MARIN Owner's Manual page 41

REAR SUSPENSION:
This group includes many models with the same basic principle of
suspension, but are different in how much rear wheel travel the
model has. Our line of full suspension bikes are designed to offer the
rider the maximum in performance, lightweight, durability, and com-
fort.
While much of the service and routine maintenance is exactly the
same as that of a hardtail bicycle, some extra attention to the suspen-
sion shock action should become part of your regular bike inspec-
tions. As mentioned in the front suspension section, quite often riders
will set the rear suspension much firmer than is optimal. Our engi-
neers designed the bikes to efficiently absorb shock from the trail and
maintain traction in the toughest circumstances. Because of the way
the Marin full suspension bicycle is designed, the firmness of the rear
shock actually has little to do with the bikes pedaling efficiency or
action of the rear end. Inherent in the bikes design and pivot place-
ment, there is a point when the suspension "flattens out" using the
chain tension to hold the swing arm firm while climbing, yet active
when going over rough terrain. This tendency is most noticeable
when using your small chain ring in the front and the three larger cogs
in the rear. For this reason a lock out device is not necessary nor rec-
ommended. A lock out device may put extra stress on the frame in a
way that could cause possible damage not covered by warranty.
Working on a smooth pedal spin will ultimately be your best tool in
getting you up the hill efficiently.
It is very important to achieve a balance between front and rear sus-
pension action. As with front suspension, you have the ability to tune
the shocks action to rider weight, ride characteristics, or major terrain
changes. These adjustments are made with pre-load adjustment,
rebound damping control and compression adjustment which is avail-
able on some shocks.
SWINGARM PIVOT ASSEMBLY - EXPLODED VIEW
1 Front Main frame
2 Rear Swingarm
3 Pivot Axle
4 Pivot Bearing
5 Shield Washer
6 Screw Socket Head
7 Pivot Spacer
8 Stud Damper, Rear
REAR SUSPENSION SET-UP - PRELOAD
The suspension load from the rear wheels is taken by the steel coil
spring which is around the shock body (or air pressure on some
shocks). At the end of the spring you will find the pre-load adjustment
nut which is threaded on to the shock body.
36
9 Aircraft Nut, Self Locking M8
10 Shaft Shock Damper - Static End
11 Collar Shock Damper Mount
12 Washer
13 Screw Socket Head
14 Bush - Top Hat
15 Shock