How to find the right Bike Rear Shocks AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Bike Rear Shocks
- Eye-to-eye and stroke
- Match the frame's spec exactly: metric sizes such as 210x55 or 230x60, or imperial sizes such as 7.875x2.0 in. Metric and imperial sizes are not interchangeable, and a wrong length changes geometry or makes the bike bottom out against the frame.
- Mount type
- Trunnion versus standard eyelet must match the frame. Standard eyelets also need the correct bushing or hardware width and bolt diameter. A trunnion frame cannot take an eyelet shock at the upper mount, and wrong hardware widths cause play or binding.
- Frame clearance
- Confirm piggyback reservoir and coil spring clearance through full travel, including bottle cage and linkage. Large reservoirs and coil springs often foul compact frames.
- Coil spring rate
- Calculate the rate from rider weight, the frame's leverage ratio and the target sag (typically around 25 to 30 percent for trail bikes). Coil springs are not pressure-adjustable, so a wrong rate means buying another spring.
- Damper tune
- Use the tune the frame maker or shock maker lists for that frame where possible. Compression and rebound tunes are matched to leverage ratio, and the wrong tune feels harsh or wallowy.
Brands that matter
- RockShox: Deluxe and Super Deluxe lines are widely spec'd, with many sizes and tunes.
- Fox: Float air and DHX/DHX2 coil lines are strong performers.
- Cane Creek: Twin-tube dampers offer independent high- and low-speed adjustment.
- Öhlins: Premium air and coil shocks with a strong reputation for coil feel.
- DVO: Adjustable air and coil shocks with responsive service.
- EXT: High-end coil shocks known among gravity riders.
- Marzocchi: Bomber coil shocks give simple, durable value.
- Push Industries: Boutique coil shocks, often custom-tuned to frame and rider.
What to avoid
- Cheap unbranded spring shocks on a real full-suspension mountain bike. They have little or no rebound damping.
- Ordering by eye-to-eye length alone while ignoring stroke and mount type.
- Assuming your old hardware fits a new shock without checking the bushing system.
Questions
Where do I find my shock size?
Check the frame maker's geometry or spec sheet for your model and year. Measuring the installed shock center to center and its shaft travel also works, but confirm the mount type.
Can I go longer for more travel?
Only if the frame maker approves it. Longer stroke can cause tire or linkage contact and changes geometry.