The suspensions are a key element in the performance of the trial rider, being decisive in the traction and response of the whole according to the conditions of the terrain.
Usually, brands prepare their bikes for a rider weight of around 70 kilos, so all weights that exceed that record or fall below that should have their corresponding adjustment.
To get advice from an expert, we went to Torre Motor, a specialized workshop in Cantabria, which made adjustments to one of our suspension equipment. With their help and other professional sources, we have put together this report of recommendations.
The first thing we need to do is assess our team’s situation. To do this, they must lower the correct height when we get on the bike.
If the fork descends more than three centimeters, we would have to tighten the bar corresponding to the spring, as it would be too soft for our weight, and do the reverse operation if it descends less than indicated.
In the case of the rear shock absorber, we would be talking about 5 centimeters compared to the resting position. If this is not the case, we would attack the nut to give more or less spring. If it goes lower, we would tighten the nut and if it goes less we would loosen it.
The first thing that Benjamín from Torre Motor advises us is to evaluate if our suspensions lower the correct height when we get behind the controls: "the fork should drop 3 centimeters and the shock absorber 5 centimeters. First we measured this distance when we got off the bike and then we got on with all the equipment on."
Sensations after modifications
"We checked, as before adapting the suspensions, that when we rest the wheel on a stone, the rebound of the suspension moves us backwards and thus gives us instability. After the change, on the same stone, we make the support and when it collides with it absorbs the blow and the bike feels much more stable. When you make a change, the bike falls to the ground and stays in place. We noticed more stability, a vital factor in trial, as this will translate into fewer feet."
Maintenance of the DE TRIAL fork in 5 steps
1) Remove the air from the front fork. We loosen the air decompression screw and tighten it again when it comes out completely.
2) Alignment of the bottles: At the bottom they are anchored to the wheel axle, it is normal for them to receive blows and become misaligned. To get them back in perfect condition, we must loosen the 4 screws that hold the front fin to the forks and the screws that hold the bottles to the wheel axle by 2 turns.
3) With everything loose, we will “bounce” the front wheel so that the forks return to their original position.
4) Subsequently, tighten all the screws.
5) Carbon fork covers, protect the forks from shocks from their bottom
BASIC MAINTENANCE TRIAL FORK
- Keep the bars and fork seals clean after going out to train
- Make sure that the bike rests on a stand, rubbing the front wheel against the ground, but without exerting pressure on the fork
- Check for oil leaks and, if there are, avoid using the bike without the correct oil level.
- Check the health of the overalls, which in certain cases receive a spring-shaped loop to keep them in place
- Avoid using the suspension if it has received a scratch on the fork, as this could damage the seal. It must first be repaired, which basically consists of applying a resin and sanding with very fine sandpaper to prevent edges from occurring.
- Consider using protective wetsuits on the bars.
- Change the oil every 30 hours of use, as a recommendation.
Maintenance of the TRIAL SHOCK ABSORBER
BASIC MAINTENANCE TRIAL SHOCK ABSORBER
- Periodically check for any clearances in the shock linkages. It is checked by lifting the rear axle from the exhaust and calculating the free play of the system.
- Keep the suspensions well lubricated, without accumulation of grease or mud. Regularly check the tightening torques and the condition of the screws.
- As it is a place very exposed to shocks, make sure that if they have been received, they do not affect the performance of the bearings and seals of the linkages.
- Check the condition of the shock mounts to the chassis and linkages. Normally, there are ball joints that in turn have rubbers that can end up disintegrating.
- By extension, the swingarm bearings should also be checked periodically, which also plays a key role in the optimal functioning of the rear axle.
- Check the condition of the buffer inside the shock absorber.
Showa trial suspension spring (Montesa Cota 4RT) with three options: (
75 to 85kg, 85 to 95kg and over 95kg)
Öhlins trial suspension spring (GasGas and Sherco) with three options: (75 to 85kg, 85 to 95kg and over 95kg)
Reiger trial suspension spring (GasGas, TRRS, Sherco and Electric Motion) with three options: (
75 to 85kg, 85 to 95kg and over 95kg)
R16V trial suspension spring (Montesa Cota 4RT, Sherco and Electric Motion) with three options: (75 to 85kg, 85 to 95kg and over 95kg)
