Rider-specific rear suspension performance
Rear Shock Custom Tuning
Custom mountain bike rear-shock tuning matched to your frame, leverage characteristics, rider weight, riding style and performance goals.
Tune the Shock to the Rider and Frame
A rear shock works through the bike frame’s suspension leverage rather than operating independently. The same shock can behave very differently when installed in two different bikes.
CJSuspension custom rear-shock tuning considers the frame, leverage progression, rider weight, spring system, current settings and intended terrain before internal or setup changes are recommended.
The goal is to create better support, traction, control and usable adjustment range for the way the bike is actually ridden.
Custom workshop tuning
What Is Included
- Review of rider weight, riding style and performance goals
- Review of the bike, frame travel and rear-suspension design
- Assessment of the shock model, size, stroke and current tune
- Review of current air pressure or coil spring rate
- Review of sag, preload, volume spacing and adjustment settings
- Inspection of the rear shock’s current mechanical condition
- Identification of the likely causes of the reported performance problems
- Selection of suitable spring, damping or volume changes
- Installation of approved tuning components or internal changes
- Fresh suspension fluid and service components where included
- Reassembly and setup to the selected baseline settings
- Final pressure, adjustment and function testing
- Recommended starting settings for the rider
What do you want to improve?
Common Rear-Shock Performance Problems
- The bike sits too low in its travel
- Mid-stroke support feels weak
- The rear suspension bottoms too easily
- The bike does not use enough travel
- The rear wheel lacks grip over braking bumps or roots
- The shock feels harsh through repeated impacts
- The rear suspension feels wallowy or uncontrolled
- The bike kicks or bucks after larger impacts
- Rebound feels too fast or too slow within the available adjustment range
- Compression adjustments have too little useful effect
- The shock feels good in one part of the travel but poor in another
- The current factory tune does not suit the rider or frame
Accurate information creates a better tune
Information to Provide
- Rider weight with normal riding gear
- Bike brand, model, year, frame size and wheel size
- Frame rear-wheel travel
- Rear-shock brand, model, eye-to-eye length and stroke
- Current air pressure or coil spring rate
- Current sag percentage or sag measurement
- Current volume spacers or air-can configuration
- Current rebound and compression settings
- Current coil preload where applicable
- Riding style and ability level
- Usual terrain and trail conditions
- Whether the bike is used for trail, enduro, downhill, bike park or racing
- What the rear suspension currently does well
- The specific performance problems you want improved
The frame changes how the shock behaves
Frame Leverage Characteristics Matter
The rear shock is compressed through the frame’s suspension linkage. The relationship between rear-wheel movement and shock movement changes through the travel and affects spring and damping requirements.
A progressive frame may increase resistance toward the end of the travel, while a more linear frame may require additional spring or damping support to resist bottom-out.
Some frames place greater demands on low-speed support, rebound control or heat management. The shock tune must suit the leverage characteristics of the specific bike rather than relying only on rider weight.
Support, sag and travel use
Spring Rate and Air Pressure
The spring system supports the rider and determines sag, ride height and how readily the suspension moves through its travel.
For air shocks, pressure, air-can size and volume spacers affect initial sensitivity, mid-stroke support and end-stroke progression.
For coil shocks, the spring rate must suit the rider, frame leverage and intended sag. Excessive preload should not be used to compensate for an unsuitable spring rate.
The correct spring setup must be established before damper changes can be selected accurately.
Establish the correct ride height
Sag Is a Starting Point, Not the Entire Tune
Sag helps establish the bike’s ride height and available extension and compression travel. It is an important setup measurement but does not describe the complete suspension behaviour.
Two shocks can achieve the same sag while providing very different mid-stroke support, bottom-out resistance and damping control.
The correct sag range depends on the frame, shock type, leverage characteristics, terrain and performance priorities. The final tune considers travel use and bike behaviour as well as the static sag measurement.
Control through the travel
Damper Tuning
The damper controls the speed of suspension movement and helps manage rider inputs, braking forces and impacts.
A custom tune can alter low-speed support, high-speed impact response and rebound control where the shock design allows.
The aim is to provide enough control and support without creating unnecessary harshness, loss of traction or excessive heat.
Available internal changes depend on the shock design, adjustment range and compatible tuning components.
Recovery between impacts
Rebound Must Match the Spring Force
Rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns after compression. The required rebound force changes with spring rate, air pressure, leverage and rider load.
Too little rebound control can cause kicking, instability or loss of traction. Too much rebound damping can prevent the suspension from recovering between impacts and cause it to pack down through repeated bumps.
Custom tuning can move the useful rebound range so the adjuster provides appropriate control for the selected spring setup.
The bike works as one system
Rear-Shock Tuning Must Match the Fork
Front and rear suspension should work together so the bike remains balanced through braking, cornering, impacts and changes in terrain.
A rear shock can feel poorly controlled when the fork is significantly softer, firmer, faster or slower than the rear suspension.
Provide the fork model, travel, pressure or spring rate, sag and adjustment settings where possible. Fork tuning may be recommended if the balance cannot be corrected at the rear shock alone.
Start with a mechanically sound shock
The Shock May Need Servicing Before It Is Tuned
Custom tuning cannot correct damaged seals, contaminated fluid, air loss, worn shafts or a damper that is not operating correctly.
The shock is inspected before tuning work proceeds. If it is overdue for servicing or has a mechanical fault, the required service or repair may need to be completed first.
Combining servicing and tuning allows the shock to be rebuilt with the approved tune and fresh fluids in one workshop process.
Coil spring performance
Coil-Shock Spring Selection
A coil shock requires a spring rate that suits the rider, bike and leverage characteristics. The spring must also have the correct internal diameter and enough stroke for the shock.
A spring that is too soft can create excessive sag, poor support and bottom-out. A spring that is too firm can reduce grip and make it difficult to use the available travel.
Compatible options can include fixed-rate springs, Super Alloy Racing springs or adjustable-rate Sprindex springs where appropriate.
Additional performance options
Compatible Rear-Shock Upgrades
Depending on the shock and desired result, custom tuning may include or be combined with compatible piston, shim, air-can, volume, spring or complete-shock upgrades.
Available options can include Vorsprung Telum setup and tuning, Fluid Focus piston kits, Super Alloy Racing springs, Sprindex springs or other supported components.
An upgrade is only recommended when it addresses the rider’s actual performance requirements and is compatible with the frame and shock.
Eliminate unwanted movement
Shock Mounting Hardware Must Be Serviceable
Worn shock hardware, reducers, eyelet bushings or frame bearings can create movement, noise and poor suspension response that feels like a shock-tuning problem.
The mounting interfaces should move freely where required while remaining secure and correctly aligned.
Replacement mounting hardware or frame-bearing work may be recommended when wear is affecting the performance or safety of the rear suspension.
Clear performance goals
What Custom Tuning Can and Cannot Change
Custom tuning can improve the useful adjustment range, support, traction, damping control and balance of a compatible rear shock.
It cannot change the frame’s wheel path, available travel, leverage curve or every limitation of the original shock design.
The best result comes from identifying the rider’s main priorities and selecting changes that suit the intended use rather than attempting to maximise every performance characteristic at the same time.
Setup after tuning
Your Recommended Starting Settings
The shock is returned with recommended baseline settings for air pressure or coil spring, sag, rebound, compression, volume setup and preload where applicable.
These settings provide a practical starting point rather than preventing further adjustment. Small changes may still be required after riding the bike on familiar terrain.
Record any changes one step at a time so their effect can be evaluated accurately.
Shock compatibility
Rear-Shock Brands and Models We Tune
CJSuspension tunes compatible mountain bike rear shocks from manufacturers including Fox, RockShox, Öhlins, Marzocchi, Vorsprung, Cane Creek and other supported suspension brands.
The available tuning changes depend on the shock design, damper construction, spring system, technical information and compatible parts.
Contact the workshop with the exact shock model, size and production year if you are unsure what tuning options are available.
Queenstown or nationwide
Drop Off or Send by Courier
You can deliver the rear shock directly to the CJSuspension Queenstown workshop or send it from anywhere in New Zealand.
Clean off heavy dirt and package the shock securely. Protect the shaft, body, adjusters, reservoir and mounting eyelets from impact during transport.
Include the current coil spring where applicable. Complete all rider, bike, shock and setup information in the booking form before sending the shock.
Rear-shock tuning information
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information about frame leverage, spring rates, servicing, upgrades and expected results.
Should I try standard setup changes before booking a custom tune?
Yes. Air pressure or spring rate, sag, rebound, compression and volume setup should be checked first. Custom tuning is most useful when the correct standard setup still does not provide the required performance.
Why do you need the exact bike and frame model?
The frame’s leverage characteristics determine how forces are transferred to the shock. The same shock and rider weight can require a different setup or tune in a different frame.
What is the difference between a service and a custom tune?
A service restores the shock to correct mechanical operation using fresh fluids and service components. A custom tune changes the spring or damping behaviour to better suit the frame, rider and intended use.
Does the rear shock need to be serviced at the same time?
It may need servicing if it is overdue, contaminated or has a mechanical fault. The shock must be operating correctly before the effect of a custom tune can be assessed accurately.
Can you calculate the correct coil spring rate?
Yes. Accurate rider weight, bike model, shock stroke, frame travel, sag target and leverage information help identify the required spring range. The final recommendation may also consider riding style and terrain.
Can I change from an air shock to a coil shock?
Potentially. The frame must be compatible with the coil shock, spring clearance, shock size, stroke and leverage characteristics. A coil shock is not automatically the best option for every frame.
Can the shock be tuned without the complete bike?
Yes. The shock can normally be tuned by itself when accurate bike, rider and setup information is supplied. The complete bike can be useful for sag, balance, clearance and handling assessment.
Will I receive recommended settings?
Yes. The shock is returned with recommended baseline air pressure or coil spring, sag, rebound, compression, volume and preload settings where applicable.
How much does custom rear-shock tuning cost?
Pricing depends on the shock, required internal work, service condition and any tuning components or upgrades selected. Submit the bike, rider and shock details so the workshop can confirm the available options.
Can I send my rear shock from outside Queenstown?
Yes. Rear shocks can be sent to the workshop by courier from anywhere in New Zealand. Complete the booking information first and package the shock securely.
Tune the shock to your frame
Book Your Custom Rear-Shock Tune
Provide your rider, bike, shock and setup information, then drop the shock at the Queenstown workshop or send it by courier.