4. With the rider off of the bike, measure from the floor to the center
of one end of the handlebar with the bicycle standing perfectly upright.
Then position the rider on the bike in a seated, natural riding position.
With only the rear brake applied and the Damping Dial turned fully
counter-clockwise, again measure the distance from the floor to the
center of one end of the handlebar.
5. The difference between these measurements is the preload sag. Most
riders find the best suspension performance with
1
/
16
” to
1
/
8
” sag com-
pression. Add or remove air from the fork through the Schrader valve until
this measurement is achieved. Note pressure setting for future reference.
DAMPING ADJUSTMENT
Damping controls the speed at which the suspension moves. The damp-
ing rates of the Super Fatty SL and Fatty SL are adjustable in several
ways. The slow-speed (small impact) damping is adjustable by means of
the 5 position Damping Dial, located atop the stem. Turning the dial all
the way counter-clockwise adjusts the damping to its most open, com-
pliant setting (minimum damping.) Conversely turning the dial clockwise
will increase the damping. The Damping Dial is not designed to lock out
the suspension action.
WARNING: Use great care and pay close attention the road or trail in
front of you while turning the Damping Dial. Adjusting the fork can be
distracting, and it is possible to lose control of the bicycle if your eyes
wander from the surface directly in your path. Also remember that your
balance and steering control change as soon as your remove one hand
from the handlebars, and that your hand is further from the brake lever.
If you are at all unsure of your ability to control the bike while adjusting
the suspension fork, or if you are on a rough surface or a busy road,
please stop before attempting to adjust the fork.
CUSTOM TUNING THE HIGH-SPEED DAMPING
High-speed (big impact) compression and rebound damping of the Super
Fatty SL and Fatty SL forks are both adjusted by changing valve shims
within the cartridge. Since this procedure requires several unique tools
and expertise with hydraulic suspension systems, it should only be
performed by an experienced bicycle mechanic at an Authorized Head-
Shok Service Center. See your dealer for more information regarding
the fine tuning of your HeadShok fork.
6.
'99 SL-Fork Instructions 8/25/98 3:33 PM Page 6
