SR Suntour Rear Shock Absorber User Manual
Introduction and Warnings
WARNING! This manual contains important information for the correct installation, repair, and maintenance of SR Suntour shock absorbers. Please note that proper installation, repair, and maintenance require special tools and knowledge. Basic mechanical skills may not be sufficient. For installation, repair, or maintenance, it is strongly recommended to entrust SR Suntour shock absorbers to qualified mechanics. Incorrect installation, repair, or maintenance can lead to shock failure, subsequent accidents, injury, or even death.
Always read this manual thoroughly before using the shock absorber. SR Suntour shock absorbers contain gas and liquid under extreme pressure. Carefully follow the warnings provided to prevent injury or death. Never disassemble an SR Suntour shock absorber, as improper disassembly can lead to serious injury.
Always use genuine SR Suntour parts. Using parts from other manufacturers will void your warranty and may cause shock failure, subsequent accidents, injury, or death. SR Suntour shock absorbers are designed for a single rider.
It is highly recommended to entrust the installation, repair, and maintenance of SR Suntour shock absorbers to qualified mechanics with the necessary tools.
Always wear a properly fitted cycling helmet. Use other appropriate protective gear according to your riding style. Ensure your protective gear is in perfect condition. Choose a shock absorber that matches your frame and riding needs. Using a shock absorber that does not match your frame can lead to damage and void the warranty. Be aware of your limitations and do not exceed them. Always consult your bicycle's manual and other component manuals.
Overview
This section provides an overview of the different SR Suntour shock absorber models.
TriAir Model
Diagram shows the TriAir shock absorber with labels pointing to: Lower eyelet, shock body, air chamber, upper eyelet, valve cover for the expansion chamber, expansion chamber, knob for 3-position compression adjustment, rebound adjustment dial, and air valve.
EDGE-TT Model
Diagram shows the EDGE-TT shock absorber with labels pointing to: Lower eyelet, shock body, air chamber, upper eyelet, rebound adjustment dial, air valve, and compression adjustment dial.
EDGE Model
Diagram shows the EDGE shock absorber with labels pointing to: Lower eyelet, shock body, air chamber, upper eyelet, SAG indicator, lockout lever, rebound adjustment dial, air valve, and sliding bushing.
RAIDON Model
Diagram shows the RAIDON shock absorber with labels pointing to: Lower eyelet, shock body, air chamber, upper eyelet, lockout lever, and rebound adjustment dial.
Before Every Ride
WARNING! Before riding, ensure your bicycle meets all safety requirements. Failure to do so may result in injury or death.
- Regularly inspect your bicycle and all its parts. Replace any damaged parts immediately (dents, cracks, bends). Pay attention to oil leaks from the fork or shock absorber, and check hidden areas on the underside of the bike. If you find an oil leak, consult a trained mechanic to determine the cause and possible repair.
- Always maintain the correct air pressure in the air chamber. Refer to the SAG section.
- Ensure brakes are correctly mounted and functional.
- If your bike is equipped with quick-release skewers, ensure they are properly tightened before each ride. If your bike uses thru-axles, ensure they are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque. Always follow the instructions from the quick-release or thru-axle manufacturer.
- Ensure cable and hose routing is adequate and undamaged, and does not impede handlebar rotation.
- If your bike has reflectors, ensure they are properly tightened.
- Bounce the bike on a firm surface and listen for any rattling sounds that might indicate loose components.
Shock Absorber Installation
Follow all steps for correct SR Suntour shock absorber installation. It is highly recommended to have installation performed by qualified mechanics with the necessary tools.
- Ensure you are using the correct shock absorber for your frame. Check that the shock absorber's length, travel, width, and eyelet diameter match your frame's specifications. Refer to the diagrams on pages 2-3 for understanding.
- Remove the original shock absorber. Before installing the new one, ensure the mounting surfaces are clean.
WARNING! Installing a shock absorber longer than specified by the frame manufacturer will alter the bike's geometry. This can lead to steering problems and raise the frame's overall height, making it difficult to dismount safely. Using a shorter shock absorber can cause similar issues in the opposite direction. This may lead to accidents, injury, or death.
- Ensure the new shock absorber is fitted with the correct bushings that match your frame's dimensions. The shock absorber must not have any play in any direction after installation.
- After installation, release all air from the shock absorber. This allows you to compress it fully and check if it moves smoothly through its entire travel. Ensure there is no collision between the shock absorber and any bicycle components, such as the seatpost or frame.
- Tighten all bolts to the torque specified by the frame manufacturer.
WARNING! Collision of the shock absorber with the frame or other bicycle components can lead to accidents, injury, or death.
Basic Settings
The table below shows the factory air pressures for SR Suntour shock absorbers. These pressures are indicative only. The correct pressure depends on the rider's weight, preferences, terrain, and the specific frame. After setting your shock absorber, ensure you achieve the SAG recommended by your frame manufacturer.
| Rider Weight (kg) | Recommended Pressure (psi) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TriAir Air Chamber | TriAir Expansion Chamber | EDGE-TT Air Chamber | EDGE Air Chamber | RAIDON Air Chamber | |
| Factory Setting | 180 | 200 | 200 | 110 | 110 |
| Maximum Pressure | 300psi | 240psi | 300psi | 300psi | 300psi |
Note: The values above are for guidance only. The required pressure must be determined by the SAG value. The pressure is also dependent on your frame's leverage ratio. This is only an introduction to setting the correct pressure for your shock absorber.
Air Pressure and SAG
SAG is the amount the shock absorber compresses under the rider's weight, including gear (e.g., backpack). It is influenced by the rider's position on the bike and the bike's geometry. Every rider has a different weight and sits on the bike differently, so the SAG value will vary. To ensure proper shock absorber function, SAG is the key to correctly determining the air pressure in the air chamber.
Setting Air Pressure and SAG
- Set compression and rebound to their lowest values to allow the shock absorber to move freely. Unscrew the valve cap and attach the pump to the shock absorber.
- Inflate to the desired pressure, but never exceed the maximum allowed pressure.
- To correctly determine the SAG value, it is recommended to use the rubber O-ring on the shock absorber body. Pull it up to the seal, then sit on the bike. Once you dismount, you can measure the SAG.
- You can sit on the bike while leaning on a wall; this will not affect the SAG measurement.
| Shock Travel (mm) | Recommended SAG (%) |
|---|---|
| 30 - 45 | 15 - 25 |
| 50 - 75 | 20 - 25 |
WARNING! Using a shock absorber inflated to the wrong pressure can lead to shock damage, subsequent accidents, injury, or death.
Never exceed the pressure value of 300 PSI (20 bar). This can lead to shock damage and subsequent accidents, and will also void your warranty.
Changing Air Chamber Volume: TriAir
To further tune your bike's suspension, you can adjust the air chamber volume. Reducing the air chamber volume (by inserting tokens) increases suspension progression.
- Release all air from the chamber. Carefully remove the rubber O-ring from the bottom of the chamber.
- Remove the HV (high volume) chamber by twisting and pulling.
- Add or remove the desired number of tokens. Reinstall the HV chamber and secure it with the rubber O-ring.
Reducing Air Chamber Volume
Adding tokens makes the shock absorber's travel more progressive. This means it will become firmer as it compresses deeper into its travel. This is typically done when, despite correct SAG settings, the suspension frequently bottoms out.
Increasing Air Chamber Volume
Removing tokens makes the shock absorber's travel more linear. This means it will be easier to utilize the full travel. This is typically done when, despite correct SAG settings, you cannot utilize the full travel.
Rebound Adjustment (Red Dial)
Rebound adjustment controls the speed at which the shock absorber extends back after compression. The rebound speed is influenced by the air pressure in the air chamber; higher pressure requires a higher rebound setting, while lower pressure requires a lower rebound setting.
- SLOWER (Pomalejší): Higher damping value.
- FASTER (Rychlejší): Lower damping value.
Diagrams show the rebound adjustment indicators for TriAir, EDGE-TT, EDGE, and RAIDON models, typically a dial with '+' for slower and '-' for faster rebound.
Compression Adjustment: TriAir (Blue Lever)
The SR Suntour TriAir shock absorber allows for quick adjustment of 3 compression levels for all riding conditions.
- Open: Compression is fully open, allowing oil to flow freely. The shock is maximally sensitive to bumps. This setting is also suitable for lighter riders or dusty terrain requiring maximum grip.
- Medium: Ideal for climbing on uneven surfaces where you still need good grip and support while pedaling.
- Closed: Ideal for climbing when you want to avoid energy loss from pedaling, or for heavier/aggressive riders requiring maximum support. This setting is not a full LOCKOUT but provides significant pedaling support.
Diagram shows the TriAir shock with numbered points indicating the compression lever positions: 1, 2, 3.
Compression Adjustment (Blue Dial)
Compression settings determine the shock absorber's resistance to compression, affecting how easily it compresses. Adjust according to personal preference and terrain.
- For terrain with many small bumps: Set compression to 'Faster' for maximum sensitivity to bumps and improved traction. This setting may not be suitable for surfaces with large bumps where bottoming out is a risk.
- For terrain with larger bumps: Set compression to 'Slower'. This reduces shock sensitivity, prevents bottoming out, and allows for better absorption of larger impacts.
Diagrams show compression adjustment indicators for EDGE-TT and EDGE-RC models, typically a dial with '+' for slower and '-' for faster compression.
Remote Lockout Operation
The shock absorber can be locked out using a lever on the handlebars without releasing your grip. The lockout function prevents the shock absorber from compressing. The shock can still compress if subjected to a strong impact that overcomes the blow-off valve. Use lockout primarily to increase pedaling efficiency on flat and smooth surfaces.
Note: RLR shocks offer 100% lockout. RLR8 shocks offer 80% lockout.
WARNING! Never use the lockout function when riding in rough terrain. This increases the risk of shock damage, which can lead to accidents, injury, or death.
Diagrams show remote lockout levers on handlebars and their connection to the shock absorber, indicating locked and unlocked states.
Lockout Adjustment
The lockout function prevents the shock absorber from compressing. The shock can compress if subjected to a strong impact that overcomes the blow-off valve. Lockout is used primarily to increase pedaling efficiency on flat and smooth surfaces. The lever on the shock absorber itself is used for locking and unlocking.
Note: LOR shocks offer 100% lockout. LOR8 shocks offer 80% lockout.
WARNING! Never use the lockout function when riding in rough terrain. This increases the risk of shock damage, which can lead to accidents, injury, or death.
Diagrams show lockout levers directly on the shock absorber for EDGE-TT-LORC and EDGE-LOR/LOR8 models, indicating locked and unlocked states.
Maintenance
SR Suntour shock absorbers are designed for easy maintenance. However, exposed moving parts are subject to dirt, which can degrade performance over time. Remember that a shock absorber not maintained according to the prescribed intervals will void the warranty.
- Never wash the shock absorber with a high-pressure hose, as water can penetrate the seals into the air chamber. Never use aggressive cleaning agents; clean water is ideal.
- To ensure excellent performance, safety, and longevity, regular maintenance is essential.
- If you frequently ride in extreme terrain or adverse weather conditions, it is recommended to service your shock absorber more often than indicated in the table below.
- If you notice a change in your shock absorber's performance or behavior, contact your nearest SR Suntour dealer for an inspection.
- After every ride: Clean the shock absorber body and lubricate the shock absorber seals with fork oil.
- After every ride: Perform Maintenance 1.
- Every 50 hours of riding: Perform Maintenance 2 (at your dealer).
- Every 100 hours of riding or annually: Perform Maintenance 3 (at your dealer, preferably before winter for conservation of all parts).
| Maintenance Task | Maintenance 1 (After Every Ride) | Maintenance 2 (Weekly) | Maintenance 3 (Every 100 hours / Annually) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean shock with soapy water and lubricate | ○ | ||
| Inspect for mechanical damage | ○ | ||
| Test all controls | ○ | ||
| Check air chamber pressure | ○ | ||
| Check SAG and shock settings | ○ | ||
| Check bolt tightness | ○ | ||
| Major service, oil and seal replacement | ○ |
WARNING! SR Suntour shock absorbers are filled with oil and nitrogen. They cannot be opened without the necessary knowledge and tools. Do not attempt to open or repair the shock absorber yourself, as you could be seriously injured. Furthermore, you will not be able to reassemble the shock absorber correctly. Disassembling the shock absorber will void your warranty. If you have any problems with the shock absorber, contact an SR Suntour service center.
Customer Support and Website
For more information, visit: www.srsuntour-cycling.com. You can find the following there:
- Service requests: http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/service/service-request
- Technical videos: http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/service/tech-videos
- Downloadable files: http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/service/download-area
- User manuals: http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/service/download-area/consumer-downloads/bike/owners-manuals/
- Warranty: http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/service/warranty
Contact information for various regions is provided below:
Asia, Oceania
SR SUNTOUR INC.
#7 Hsing Yeh Road
Fu Hsing Industrial Zone
Chang Hua, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: +886-(0)4-769-5115
Email: service@srsuntour.com.tw
SR SUNTOUR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
No. 1500 Honghu Road, Penglang
Kunshan, Development Zone
Jiang Su Province, China ZIP 215333
Tel: +86-512-5517-1127
Email: sr-service@srsuntour.com.cn
SRS INTERNATIONAL TRADING LTD.
Room 501, 5th floor, Building No. 2
Jiaxing Industrial Zone, Shubei Road
Gongming Town, Guangming District
Shenzhen City, China 518106
Tel: +86-755-271-084 83
Email: service@srsuntour.com.cn
SR SUNTOUR JAPAN
NR Bldg. 4F, 3-13-13 Kuramae
Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0051
Tel: +81-3-5829-9211
Europe
SR SUNTOUR EUROPE GmbH
Riedstrasse 31
83627 Warngau, Germany
Tel: +49-(0)802-150-793-0
Email: service@srsuntour-cycling.com
SR SUNTOUR Technical Service Center
Max-Planck-Str. 4
97526 Sennfeld, Germany
Tel: +49-(0)9721-473-4896
Email: service@srsuntour-cycling.com
SAV SR SUNTOUR FRANCE
604 voie Galilee
73800 Sainte Helene du Lac, France
Tel: +33-(0)981-241650
Email: sav@srsuntour-cycling.com
USA
SR SUNTOUR North America Inc.
7509 S. 5th Street Suite 124
Ridgefield, Washington 98642
Tel: +1-360-737-6450
Sales: ssna@srsuntourna.com
Service, warranty: service@srsuntourna.com
SR SUNTOUR Madison
910 Watson Avenue
Madison, Washington 53713 USA
Tel: +1-608-229-6610
Email: service@usulcorp.com
