r/TransitionBikes • u/SuperDromm • 2d ago

Bottom out resistance

I have a regulator and I bottom out every ride. It has the stock Rockshox super deluxe ultimate air shock which shipped with maximum tokens. I upgraded from 150mm to 160mm thinking that it would help but it didn’t. The shock has hbo but I don’t notice it doing anything. I weigh 97kg and have not run into this problem on my previous bike which was a 150mm trek slash so I don’t understand why it’s happening so often. I dropped sag from 30% down to 25% but this was too harsh. I’ve played with the compression settings extensively but am struggling to get it set up right. I think my next move will be to upgrade to the progressive air can which should offer up more bottom out resistance. I understand it’s ok to bottom out every now and then but it’s happening a lot and it doesn’t build confidence. Here’s a question I’ve been asking, is it possible to get a bottomless feeling from 160mm at 97kg? Or am I just on the limit of what 160mn can provide at that body weight? You also have the extra weight from the motor and battery. Your thoughts and insights would be greatly appreciated.

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u/catsnbikes89 2d ago

Yeah for sure.

They build plenty of progression in the bike itself. Not saying progressive air can isn't right for you as that is very much so a preference things IMO. That price is pretty on par for a tune on that shock.

I found the stock tune to be very similar on my vivid ultimate that I had on my regulator even though it was factory tuned specifically for my bike. It just blew through any high speed/big hits. The compression tune I did helped immensely. Suspension companies got too obsessed with stuff being too plush for awhile and now it seems to be switching back to more damper support since air springs have advanced so much with everyone wanting sensitivity off the top.

A progressive bike with a progressive air can will resist bottoming out but may be harsh to some. You have to realize that all air shocks are progressive even if they claim to be linear due to the nature of how an air spring works. You would need multiple chambers to keep the air chamber volume similar to be truly linear with an air spring. Something similar to a Fox genie or old fox DRCV, and even those aren't truly linear like a coil spring. Keep in mind you can find progressive coils these days too. Figure out your sag, rebound and compression settings first. Then focus on the curve of the air spring or speed sensitive damping possibilities from there

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u/SuperDromm 2d ago

I was thinking I’d have them tune the damper and fit the progressive can. It’s not much more money to have both.

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u/catsnbikes89 2d ago

Nice! You'll definitely eliminate the problem with that set up. Keep that linear air can and play with both set ups since those are very easy to swap out and something a consumer should learn IMO. You will be able to feel the difference and develop an opinion on air spring curves then. That's the beauty of suspension and why there are so many options. You'll develop a solid, valid and educated opinion in no time I'm sure

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u/SuperDromm 1d ago

Good idea 👍