[Mr.P]

Well, I think I've been reading too much in the IronHorse forum...

I just laid down some cash for an 04 Expert. I sought it out after all the good reviews. I've been lurking this forum and want to say thanks for the good info.

Here is my dillemma:

I have a
- 3 month old Cane Creek AD-5 (currently set up for a Fuel)
- 5 month old Manitou Swinger (stock shock)

Both are 6.5 long.

Speedub.Nate raves on the CaneCreek AD-12, which is the same as an AD-5 but with external adjustments.

Any suggestions on which to run? I am leaning towards the AD-5. I got it for the Fuel and it improved the already efficient design. I'm thinking the same will happen here.

And if I go with the AD-5 what are good settings, including volume chamber?

Thanks,

Mr. P

 

[Speedub.Nate]

I gotta tell you, I like the AD-12 (and -10) because of all the adjustments, but I'm not so hip on the AD-5 because of what it lacks. I like the ability to dial in compression and rebound damping on my AD12, and you won't know if the factory settings for your AD-5 are a good match to the Hollowpoint until you bolt one up and try it.

Once dialed in, I don't feel the AD-12 is necessarily superior to the other shock out there (the Swinger and 5th Air both offer quality travel), but I do like the simple at-home servicability, quick and cheap rebuild kits, and Cane Creek's excellent customer service.

It'll be a $20 crapshoot to test out the AD-5 on that bike (or whatever the cost of a new spacer set is from Cane Creek). You might call or email them in an attempt to determine if they think you're shock's Fuel damping is appropriate for the Hollowpoint.

 

[Mr.P]

Thanks for the quality info Speedub.Nate.

It's true that the AD-5 doesn't have the external adjustments, but it does have them inside and one can tune via a valve kit. I just need to find the settings.

Do you adjust your settings during a ride?

A few technicals here that can help guide me for initial set up:
What internal air volume setting do you have yours set at?
What level a dampening?
What level compression?

I will contact Cane Creek as get some info from them, they were helpful before.

Thanks,

Mr. P

 

[Speedub.Nate]

Rarely touch the external adjustments once everything is dialed.

I'd have to double check what position I have the volume plate in. I bumped it down from max, but don't recall where it ended up. Set yours according to your suspension usage: Open it if you don't use all your travel, and close it down if you're bottoming out too frequently.

Attached is an archived shot with the damping adjusters showing. Rebound (silver) is dialed down pretty far. This is normal for an air damped shock, especially at the high 235 psi I run it at for my 200 pound weight. If you're lighter and use less pressure, you'll want less. The compression screw (black) has 4 lines showing.

As long as you're willing to work at tuning it, the AD5 will work out fine for you.

Edit: Sorry, forgot to include the pics!

 

[Mr.P]

Thanks again!

Sorry for not posting my weight and riding style. That has a great effect on the shock settings:

185 lbs.
Aggressive XC - with air when I can get it (former BMXer)
4.5 inch travel setting

I like to tinker so I think I will be ok. I just don't like to tinker on the trail, especially if I am going to hold up my fellow riders so permanent settings are good with me.

Nate, can you repost the pic, it isn't showing up and I think it will help me a lot.

Thanks for your time!

I just emailed Cane Creek and will let you know what they say.

Mr. P

 

[Mr.P]

Thanks for the pics Speedub.Nate.

I just heard back from Cane Creek and they said that settings for the Fuel version of the AD-5 are the same for the HollowPoint.

They said to mount it and fiddle with air pressure.

Of course personal riding style will play into the settings so I may still need to crack it open.

I may have just gotten lucky and have a plug and play solution.

When I work out all of the settings I'll repost.

Thanks,

Mr. P