Trek rail rear shock upgrade ideas please

[slartibartfast]

A few updates and clarifications that I have learned from my DVO Jade X install:

• The comments above about trimming hardware now make sense. Fox and DVO shocks use IGUS bushings, but RockShox shocks use DU bushings. So, the people trimming are actually cutting the IGUS bushings to make them flat to the eyelet. I suppose that works, but the correct method is to pop out the IGUS bushings that come with the Fox or DVO shock and then press in DU bushes. The press for the DU bushes is cheap, and the bushes are a wear item, so my advice is to buy the press and use DU bushes.
  • See this GREAT write up from The Lost Co for all the gory details: A Complete Guide To MTB Rear Shock Mounting Hardware
• I used new shock hardware from Offset Bushings, but now that I better understand how this all works, the stock hardware would have been fine. Shock Bushings | Trek Rail
  • While I didn't need to order these, they are made from higher quality materials, and I don't mind having some spare parts.
  • The advantage of the stock hardware is it has an O-ring side that goes against the shock eyelet. The Offset Bushing hardware does not.
    • Not sure how much of a difference this makes. Mud is rare for me, so I suspect it's a non-issue.
  • I also ordered my DU bushing press from Offset Bushings. It worked great.
• When new, the DVO shock shaft didn't want to spin. But, after mounting and cycling the shock to confirm it clears, the shaft rotated so I could put the rebound knob on the back.

I am 170lbs out of the shower. I went with the 475-550 progressive spring. With XC style gear (half shell, knee pads, water bottle) I get 27% sag. With enduro gear (full face, chest protector, knee pads, backpack with a liter of water) I get 30% sag. So, I am the rare and lucky rider who ended up with a spring that is perfect.

 

[HeyHey]

Has anyone tried a Cene Creek Kitsuma coil shock?

Was recommended a 57.5 Kitsuma on a Rail 5 -21 large by a dealer.

I am ready to buy if you guys dont shoot the idea down.

Bonus question: cane creek linear or valt spring?

 

[slartibartfast]

Has anyone tried a Cene Creek Kitsuma coil shock?

Was recommended a 57.5 Kitsuma on a Rail 5 -21 large by a dealer.

I am ready to buy if you guys dont shoot the idea down.

Bonus question: cane creek linear or valt spring?

Per TF Tuned, it isn't compatible: Trek Shock Guide - TF Tuned

The Jade X transformed by bike. The bike does everything better with it. DVO is still running their 20% off sale on their website: DVO Suspension – Mountain Bike Suspension Forks, Shocks, Dropper

 

[HeyHey]

Per TF Tuned, it isn't compatible: Trek Shock Guide - TF Tuned

The Jade X transformed by bike. The bike does everything better with it. DVO is still running their 20% off sale on their website: DVO Suspension – Mountain Bike Suspension Forks, Shocks, Dropper

Ok. Too bad a dealer dont know this. Thanks! Unfortunately I have to look at orders inside of the EU.

Should I look at 57.5 for a Dvo Jade X?

 

[slartibartfast]

Ok. Too bad a dealer dont know this. Thanks! Unfortunately I have to look at orders inside of the EU.

Should I look at 57.5 for a Dvo Jade X?

That's your call. 57.5 will keep the same amount of travel. I went with a 60 to get a travel increase. I paired this with a 170mm fork. I did try it with the stock 160mm fork, and found I prefer the balance with a 170mm fork.

See this post for estimated travel for the different stroke lengths:

Trek rail rear shock upgrade ideas please

Thanks for your adviced, so as you means must have 230 diameter eye to eye, if not the chain stay length could be out, am I right? You have to find a shock with the 230 diameter thats the most imported for it to fit. The other value is called stroke and can be changed with tokens so if you...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[HeyHey]

Here again with more noob questions.

So, with inspiration from several members and foremost the user slartibartfast I have settled for a DVO Jade X coil (but I should really get Öhlins since I live not very far from their workshop).

I asked DVO for a spring recommendation for a 220 ibs (100kg) heavy dude with shoes and helmet on and they answered that a 600 spring should do it.

The problem is that they sell the 600 spring in 2,5" version that requires an 25 mm adapter that I can't find in the EU. I need a 600 spring in 3" to fit without an adapter.

So the question is, does anyone know about a different spring manufacturer that have a 600 spring that will fit a 3" 230x60 DVO Jade X shock?

Thanks!

 

[irie]

but I should really get Öhlins since I live not very far from their workshop

This ^^^

 

[HeyHey]

This ^^^

Too much money unfortunately.

Still looking for a spring that will fit the Jade...

 

[slartibartfast]

Too much money unfortunately.

Still looking for a spring that will fit the Jade...

Maybe eBay has the adapter you need?

I'm sure the Ohlins is a great shock, but it's double the price of the DVO Jade X, yikes!

 

[Bennett59]

I’m looking at putting on a DVO Topez Prime on my 2021 Rail 9.7. They said I would need to source special hardware for it since it’s offset. Can anyone point me in the right direction of what’s needed?

 

[barryvbriggs]

So I'm 240lbs looking to upgrade my rear suspension. I have a rail 7 gen 3 medium. What shoke is over all recommend now and should I take in consideration for how heavy the bike is on drops.

 

[slartibartfast]

I’m looking at putting on a DVO Topez Prime on my 2021 Rail 9.7. They said I would need to source special hardware for it since it’s offset. Can anyone point me in the right direction of what’s needed?

Offsetbushings.com | The Finest MTB Shock Bushings

Offset and Standard Shock Bushings made for your bike. Recommended by MBR / MBUK / Pinkbike. Easy ordering, shipped worldwide. Produced for Fox, RockShox, Cane Creek & many more.

www.offsetbushings.com

 

[slartibartfast]

So I'm 240lbs looking to upgrade my rear suspension. I have a rail 7 gen 3 medium. What shoke is over all recommend now and should I take in consideration for how heavy the bike is on drops.

Trek Shock Guide - TF Tuned

Trek Shock Guide - TF Tuned are experts in mountain bike and bicycle suspension service and repair, including setting-up the for you and your bike

www.tftuned.com

Those are the shocks that fit, plus the DVO Jade X.

You'll have to decide if you want air or coil, how much you want to spend, and read through this thread. Then you'll be able to make an informed decision.

 

[Matuk72]

I went with a Ohlins TTX air 2. After speaking with JTech Suspension they recommended it and also custom tuned it to my weight etc.
I’ve got a medium size frame and there’s plenty of space around the shock so it easily fits.

 

[barryvbriggs]

Thank you are you happy with this? I bottom the stock one out alot.

 

[mustclime]

Thank you are you happy with this? I bottom the stock one out alot.

If you are bottoming out the shock a lot, add volume spacers. I am a big fan of a fox float x on my Kenevo. The float x is a very progressive shock.

 

[Matuk72]

Thank you are you happy with this? I bottom the stock one out alot.

Hi, it certainly does sit a bit lower than the stock shock that came with the bike, But I still haven’t bottomed it out after 6 months worth of use. That said my days of jumping all long behind me.
i did have to put shorter cranks on as the pedal strikes were getting a bit much. However the traction and braking has been massively improved. The bike is much comfier to ride and I get less fatigue.

 

[Levii555]

Hey everyone!

I found an Öhlins TTX22M coil shock with a 230x65 size that I’m looking to install on my Large Trek Rail 7 Gen 2 with an aluminum frame. Before I commit, I want to make sure it’s a good fit for my bike in terms of compatibility and performance.

Has anyone here installed a 230x65 shock on a Gen 2 Rail 7 aluminum, or does anyone know if there are any issues with frame clearance or geometry? With the extra travel, would the shock potentially hit anything under compression? Also, I noticed that the yellow adjuster knob is at the bottom of the shock—does anyone know if it’s possible to rotate it by 180 degrees to move it to a different position?

Any advice on mounting hardware or setup tips would be super helpful!

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

Hey everyone!

I found an Öhlins TTX22M coil shock with a 230x65 size that I’m looking to install on my Large Trek Rail 7 Gen 2 with an aluminum frame. Before I commit, I want to make sure it’s a good fit for my bike in terms of compatibility and performance.

Has anyone here installed a 230x65 shock on a Gen 2 Rail 7 aluminum, or does anyone know if there are any issues with frame clearance or geometry? With the extra travel, would the shock potentially hit anything under compression? Also, I noticed that the yellow adjuster knob is at the bottom of the shock—does anyone know if it’s possible to rotate it by 180 degrees to move it to a different position?

Any advice on mounting hardware or setup tips would be super helpful!

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Trek Rail upgrades, what have you done?

Burgtec Pedals and grips, mudhugger front guard.... bikes new so more to come :)

www.emtbforums.com

I borrowed an Ohlins TX22m coil damper in 230 x 65mm (from my mrs's) and ftted it on my alloy Rail5 - medium frame.
used the origonal Trek mount hardware & turned the damper shaft 90* to position the rebound adjuster

as to overstroke, had no problems riding my local park tech & flow trails so red runs with drops & chunk


Rich.

 

[mark022]

I'm new here i would like to ask everyone if someone try this option for the coil shock , Rockshox VIVID coil trunnion mount 205x60 with 25mm shock craft lift kit if the spring or collar of the shock will not touch in between rocker mount?

 

[mark022]

I wanted to fit a Super Deluxe, so I made this yoke to lenghten 205 trunnion to 230. Works good.

View attachment 43157

View attachment 43158

do you think the trunnion coil version will fit?

 

[mark022]

I've shamelessly nicked this idea and come up with a MK2 version that bolts straight onto the lower trunnion mount....View attachment 51411

if put in vivid coil the spring will fi in between the rockers since the shock's body will move up by 25mm?

 

[mark022]

Trunnion will fit ,
Some rails have trunnion some don't they all use the same rockers thou so there interchangeable with the correct fitting kit

The collar and spring will move up there is enough spce in between the rocker?

 

[mark022]

Putting all the info I found in one post.

Trek rail 9.8 2021 Large Came stock with trunion rockshox shock which started leaking in a week.

Installed fox dhx2 230x65. Cannot run in low setting seat post hits. Reservoir clears in both settings.


bolts are 1mm shorter than shock + spacers
Fox mounting hardware. Upper shock bolt is 54mm shock width + 2x8mm spacer plus linkage = 70mm but 69mm bolt


Bolts


TR540755

TR599900

hardware
• Upper: 10mm x 54mm 803-03-311
• Lower: 10mm x 40mm 803-03-329

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on the mounting kit dont use the plastic bushing you need to put the du bushing

 

[mark022]

Trunnion will fit ,
Some rails have trunnion some don't they all use the same rockers thou so there interchangeable with the correct fitting kit

on this area the collar and spring will not touch i will use the normal rockshox spring

 

[HeyHey]

I have asked two retailers for the coil Öhlins shock what to order but does not get a clear answer. One of the reatailers claim that a 65 can be shimmed to 57,5. Maybe one of you can help.

If I order a 65 stroke. Can I shim it down to 57,5 (or 60 if I feel brave)?
How do I do that?

Big thanks!

 

[irie]

I have asked two retailers for the coil Öhlins shock what to order but does not get a clear answer. One of the reatailers claim that a 65 can be shimmed to 57,5. Maybe one of you can help.

If I order a 65 stroke. Can I shim it down to 57,5 (or 60 if I feel brave)?
How do I do that?

Big thanks!

Is your shock trunnion or eye-to-eye?

If eye-to-eye the shims (spacers) are 2.5mm so you can shim the 65 shock down to 62.5, 60.0, and 57.5. Is what I have on my 2022 Trek Rail 5.

 

[HeyHey]

Is your shock trunnion or eye-to-eye?

If eye-to-eye the shims (spacers) are 2.5mm so you can shim the 65 shock down to 62.5, 60.0, and 57.5. Is what I have on my 2022 Trek Rail 5.

Eye to eye. Ok, thanks! Did you get the shims in the box?

 

[irie]

Eye to eye. Ok, thanks! Did you get the shims in the box?

Bought from TF Tuned - came from them with the 3 shims pre-installed so the shock was standard 57.5mm.

Edit: but have since tried 60mm and 62.5mm but have stayed with 57.5mm which works nicely with the forks (Lyrik Ultimate MY23). Am 5'10/75kg with a 525lb spring. Tried a 500lb spring which felt too soft, the 525lb felt better for where I mostly ride (South Downs) so stayed with it.

 

[mark022]

I removed the air can on my superdeluxe to check what (if any) tokens were installed. As it turns out there's a blue spacer underneath the bump stop which is clearly used to limit travel. I've no doubt this could be easily cut off and thus give full stroke. Normally i cross reference the parts catalogue in these situations to make sure things like air cans - damper body's etc are indeed the same. I wasn't brave enough to cut it off just in case something collides internally or there isn't enough clearance in the seat stay bridge at bottom out. To replace the spacer is a FULL strip down job, with all the special tools involved, the main piston is quite an intricate thing!

I was in a bit of a rush to go out riding, so didn't measure the spacer, but 5mm seems about right. Who's going to do it first ?

No volume tokens BTW...

i cut the blue spacer i wrap the stanchion of the shock to make it sure the saw will not touch i cut it both opposite side and if ech side have few MM left i snap it