REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Confused about stiffness of Rock Shox Recon SL

7896 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by One Pivot, Dec 29, 2009

elcocopeli

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2009

I own a stock 2009 Kona Kula, with a Rock Shox Recon SL fork.

The fork seems incredibly stiff for the type of trail I ride (loose limestone rocky, packed soil). I've put up with it for over a year, but I'm wondering whether the ride can be adjusted smoother without necessarily replacing the spring.

I've read through some of the Rock Shox manuals, but am not convinced that if I adjust air pressure in a suspension fork that it will make the ride any more "squishy". Don't even know if that's possible with the Recon SL.

I just don't want to be beaten to death on the trails anymore. Any thoughts?

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CharacterZero

· #2 · Dec 28, 2009

elcocopeli said:
I've read through some of the Rock Shox manuals, but am not convinced that if I adjust air pressure in a suspension fork that it will make the ride any more "squishy". Don't even know if that's possible with the Recon SL.

Why not?
That is the very basis of air-fork performance. More air=stiffer, less air=squishier.

Now, when looking at the specs, it appears to me that the SL is a "solo air" version of the fork, and therefor, there is no spring in it to replace.

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elcocopeli

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 28, 2009

You make a good point.

Shortly after posting this question, I went out into the garage and fussed with the air pressure and rebound settings on the shock.

Surprise! I got the ride I wanted.

One thing I did learn, though, was that a standard tire inflation chuck won't fit over the shock's air valve. I used a 16 gram CO2 I had laying around and a quick inflator.

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CharacterZero

· #4 · Dec 28, 2009

elcocopeli said:
You make a good point.

Shortly after posting this question, I went out into the garage and fussed with the air pressure and rebound settings on the shock.

Surprise! I got the ride I wanted.

One thing I did learn, though, was that a standard tire inflation chuck won't fit over the shock's air valve. I used a 16 gram CO2 I had laying around and a quick inflator.

Yeah, I would suggest picking up a shock pump for fine-tuneage. I had a dual air RS and ran it at about 55% of body weight for a plush ride...more for stiffer.

Now, glad it worked out for you - what amount of travel were you using before out of the 100mm on the front?

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GrantB

· #5 · Dec 28, 2009

A floor pump or a CO2 inflator are the wrong tools for adjusting your fork. A high pressure shock pump is the ticket. Ask the guys at the bike shop. Get the pump, find the manual for your fork online and start your pressures at those recommended by Rock Shox and see how you do.

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elcocopeli

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 28, 2009

CharacterZero:

I'd say about 50mm? The shock was incredibly stiff as set by the dealer. I was too stupid to make any adjustments for a long time.

GrantB:

I didn't know that. I'm taking a trip to some of the local shops today and will see what I can find. Still trying to figure out the whole "negative air chamber" thing...

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bad mechanic

· #7 · Dec 28, 2009

If fork is Solo Air equipped, as Mr. CharacterZero suggest, then the negative air chamber is self regulating, and you don't need to worry about it. Also, as has been mentioned, buy a proper shock pump for it. Finally, one of the big benefits of a air spring, aside from it's weight, is the fact you can adjust it exactly for your weight.

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Jim311

· #8 · Dec 28, 2009

Be seriously careful about using a CO2 inflator to adjust pressure. It contains a ton of pressure and is difficult to regulate.

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elcocopeli

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 29, 2009

I was able to set the fork to about 100m travel after procuring a fork pump. The subsequent 25 mile ride was ridiculously different than the year past. Very comfortable, and I can even understand now why folks like their full suspension bikes!

Live and learn, I suppose...

On to the next project.

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One Pivot

· #10 · Dec 29, 2009

haha, at least you ended up with what you need! glad you got it worked out man.

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