Operation Manual

20 I General User Manual
13 Suspension ame and suspension
elements
13.1 Frame with rear suspension
If you wish to ride ooad in a particularly sporty manner
or with a high degree of comfort, you may have opted for a
ll-suspension model. In this case, the rear triangle of the
main ame is not rigid; instead it can move and is spring
mounted and damped by a shock absorber.
Full-suspension ame
Dierent types of suspension elements are used. These
are mainly shock absorbers equipped with a steel spring
or an air chamber whose air is compressed due to the
action of the suspension. In high-quality shock absorbers,
the damping action, that regulates the speed of compres-
sion and rebound, can be adjusted. This task is performed
by a system of oil chambers and ducts.
Although this type of shock absorber oers a higher de-
gree of riding safety and comfort, it requires special han-
dling. This User Manual contains only general information
in this regard. Detailed information and advice is provided
in the instructions om the shock absorber manufacturer
enclosed with the CD and can also be obtained om your
specialist cycle shop.
The website of the relevant suspension element
manufacturer may also prove to be a valuable source
of information. Informative and helpl links are pro-
vided in
Chapter 29 "Link list".
Your specialist cycle shop should have adjusted the sus-
pension for you before handing over your new bike. Your
bike and the seat position may look dierent to what you
are used to, and may also feel dierent when you are rid-
ing. The spring strut must be tuned so that it has a so
response, but does not strike through if you ride over an
obstruction. It must give slightly when you sit on your
bike.
13.2 Care and maintenance
You can clean your ll-suspension MTB in the usual man-
ner. Hot water with a little washing-up liquid or a gentle
detergent which you can obtain om your specialist cycle
shop are suitable for this.
You should avoid using a high-pressure cleaner to
clean your bike as the cleaning uid can also enter
sealed bearings due to the high pressure and damage
them beyond repair.
You should carelly wipe down the piston of the shock ab-
sorber and the seal with a so cloth as part of your regular
bike maintenance. If you spray a little spray oil, e.g. om
Brunox, on the running surface of the shock absorber and
the seal, this increases its performance and service life.
You should regularly check the articulations of the rear
triangle for play. To do this, li the wheel and try to move
the rear wheel sideways.
You can detect play in the mounting bushes of the shock
absorber by liing the rear wheel up and setting it back
down quickly. If you sense play or hear a rattling noise,
have your bike checked immediately by a professional
bike workshop.
Your safety depends to a large extent on whether the
suspension elements are securely fastened and are
working correctly. You should therefore regularly look
aer and inspect your ll-suspension bike.
Tighten all screws to the prescribed torque as
otherwise screws could shear o and compo-
nents could come loose or detach altogether (see
Chapter 30 "Technical data").