Info is available on line
Johnles1 said:
I just got a mtb with a Manitou R7 FFD fork.
Have question (I'm sort of a newbie on this).
In the manual it says the adjustments that are availble are AIR and REBOUND DAMPING.
The manual has no instructions on how to adjustments though.
(Also, answerproducts.com doesn't have that fork listed).
On the top of the left side is an little cap covering an air valve.
On the top of the right side is a nut that says FFD (fluid flow damping).
On the bottom of the right side is the control for rebound damping.
Question:
1) What is the nut on the top of the right side for (FFD)?
It can be turned, but I dont know what it does, if anything.
2) How do I adjust the AIR on the left side?
Like, when does it need to be filled or checked and how do you do that?
Thanks
Answer Products has information on their web site for the R7, here is how to find it:
- Go to the Answer home page and click on the Tech Support link at the top of the page
- It will take you to a page that allows you to choose Product Manuals or Service Guides
- For the Product Manuals, choose Forks/2006 All Manitou Forks/All years
- Pages 1-5 of the manual will give you general information
- For the Service Guides, choose Forks/R7/All years
- This will give you complete information on how to disassemble and reassemble your R7
The cap on the top of the LH fork leg is for your main air spring. You will need a good quality shock pump (
not a tire pump) with a "no leak" head in order to properly inflate the air chamber. Start with an air pressure equal to about half your riding weight (e.g. 75 psi for a 150 lb. rider) and adjust up or down to attain the correct amount of sag (usually about 25%). Sag is the amount of distance that your fork compresses when you sit on it, without putting any weight or pressure on the fork. To check for sag, wrap a zip tie around one of your fork stanchions and position it at the edge of the stanchion seal, where it meets the lower fork leg. The zip tie should be snug, but still able to slide up and down the stanchion. Carefully get on the bike (use a work bench or wall to steady yourself) and sit in an upright, riding position. Get off the bike and check how far the zip tie has moved -- this is the sag measurement. For a 100mm travel fork, the amount of sag should be around 25mm (+/- 5mm).
Check your air pressure at least once per month -- more if you ride regularly. Write down your optimum air pressure setting so that you don't forget what it is.
According to the Answer product manual, FFD is not externally adjustable, so be careful when turning the nut on the top RH leg. If you are turning it counterclockwise, you may back it off completely. I suggest that you call Answer tech support to confirm whether or not this nut is adjustable.
Start with the rebound adjusting knob backed all the off (i.e. minimal damping). If your fork "tops out" after hitting a bump, then gradually add rebound damping (~1/8 turn each time) until it feels right. When you get your rebound damping adjustment optimized, write it down as well.
