MARIN Owner's Manual page 42

Pre-load is the amount of force placed on the spring. Pre-load raises or
lowers the initial pressure required to compress the shock. Pre-load is
used to control how much the shock is compressed when the rider
sits on the bicycle. The amount that the shock compresses when the
rider is sitting on the bike is called shock sag or sag. In order to
achieve maximum traction and performance, we recommend that it is
best to run a small amount of initial sag front and rear. Sag allows the
bike to soak up not only bumps but also dips keeping your wheels
connected for that "maximum traction". The range of sag needed
ranges between 15-30% of overall shock travel. The sag range covers
all types of riding from cross-country at a range of 15-25%, to down
hill riding which usually is more in the 25% range. To make this
process easy, we have designed sag cards so you can quickly set the
rear end up for maximum performance and rider weight . If you did
not receive a sag card ask your dealer for one.
SETTING THE CORRECT SAG FOR YOUR FULL SUSPENSION
With no weight on the rear wheel, un-screw the pre-load nut. This
will release any pre-load on the spring. Now turn the screw 2 turns to
slightly compress the spring.
With no weight on the bike, check that the damper is fully extended.
Sit on the bike. For our 4" travel lightweight FRS line, the shock
should be compressed by 10mm. For our line of 5" travel bikes, the
shock should be compressed by about 12mm. For the long travel mod-
els, the shock should be compressed to 15mm. Check this using the
included set-up card template. If the shock unit is too short, wind the
pre-load nut to further compress the spring until the correct length is
obtained. If the shock unit is too long, loosen the spring until the cor-
rect length is obtained. On the models with an air sprung shock,
lower or raise the air pressure accordingly.
REAR COIL OVER SHOCK
Rebound Adjuster Knob
Shaft
REAR AIR SHOCK
Body
The standard spring fitted to all bikes is ideal for riders weights
between 125lbs (57kg) and 190lbs. (86kg.). Harder or softer springs
are available separately from your dealer.
REAR SUSPENSION SET-UP - REBOUND DAMPING
The second part of tuning is rebound damping. Rebound damping
controls how fast or slow the shock returns to its full length after
being compressed. If the shock returns too fast, it will make the bike
feel bouncy like a pogo stick. To slow, and it will feel like you have
no rear suspension. Some shocks equipped on Marin bikes have
rebound damping control built into them so you will only be able to
work on setting up the pre-load as discussed above. If you have a
37
Spring
Body
Pre-Load Ring
Rebound Adjuster Knob
Schrader Valve