Setting: General rules for calibration
By carefully calibrating the damping system you can get the maximum performance out of the same.
This paragraph indicates the sequence of operations to perform to set up the Marzocchi forks correctly.
In order to find the best settings for you, you will need to try several times to understand where and how to make adjustments. When doing so,
please ride in an open area, free from traffic, obstacles and other hazards.
The optimal setting is influenced by the geometry of the frame of the mountain bike, the weight of the cyclist, the type of terrain the bike will be
used on and the type of obstacles you have to deal with, but also by subjective factors associated with your riding style; therefore it is impossible to
provide objective data on the desired settings.
Nevertheless by carefully following the instructions below you will soon be able to find the optimal setting for you.
The shock absorber must be calibrated simply by using one adjuster at a time, following the order explained, noting the operations and any result
step-by-step.
During setting don't force the adjusters beyond their limit of travel and don't exceed the max recommended air pressure.
To keep the pressure inside the fork’s legs, only use the special MARZOCCHI pump with pressure gauge.
The use
of any other pump can compromise the inflating operation and cause malfunction or damage to the fork, resulting in an
accident, personal injury or death.
Once the correct setting has been found, we recommend noting the number of clicks or turns of the adjuster with respect to the "fully closed"
position (adjuster fully clockwise) for a faster re-setting of your fork in case of need.
Setting: SAG
SAG means the fork bottoming under the biker's weight.
How to measure the SAG:
Follow these simple steps to measure the SAG.
On the leg portion of the fork, measure the distance between the lower crown and the dust seal (see
Picture
A
). Note this value as “
H1
”.
While sitting on the bike, repeat the measurement (see picture
B
). Note this value as “
H2
".
SAG = H1 - H2
How to find the best percent SAG:
The best percent SAG is 15-20% for Cross-country and All Mountain forks and 25-30% for Freeride and
Downhill forks.
In order to calculate the best SAG for your own fork, you will need to make the following calculation:
SAG = T x S
(
T
= total travel;
S
= suggested sinking percentage).
Setting: Positive air
Positive air is the elastic element of air damped forks.
Use the MARZOCCHI pump with pressure gauge to inflate the fork legs.
Using inadequate tools may lead to a wrong inflation and result in a malfunctioning or damage to the fork.
If you need to reduce the leg pressure, simply push the valve pin down with a pointed tool such as a small pin extractor.
Right fork leg:
To increase the pressure in the fork leg:
Remove the rubber protection cap marked with 'AIR' and turn the TST knob to reach the air valve.
Tighten the threaded pump adapter on the air valve and inflate till reaching the required pressure.
Refit the rubber protection cap and re-calibrate using the TST adjuster.
© Marzocchi Suspension
2005
-
Marathon XC
