Merlin’s expansive vary of rear suspension could make it troublesome to select when contemplating a brand new one. For that reason, we’ve created the final word information on selecting the best shock for you.
Dimension
Our first consideration in relation to shocks is sizing. There are two distinct methods by 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 precise shock measurement is to your bike. Though there may be little room for adjustment on this case, the small adjustments that may be made usually 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 far more than with a standard stroke size.
{Hardware}
A shock’s {hardware} is restricted to the body mounting width (proven above). As with shock measurement, your body’s producer can have a set width for a shock primarily based on body’s dimensions. There are two predominant varieties of shock to think about with body mounting, too. Most shocks have {hardware} above them nonetheless, Merlin’s vary additionally consists of Trunnion shocks (proven under). These shocks as an alternative bolt on to the body and require a selected mounting system that the producer can 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 right shock because it merely gained’t match if they’re the mistaken measurement. However, 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 might consequence within the body bottoming out or the tire rubbing in opposition to the body underneath compression. Because of this it’s so essential to reference the producer’s steerage when selecting a rear shock.
Coil vs Air
The controversy 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 finest for you? It’s best to take into account each the bike and the paths on this case. Cross nation riders, trailriders and freeriders sometimes favour an air shock for its capability 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 typical 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.
