[Electric_City]

I built up my new DH ride this year and like I previously talked about, had hand issues. I borrowed my buddy's Shockwiz and after 6- 8 runs it said I was 96% accurate. The only thing it recommended was less hsc, which I already had all the way off.
Last week I saw some guy riding with some computer stuff hooked up to a DH bike. It ran up to the top of the DC fork and down the outside and on the rear shock too. Someone was analeyesing it on a laptop and changing the springs and such on the rear coil shock. I'm unfamiliar with the equipment and was curious as to what equipment it was.
Not that I'm interested in buying any of this shtuff. But just curious. How accurate? Cost? And who REALLY needz it?

 

[buckoW]

The two most popular ones are BYB and Motion Instruments

https://www.bybtech.it/store/BYB-Telemetry-v2-0-MTB-STARTER-kit-p238446948

Motion Instruments | Suspension Data Acquisition Systems

Suspension tuning is a never-ending process. The status quo is fraught with error and bias. As you develop your bike, you get faster, which then puts stress back onto your tune. Learn More >>

motioninstruments.com

Racers use it to get suspension setups faster for the tracks they race on. It’s a good tool in addition to rider feedback to get shock tunes and setups working well.

 

[SylentK]

I have hand issues as well. Stupid IT cubicle hand disease

But I've also had lots of crashes. Probably explains it more.

Yeah softer suspension can help. Shock wiz. Got a buddy who thinks it's pretty good. Same IT cubicle software kind of guy. I'm wondering if lighter weight shock oil can help with the compression? IDK.

My local riding bro/pro just says "get stronger". Ya thanks bro. HA

I have found that doing hand exercises and stretching work better than adjusting suspension. I know it's cliche.

So for me:

1) anything dumb bell. You know. Weights that you have to hold on to.
2) anything with a bar actually. Dead lift? yes please
3) TRX. I know it's cheesy. But it works. Like opposite pushups. There's a name for it, can't remember at the moment.
4) Hang a handlebar and grips from said TRX. Free hang and hold on for as long as possible. Like thread some climbing rope thru the bar and attach to TRX hanger, which is really strong. Try to relax the spine. Also helps with back/spine type stuff. Stretches it out. Allows the "oil" in, to lube the spine.

I've noticed improvements. I can hold on better and not get over cooked so easy. I'm getting old. boo

Now legs. Bah. They need help

 

[bullcrew]

I've got the motion instruments v2 on order it's set to release shortly.. as @buckoW said there's mainly 2 systems on market ..the new MI v2 I can't say how it works yet but there was enough push and positive feedback to preorder the new one .

 

[SuspectDevice]

If your hands hurt from riding dh, the only sound solution is better grip strength.
Quit your job and spend all day in the woods digging.
Ever since i quit getting paid to be inside, my hands, heart and soul are all doing better than ever.

 

[Westy]

I have hand issues as well. Stupid IT cubicle hand disease

I too have hand issues. I couldn't ride for almost 2 years after what I believe to be botched surgery.

I would say good suspension helps, not soft suspension. There are too many parameters to generalize as soft, but for me that means lower peak forces. You get lower peak forces from a well damped supportive fork. No diving and not spending time with multiple hits while deep in travel. Slightly higher, more linear spring rates with decent amounts of compression and faster rebound. Being a lot more active on the bike and pumping through bumps also goes a long way.

 

[djjohnr]

Some of this also depends on what kind of hand issues you have - ie, pinched nerves, arthritis etc. Depending on the cause the fix could be anything from hand strengthening to grip/bar changes to suspension tunes etc.

 

[SylentK]

So the wife told me hand strength has been proven to be one of the top predictors of overall health.

She reads health stuff. I'm here talking to you guys. And dreaming of Dh'ing. Big difference.

If you wanna know more. Let me know. Happy to help. Actually, she is more happy to help. Silly healthcare people.

 

[SylentK]

Some of this also depends on what kind of hand issues you have - ie, pinched nerves, arthritis etc. Depending on the cause the fix could be anything from hand strengthening to grip/bar changes to suspension tunes etc.

Yeah, agreed. And pretty sure I have all of the above.

 

[OGRipper]

Can't help with the suspension tuning products, and I'm pretty sure Bullcrew can help with training tips )), but I learned a good wrist and grip strength exercise in physical therapy after a wrist injury several years ago: Shoulder presses with an inverted kettle bell. Don't let the bell drop but instead keep it upright/inverted through the press. Multiple sets with each arm. Oh and reverse curls (hands on top, the way you ride) are good too.

 

[Kanye West]

Unless a rider is strong/stable enough to hold consistent form and tension top to bottom of a run, anything beyond generic suspension tuning is kind of pointless. If the meatsack that weighs 4x-5x the weight of the bike is flopping around more and more every minute of the run, that extra +/- click of compression suggested from a fancy DAQ system won't do anything.

Spring rates mostly balanced and rebound settings at a sane level will get people 90% of the way there. Past that most riders will be confusing suspension feedback with chassis resonances anyway, except for obvious hard bottom outs.

 

[buckoW]

@Electric_City If you have your hsc fully open and it’s still harsh then you could probably use a softer tune. Your bushings could be tight too.

 

[Electric_City]

The bushings seem fine. Nothing unusual compared to any other forks I've had.

I titled it "On trail suspension tuning", but it was more-or-less taken about as "my hand hurts". So I'll sway that way too.

I rode a 2015 Devinci Wilson w/2015 40 until 2021.
I had to change the left stanchion and internals.

I always use ODI long neck grips and 35mm bars. Either RaceFace Atlas or Chromag Osx. Always aluminum.

Last year when my buddy broke his frame he sold the parts. I purchased the fork. 2022 Fox 40 Factory.

First run my hands were sore in between my thumb and index finger. Something that never happened before. Not even the previous week on my older fork. This is not related to my 3 carpet tunnel surgeries either.

Messed around with the suspension to get the fork where I wanted it while riding so there's no diving or bottoming it. Feels great, but the "crotch" of my hands are feeling it every run.

This year I built up a new ride with that fork, but decided to go with a 31.6 bar/stem Chromag OSX. Same as my other bikes, but 31.6 diameter. No difference. Hands still hurt in the same spots. Figured I'd try my buddy's Shockwiz. No real answers from that. Fwiw, my other bikes that aren't DH have no problems with my hands.

Discuss

 

[Jm_]

I love how these say to lessen the HSC when you have it fully open.

 

[Westy]

The bushings seem fine. Nothing unusual compared to any other forks I've had.

I titled it "On trail suspension tuning", but it was more-or-less taken about as "my hand hurts". So I'll sway that way too.

I rode a 2015 Devinci Wilson w/2015 40 until 2021.
I had to change the left stanchion and internals.

I always use ODI long neck grips and 35mm bars. Either RaceFace Atlas or Chromag Osx. Always aluminum.

Last year when my buddy broke his frame he sold the parts. I purchased the fork. 2022 Fox 40 Factory.

First run my hands were sore in between my thumb and index finger. Something that never happened before. Not even the previous week on my older fork. This is not related to my 3 carpet tunnel surgeries either.

So I started to get pain between my thumb and index finger, I ignored it then in what was a relatively chill and slow speed front wheel wash out I tore the UCL off of my thumb. Always wondered if the pain was caused by something like micrfrofractures that put the UCL in weakened state and was a contributing factor to the tear. I asked my orthopedic surgeon about it but his only response was to grunt that I needed surgery.

If it happened again I would probably go see a doctor with more rhan a 3 word vocabulary before I broke myself.

 

[jrewing]

Does it slide fine when air spring is out?
that series fork is valved stiff, but can adjust comp right off if im correct. Are you light or heavy?

 

[SylentK]

The bushings seem fine. Nothing unusual compared to any other forks I've had.

I titled it "On trail suspension tuning", but it was more-or-less taken about as "my hand hurts". So I'll sway that way too.

I rode a 2015 Devinci Wilson w/2015 40 until 2021.
I had to change the left stanchion and internals.

I always use ODI long neck grips and 35mm bars. Either RaceFace Atlas or Chromag Osx. Always aluminum.

Last year when my buddy broke his frame he sold the parts. I purchased the fork. 2022 Fox 40 Factory.

First run my hands were sore in between my thumb and index finger. Something that never happened before. Not even the previous week on my older fork. This is not related to my 3 carpet tunnel surgeries either.

Messed around with the suspension to get the fork where I wanted it while riding so there's no diving or bottoming it. Feels great, but the "crotch" of my hands are feeling it every run.

This year I built up a new ride with that fork, but decided to go with a 31.6 bar/stem Chromag OSX. Same as my other bikes, but 31.6 diameter. No difference. Hands still hurt in the same spots. Figured I'd try my buddy's Shockwiz. No real answers from that. Fwiw, my other bikes that aren't DH have no problems with my hands.

Discuss

Bar roll? I do prefer the 31.6 flex. And roll mine like straight up. But that's me.

Grips?

And when you say "sore". I assume it's not skin sore, like blisters. But more muscle/tendon/bone sore?

It's interesting you say it started with this new to you fork. I'd def get that checked out. Can't hurt. Or maybe it can? HA

 

[Electric_City]

Bar roll? I do prefer the 31.6 flex. And roll mine like straight up. But that's me.

Grips?

And when you say "sore". I assume it's not skin sore, like blisters. But more muscle/tendon/bone sore?

It's interesting you say it started with this new to you fork. I'd def get that checked out. Can't hurt. Or maybe it can? HA

Bar roll is consistent with all my bikes. Grips are always Odi Longneck. Not lock-ons cause they're too hard. Muscle sore, almost like cramping. The fork only had a day and a half of riding on it. I replaced the wipers and serviced the air side. Smooth as all my forks.

 

[Electric_City]

Does it slide fine when air spring is out?
that series fork is valved stiff, but can adjust comp right off if im correct. Are you light or heavy?

With the air spring out it slides fine. I'm not a light rider at 270 currently. I have the HSC all the way off. LSC is right where I want it. About in the middle. Sag is where Fox recommends it. About 15%. Any more sag and I'd bottom it out. I initially tried 20% but bottomed it out on intermediate trails. I prefer rocky/tech stuff though

 

[Westy]

With the air spring out it slides fine. I'm not a light rider at 270

Know what makes everything easier and less painful?

Being a light rider.

 

[Jm_]

Know what makes everything easier and less painful?

Being a light rider.

Well some of us have to ride in the darkness.

 

[Westy]

Well some of us have to ride in the darkness.

 

[rideit]

If the meatsack that weighs 4x-5x the weight of the bike is flopping around more and more every minute of the run, that extra +/- click of compression suggested from a fancy DAQ system won't do anything.

Sniff….I…finally feel seen.

 

[englertracing]

ride more!

With the air spring out it slides fine. I'm not a light rider at 270 currently. I have the HSC all the way off. LSC is right where I want it. About in the middle. Sag is where Fox recommends it. About 15%. Any more sag and I'd bottom it out. I initially tried 20% but bottomed it out on intermediate trails. I prefer rocky/tech stuff though

So heres the thing
That should be a grip 2 vvc.
Neither compression adjuster does anything.
Has no comp damping
And you have to run too much air to make up for it. And it deflects, and rebounds harder.....

 

[bullcrew]

ride more!


So heres the thing
That should be a grip 2 vvc.
Neither compression adjuster does anything.
Has no comp damping
And you have to run too much air to make up for it. And it deflects, and rebounds harder.....

Grip 2 does something
The dials move and click and spin and then stop...I've seen this...with my own eyes
Lmao...beyond seeing them spin, ehhhh don't know they do much else.

Lmao now the slow speed rebound does something, apparently cause 80% of stuff I work on has it almost blocked off and slow as hell...I dont even ask anymore, I write down their settings and put what I recommend above in a circle and they can take it or leave it..

Tell em to open that crap up and then close it 5-7 clicks. Start there.

 

[SylentK]

Maybe Fox is your problem.

I just had to get my fancy new Fox 36 warrantied - so I can honestly say that.

Can't say RS is any better. I've had warranty with them too.

Cane Creak (ha, get it? creak, not creek? ), yep.

Ohlins? Not yet.

Old skool Marz? Yep.

But at least they take on the accountability and fix it for you. Just wish I didn't have to. It takes time. This is why I have 2 spare forks (err uhh...front pieces of suspension. And actually rear, but let's not talk about that) laying around. And "spare" bikes too.

Is this when I quote the bro who said "I hate fucking mountain biking"?

 

[bullcrew]

Is this when I quote the bro who said "I hate fucking mountain biking"?

Nope , you have a grip 2 damper

This is when you go into garage sit on your bike, close your eyes and start twisting dials on grip 2 , bounce up and down and pretend your riding Red Bull rampage..

Cause both of those are pipe dreams we share
...never happen but we cant give up a dream...

 

[SylentK]

Nope , you have a grip 2 damper

This is when you go into garage sit on your bike, close your eyes and start twisting dials on grip 2 , bounce up and down and pretend your riding Red Bull rampage..

Cause both of those are pipe dreams we share
...never happen but we cant give up a dream...

LMAO.

I don't picture the Rampage. But Keystone. Paid in full to Wild thing. Oh yeah.

I remember trying to bust out those laps. Which were like in the 10min DH spectrum per each lap. And strengthen up the arms. I could get 6 laps in like 3 hours. Counting uplift time. They don't exactly set the lift on "rabbit" mode in the summer there. More like "turtle".

 

[bullcrew]

LMAO.

I don't picture the Rampage. But Keystone. Paid in full to Wild thing. Oh yeah.

I remember trying to bust out those laps. Which were like in the 10min DH spectrum per each lap. And strengthen up the arms. I could get 6 laps in like 3 hours. Counting uplift time. They don't exactly set the lift on "rabbit" mode in the summer there. More like "turtle".

My days of pedalling my DH bike all over and only one bike are long gone ..lmao the shit we used to do, wish I could say it was cause I couldn't swing another bike for proper rides but nope..I was a dooshbag, and justified it lol .but I did have some massive quads and lungs lmao ..

Yeah nothing beats a good slow lift, get too cooled off before next descent...

On the lift note, I still push the chair back with my legs and butt when we all line up to sit down to watch buddies miss the seat and get run over by chair...
Pisses them off but I still find it amusing...lol

 

[SylentK]

On the lift note, I still push the chair back with my legs and butt when we all line up to sit down to watch buddies miss the seat and get run over by chair...
Pisses them off but I still find it amusing...lol

HA! That is a proper dick move. But I like it!