The length of the shock is measured from eyelet to eyelet, while the stroke of the shock is the amount the shock can physically compress
. One thing to keep in mind here is that shocks that are the same eye to eye length may come with different stroke lengths.
How are rear shocks measured on a bike?
What do rear shock numbers mean?
A lever ratio is often stated for a shock and represents
rear wheel compression: shock compression (stroke) for a given length
. For example, if the ratio is 2:1, then for every 1mm in shock compression, the rear wheel compression is 2mm.
How are stem shocks measured?
A stem to eye shock is measured from the base of the stem where the mounting hardware rests to the center of the eyelet
. A stem to stem shock is measured from the base of the stem where the mounting hardware rests to the base of the other stem where the mounting hardware rests.
How do you measure a mountain bike shock?
What happens if your shocks are too long?
If the extended length of the shock absorber is too short
it will “top-out” and reduce the extended travel
. “Topping out” is the term used when the piston inside the shock absorber collides with the cylinder head.
How do you measure mountain bike rear shocks?
How do you measure mountain bike rear?
“The best method for measuring frame travel may be to
remove the shock and measure the vertical travel at the rear axle, with the suspension linkage at the full shock length, and at the shock bottom-out length
(original eye-to-eye minus manufacturers specified shock stroke).
How do you measure the stroke length of a rear shock?
Stroke length refers to the total distance the shock can compress. You can measure the stroke length by
subtracting the eye to eye length when the shock is fully compressed, from the eye to eye length when the shock is fully extended
– you should get relatively close to the shock’s stroke length.
How do I know what size rear shocks I need?
- Measure the eye to eye length.
- Attach a shock pump and slowly remove all the air from the shock.
- Compress the shock fully and measure the eye to eye length again.
- Subtract this measurement from the initial eye to eye length to find the usable stroke. (ie. 185 – 132.5 = 52.5)
Which number is shock stroke?
That’s why you’ll see shocks listed by size, which typically looks something like “216×57.” The 216 refers to the shock’s eye-to-eye, which is a measurement of the distance between the shock’s two eyelets, where mounting bolts are inserted.
The smaller number
is the shock’s stroke.
What do the numbers on a shock mean?
The higher the valve number the more force it will take to compress the shock
. Rebound Valving- Determines how much force it takes to extend the shock. The higher the number the slower the shock will extend.
How do I choose shocks?
Are shocks universal?
Shocks aren’t universal in length or fitment
. Lifted trucks have longer shocks than factory height trucks. This isn’t such an issue figuring out strut or shock lengths on passenger car vehicles, 99% of the time its going to be factory length parts.
How much up travel should a shock have?
On straight axle suspension systems, there is a 1 to 1 ratio between the movement of your shock and your wheel. That means if your wheel moves one inch, your shock extends or compresses one inch. In these applications
2.5 inches of shock travel in both directions (compression and extension) should generally be enough
.
How are shock bushings measured?
Are front or rear shocks bigger?
The ride height is the same in the rear as it is in the front
. The shock will travel the same distance whether it’s on the front or not as the chassis will bottom out at the same time. To combat the extra weight, all you would need to do is up the oil/spring weight on the rear shocks.
Are longer shocks better?
That is the only place you will benefit from them although,
longer shocks also have more surface area so they provide slightly more cooling
, and you have to be aware of bump stop length during compression and not loosing your coils during extension. As always, it’s a tradeoff.
Do I need longer shocks for a 2 inch lift?
Next up is a 2” or 2.5” lift, typically consisting of spacer and add-a-leaf kits. At this point,
you’ll also usually need new shock absorbers with longer tubes
. You’ll also notice a difference in handling with a medium-height lift kit like this.
Are rear shocks universal?
For a rear shock, you have to match up the top and bottom for the shock mounting hardware.
There are no standards and every brand chooses what they think works best with their design
. So what’s usually best is to either look at the brand’s website or contact the manufacturer to get the correct shock hardware.
How much travel does my rear shock have?
Stroke travel: This is how much a rear shock compresses. It is comparatively short:
1.5” to 3”
.
How do you measure rear shock mounting hardware?
One way to measure the width of the shock hardware is to
measure the distance between the shock mounting tabs on the frame of the bike
. To get the same measurement, you may also measure the width across the shock eyelet. Lastly, to find the shock bolt diameter, measure the inner diameter of the hardware eyelet.
What is shock stroke MTB?
Shock stroke is
a measurement of how far the shock shaft enters the shock body between full extension and full compression
. Trunion refers to a compact shock mounting configuration that shortens the shock’s overall length by placing the mounts on the shock body itself.
How do you measure a mountain bike wheel?
Mount the bike on a bike stand(if you have one), remove the shock, cycle the rear arm and measure
. Presto, there’s your travel.
