Upgrade or not to upgrade?

[JohnyL]

Hi ?
So I have a turbo levo which I have to say is the dogs, had it about 3 months.
I’ve been considering upgrading the suspension for some time BUT
I’m a rider of average skill and probably not going to be flying over jumps like a pro.
Is it worth upgrading from the Lyriks 35’s? Or the RockShox Deluxe select rear shock?
I like the idea and the look of the Fox Float Factory 36 and DPX2 and I’m sure they are plush etc.
BUT realistically would I see the performance difference as an average rider? Maybe I should just do it and go for the bling.
This may be far too sensible question and I should pull myself together I don’t know....??

 

[Doomanic]

If you really want to upgrade and actually notice a difference go for coil front and rear.

 

[steve_sordy]

That suspension is already very good and way better than most will have on their bikes.

Are you sure that you have your current suspension is set up the best way it can be?
What things do you find wrong with what you have?
What things do you want that you don't already have?

There is a lot that can be done very much cheaper than buying new forks and shocks.

I'm not saying don't upgrade, but make sure you have the best out of what you have first, especially if you are not sure what performance features you are looking for.

 

[Sofaboy73]

I’d probably upgrade the shock as I’m not a fan of the super deluxe (just swapped it out for an X2 on my bronson ), but depending on what lyriks you have, I’d think long and hard before swapping for the 36’s. I’ve got both, lyriks on the ebike and 36’s on the bronson. Lyriks are more comfortable and the 36’s better when pushing hard in really rough stuff. For 80% of most rides I prefer the lyriks, but when I need that 20% I’m very pleased I’ve got the 36’s

 

[Zimmerframe]

If you really want to upgrade and actually notice a difference go for coil front and rear.

Did he ask for birth control advice !

 

[Zimmerframe]

Is it worth upgrading from the Lyriks 35’s? Or the RockShox Deluxe select rear shock?

If you're thinking of upgrading it's either because you want something "funkier" .... in which case, well, why not ..

If it's because you want something to feel different, it's probably just a case of setting up what you already have. It's a plenty capable setup.

 

[JohnyL]

That suspension is already very good and way better than most will have on their bikes.

Are you sure that you have your current suspension is set up the best way it can be?
What things do you find wrong with what you have?
What things do you want that you don't already have?

There is a lot that can be done very much cheaper than buying new forks and shocks.

I'm not saying don't upgrade, but make sure you have the best out of what you have first, especially if you are not sure what performance features you are looking for.

Thanks, sounds like very good advice

 

[JohnyL]

I’d probably upgrade the shock as I’m not a fan of the super deluxe (just swapped it out for an X2 on my bronson ), but depending on what lyriks you have, I’d think long and hard before swapping for the 36’s. I’ve got both, lyriks on the ebike and 36’s on the bronson. Lyriks are more comfortable and the 36’s better when pushing hard in really rough stuff. For 80% of most rides I prefer the lyriks, but when I need that 20% I’m very pleased I’ve got the 36’s

Not top of the range, but still decent I expect. Feel quite good I think. Thanks for your post

FORK	RockShox Lyrik Select RC 29, DebonAir spring, Charger RC damper, 51mm offset,

 

[MrBrownstone]

No need to upgrade.

 

[Swissrob]

I have heard anecdotal stories about too much or little oil and grease in new forks and dampers. Youtoob is awash with videos about servicing suspension so I would recommend that and then setup from new. Good links on here to show you how, worst case you learn how to service suspension! I am an average rider and I think it felt better afterwards.....

 

[steve_sordy]

Thanks, sounds like very good advice

Try this, brilliant!

Bikerumor Suspension Setup Series: Full Series PDF - Free Download!

Last week, we wrapped up our six-part suspension setup series. But, we realize it’s not always practical to hunt down the particular session you need,…

bikerumor.com

 

[JohnyL]

I have heard anecdotal stories about too much or little oil and grease in new forks and dampers. Youtoob is awash with videos about servicing suspension so I would recommend that and then setup from new. Good links on here to show you how, worst case you learn how to service suspension! I am an average rider and I think it felt better afterwards.....

I think I will definitely be doing that, they’ll need a service soon enough. Encouraging that there is a forum like this willing to help also ??

 

[JohnyL]

Try this, brilliant!

Bikerumor Suspension Setup Series: Full Series PDF - Free Download!

Last week, we wrapped up our six-part suspension setup series. But, we realize it’s not always practical to hunt down the particular session you need,…

bikerumor.com

Thanks, will have a good look at that ??

 

[#lazy]

Did he ask for birth control advice !

Not sure how it works in France but a coil up the rear don’t work over here ?

 

[Beekeeper]

Did he ask for birth control advice !

or building a radio?

 

[Jackware]

Well, 3.5 hours have passed, have you succumbed to upgraditus yet?
I bet you've been checking all the options and checking the shock dimensions just in case. ?

 

[Aitrui]

I would say do what makes you happy!

Most of the time it's not about the performance difference, it's about us, wanting to buy things which makes us happy! It's pretty clear you love your bike,so if you have the money to spend on it, just do it!

 

[JohnyL]

Well, 3.5 hours have passed, have you succumbed to upgraditus yet?
I bet you've been checking all the options and checking the shock dimensions just in case. ?

I’m remarkably reserved for once!! ??

 

[Zimmerframe]

Not sure how it works in France but a coil up the rear don’t work over here ?

Do we need to change your user name from #lazy to #Lazy Poet ?

Anyway, isn't that how Twins are made ?

 

[Doomanic]

No, it's how she gets to spend $2K on a pair of shoes.

 

[Andrie]

Me too was thinking of upgrading since all my buddies have top of the line suspension stuff. However, a friend of mine that’s a mechanic for pro guys rode mine and said it’s perfectly capable. And he kicked my ass. In reality I probably would never utilize my current suspension to its potential. It’s just a case of want more than need. I just need to suppress the want!

 

[JohnyL]

Me too was thinking of upgrading since all my buddies have top of the line suspension stuff. However, a friend of mine that’s a mechanic for pro guys rode mine and said it’s perfectly capable. And he kicked my ass. In reality I probably would never utilize my current suspension to its potential. It’s just a case of want more than need. I just need to suppress the want!

Thats sound pretty bang on. It’s nice to have but probably don’t need it!

 

[MrBrownstone]

I just need to suppress the want!

Yes you do!!! Just ride the damn bike!!!

 

[Spreaders]

Once I have an upgrade in mind and the cash available to get it it's pretty much a done deal. I have a very sparkly DVO Diamond fork on one bike that I convinced myself I needed but if I am honest was just a bling purchase. Its done nothing to improve my riding as, like it's predecessor, I haven't set it up properly.

I have built up a fair few bikes from scratch and am quite comfortable fitting and maintaining every part of my bikes but I find fork and shock set up pretty daunting. Perhaps because I have not put in enough effort but I just can't seem to read the suspension feedback when riding and how to translate that into the right pressure, damping, rebound etc. to get the best ride.

I toyed with the idea of spending £300 on a shock wiz but having read up seems you really only use it once each time you set up a new bike (or fork or shock). Quick search and I found a chap who hires them out for very reasonable rates and all nice and easy as he posts to you. Got one now as just taken delivery of Jam² and also going to use it to set up that DVO and other bikes in the family.

Going well so far and fairly easy. Just calibrate the device to your shock or fork, set baseline settings recommended by manufacturer for your weight then ride for a while. Check the app on your phone for recommended adjustments, carry them out, ride some more and see if anything else needed.

Not sure if this allowed so admin please delete if not but this is where I got it if you fancy getting your current (or new bling) set up dialled in.

Fat Llama | Rent (almost) anything

fatllama.com

 

[Andrie]

I’m a race engineer (car) with emphasis on chassis setup and shock setup. To setup shock requires a good driver that can perform consistently and identify what’s the car doing. Without this driver, no amount of shock/chassis setup will work because ultimately the driver needs to like it.

I find this to translate to any suspension setup, be it mtb. I don’t try to setup my mtb right now because my skill is really low. I just go with manufacturers recommendation until or if my skill ever improve.

Regarding shockwiz, I found this review that is interesting. You might want to do what he did and do a double or triple test using the same route.

 

[Spreaders]

Cheers for the review @Andrie, clearly not all think it worth £300. For those who know how to do it or a professional used to reading handling I get that feel is a better way to set up your suspension. For me I reckon renting this has to be an improvement on my setup and as a rental the shockwiz makes sense.

If @JohnyL is unhappy with his current set up or feels it can do better than currently set with manufacturers recommendations, not sure what his alternatives are other than hang in there till you learn how to set it up properly yourself.

That is assuming he is a better man than me and can resist spending more to make it look pretty instead of dealing with the underlying performance.

 

[JohnyL]

I’m a race engineer (car) with emphasis on chassis setup and shock setup. To setup shock requires a good driver that can perform consistently and identify what’s the car doing. Without this driver, no amount of shock/chassis setup will work because ultimately the driver needs to like it.

I find this to translate to any suspension setup, be it mtb. I don’t try to setup my mtb right now because my skill is really low. I just go with manufacturers recommendation until or if my skill ever improve.

Regarding shockwiz, I found this review that is interesting. You might want to do what he did and do a double or triple test using the same route.

View attachment 33290

View attachment 33291

View attachment 33292

I think before I do anything I’ll be getting my head in to the setup of what I have first. Certainly doesn’t look to be straightforward. Thanks for the info ??

 

[JohnyL]

Cheers for the review @Andrie, clearly not all think it worth £300. For those who know how to do it or a professional used to reading handling I get that feel is a better way to set up your suspension. For me I reckon renting this has to be an improvement on my setup and as a rental the shockwiz makes sense.

If @JohnyL is unhappy with his current set up or feels it can do better than currently set with manufacturers recommendations, not sure what his alternatives are other than hang in there till you learn how to set it up properly yourself.

That is assuming he is a better man than me and can resist spending more to make it look pretty instead of dealing with the underlying performance.

Haha it’s not over yet. Anything could happen ?? I am very much leaning towards getting my head in to it first though, that might distract me enough to not spend money ??

 

[Doomanic]

I have a Shockwiz available for hire if anyone is interested.

 

[speedkills]

I'd ask, are you satisfied with your suspension? If not, then changing it up is an easy decision, if you are happy with it, then it's a harder question. In my example, I picked up a Specialized Levo Comp with the Lyrik Select fork and it has quite bad compression spiking, even with the adjustment softened up as much as possible. It hurts my forearms when I ride downhill through a lot of rocks, so I'll definitely be fixing it. If I didn't ride in such a rocky area, probably wouldn't bother.

Regarding the shockwiz, it's true that you need a rider skilled in giving feedback to improve suspension adjustment, I think that is exactly what the shockwiz is designed for, to be better than you at providing feedback. If it's not better than you, then it's probably a waste of money, but if you just think your suspension feels "bad" but can't articulate why, then you may not be able to fix it either, and then a shockwiz while worse than a pro suspension tuner, might be better than you. If you can ride the bike and immediately tell that you would like a little more mid-stroke support, and a touch less rebound damping then the shockwiz is probably not for you.