Swapping shock on Jamis 650B

[Pattack]

I'm thinking of swapping out my stock RS Monarch for a Fox RP type shock with a lock out. Would like a firmer suspension. Is this a good idea or bad? Any suggestions? Thx.

[keen]

I'm thinking of swapping out my stock RS Monarch for a Fox RP type shock with a lock out. Would like a firmer suspension. Is this a good idea or bad? Any suggestions? Thx.

I prefer Fox products over RS. A custom tuned Fox would be even better.

[skidad]

Think I would try the custom tune option from X-Fusion on the 02 RCX shock. Give em all the info and they'll valve it and set it up for you, the bike and ride conditions.

X Fusion Shox - RCX

Did you try increasing the IFP pressure on the Monarch? Standard is 250psi and you can go as high as 300 or low as 200. That should firm it up quite a bit. I dropped mine to 200psi and while it now rides better I still can't get full travel. For my 185lbs geared up weight and the conditions I ride the shock needs a LL tune vs the current MM.

[AgentPhatrick]

Thx Ski dad. Does running a higher pressure make the shock more firm? Sounds like a stupid question buuuut...

[skidad]

It should firm it up some but mostly increase bottom out resistance if you increase the pressure.

In my case I lowered it as I can't get full travel even with 40% sag. It helped the ride for sure but I still can't get that last 10mm of shock travel from a 50mm stroke shock. Yes I want it all and in essence my 130mm travel bike is really 120mm right now

[fskywalker]

I switch mine to a Fox RP-23 since prefer Fox products. (Image below)



Is your frame like mine or the newer MP4 format?

[AgentPhatrick]

Yep I have the 2012 frame. I like the pro-pedal feature of the Fox. I upped the pressure in my Monarch and like the results for climbing but it did seem to bob a bit on the pavement. It is also a noticeable harsher ride. At 30% sag it seemed supper cush. At 25% not so much...

[skinewmexico]

Think I would try the custom tune option from X-Fusion on the 02 RCX shock. Give em all the info and they'll valve it and set it up for you, the bike and ride conditions.

X Fusion Shox - RCX

Did you try increasing the IFP pressure on the Monarch? Standard is 250psi and you can go as high as 300 or low as 200. That should firm it up quite a bit. I dropped mine to 200psi and while it now rides better I still can't get full travel. For my 185lbs geared up weight and the conditions I ride the shock needs a LL tune vs the current MM.

Great advice. I just have to figure out what IFP, LL and MM are.

I do wish my frame would break and they'd replace it with the MP4.

[skidad]

Great advice. I just have to figure out what IFP, LL and MM are.

I do with my frame would break and they'd replace it with the MP4.

IFP = Internal floating piston This piston resides in the shock shaft
LL = Low compression Low rebound
MM = Medium compression and Medium reboound

[Dougie]

It should firm it up some but mostly increase bottom out resistance if you increase the pressure.

In my case I lowered it as I can't get full travel even with 40% sag. It helped the ride for sure but I still can't get that last 10mm of shock travel from a 50mm stroke shock. Yes I want it all and in essence my 130mm travel bike is really 120mm right now

Some of the Monarch's come with internal rubber rings (shims) on the inside of the air can. If you have trouble getting full travel with the correct amount of sag, then just open up the can and play with the number of spacers.