a
normal, relaxed cycling position, with
both feet on the pedals and weight on
the seat. It may be easiest for the rider to
lean against a wall or post. It is important
that the rider not bounce on the bike.
Then have the rider carefully dismount
the bike, again being careful not to
bounce on the bike.
4. Measure the distance between the O-
ring or zip tie and the air sleeve. This
initial compression is the suspension
"sag." See Fig. 4.
5. Most riders prefer to set the preload
so that the bike's rear shock compresses
about 1/8" 1/4" (3 6mm) when the
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
5
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
5
O-ring or zip
tie against
piston
Measure
"sag" here
4
5
