Merlin’s expansive vary of rear suspension could make it tough to choose when contemplating a brand new one. Because of this, we’ve created the last word information on selecting the best shock for you.
Dimension
Our first consideration relating to shocks is sizing. There are two distinct methods through which you are able to do this with a rear shock: stroke size (measurement of compression) and eyelet to eyelet (complete size of shock). With this, it’s essential to first seek the advice of the rules out of your body manufactufurer to see what the fitting shock measurement is on your bike. Though there may be little room for adjustment on this case, the small adjustments that may be made typically lead to fairly noticeable variations. For instance, if the body producer allowed for an over stroke of two.5mm on the rear shock, the rider’s bike would compress way more than with a traditional stroke size.
{Hardware}
A shock’s {hardware} is particular to the body mounting width (proven above). As with shock measurement, your body’s producer may have a set width for a shock primarily based on body’s dimensions. There are two major kinds of shock to contemplate with body mounting, too. Most shocks have {hardware} above them nevertheless, Merlin’s vary additionally contains Trunnion shocks (proven beneath). These shocks as a substitute bolt on to the body and require a selected mounting system that the producer may have included within the guide.
Compatibility
Compatibility applies to each measurement and {hardware} in that they’re each depending on the body’s dimensions. {Hardware} and eye to eye size are barely simpler to get proper when discovering the proper shock because it merely received’t match if they’re the flawed measurement. Then again, an incorrect stroke size can’t all the time be noticed till the bike is ridden. A shock with an excessive amount of over stroke may consequence within the body bottoming out or the tire rubbing towards the body beneath compression. This is the reason it’s so essential to reference the producer’s steerage when selecting a rear shock.
Coil vs Air
The talk between coil and air shocks in mountain biking has been ongoing since air shocks entered the market. Each have very completely different qualities – however how are you aware which one is greatest for you? You must contemplate each the bike and the paths on this case. Cross nation riders, trailriders and freeriders sometimes favour an air shock for its potential to offer effectivity when pedalling, a really feel for the path and pop when leaping. In comparison with a coil, it has a a lot wider vary of tuning choices making it a normal addition on most inventory bikes. As for coil shocks, you possibly can often discover them on downhill and enduro bikes for the larger hits they’re confronted with. This shock can also be a lot better at dealing with the smaller bumps, giving the rider extra supple suggestions in comparison with the air shock.
Able to browse? See our full vary of shocks right here.
