[Cary]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to follow up about what I did for a bike for my sister. I was looking at the Santa Cruz Julian, Specialized FSR and Titus Racer-X. I happened to ride with Impy and see her racer-x and she is really fond of it. Then I came accross a nearly new one on the Classifieds in the right size AND it was located near [email protected], a shop I deal with online a lot (he sold me my Turner). So, Larry now has sitting at his shop the below beauty waiting to be packed and shipped out. I wish the picture was better as the color is really nice.

So my question is, does anyone have some recommended pressures for the shock and fork to start with. It is a 2004 model with the Float R propedal and a Duke SL air fork. My sister weighs about 110-115 pounds. Also, tire pressures that work well at that weight? (I am a 225 pound clyde so it is a bit hard for me to estimate).

Thanks

 

[CycleMainiac]

Oh my, that's a pretty color. Ask for the manuals to the shocks. They will have the recommended pressures for various weight riders. Your shop guy Larry might could tell you or you might could find the info online at the manufacturers sites.

Encourage your sister to experiment with different pressures at different places; tires and shocks.

I generally run my tires at about 30 front and 35 rear. But again it depends on the surface I'm riding that day. I also like my fork more squishy that most and my other shock a little stiffer. The rebounds need to be set to not counter act each other too.

Most of all, ride lots and have fun.

Welcome to the dark side. (I should get some Titus stock)

 

[pfunk]

some numbers based on my ride

It is a 2004 model with the Float R propedal and a Duke SL air fork. My sister weighs about 110-115 pounds. Also, tire pressures that work well at that weight? (I am a 225 pound clyde so it is a bit hard for me to estimate).

Thanks

Just some rough #'s for you. I weigh about 130lbs. I run my for air shock at right around 100 lbs. Might start it at 90lbs for her, and go from there. I believe you'll want about 1/4 inch of sag.

I run a coil fork, so can't help you there.

tires I run a panaracer fr 2.4 up front and just got a fire xc pro for the rear (2.1) Not quite used to the rear yet. I usually run 25 up front and 30-35 in the rear tire. I've been riding for 3 years, and have NEVER had a pinch flat.

btw - titus rocks! I have a loco myself.

 

[catzilla]

I believe in most shocks the air pressure is dependant upon the rider's weight, and the leverage ratio of the bike. This just means I may have two different bikes with two different rear shock pressures. Usually shocks pressures are set according to the "sag" (sag is the amount the shock compresses when you are sitting on it vs. when no weight is on the bike).

There is a decent description of setting the sag/air pressure here:
http://www.titusti.com/racerx_om.html

I haven't been able to find anything conclusive, but in most bikes using the rider's weight is a decent starting point. If this seems way off, you might want to multiply or divide the rider's weight by two.

She will indeed be able to run very low tire pressures. I'm 125lbs and tend to run at 20-25psi. But, I'm riding a hardtail, have larger volume tires, and am pretty well skilled, meaning I don't case the parking curbs that I bunny hop anymore. Starting her at the 30ish range is probably pretty appropriate.

 

[Cary]

Thanks for the info. I wanted to try and give her some good starting points. I am located in CA and she in TX so it makes it hard to just meet up and help with setup. I had to argue with her a bit about getting the bike, she said it isn't pratical and to much money (she is a MD), I said I wasn't going to argue given the amount she rides and the fact she won't buy herself a nice bike.