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VAN

lengths & travels

7.5 x 2.0; 7.875 x 2.0; 7.875 x 2.25; 8.5 x 2.5; 8.75 x 2.75; 9.5 x 3.0; 10.5 x 3.5

model features, adjustments

Performance RC: speed-sensitive compression and rebound damping, low-speed compression, coil spring preload, rebound adjust

Evolution R: speed-sensitive compression and rebound damping, coil spring preload, rebound adjust

spring

coil

riding styles

AM, FR, DH

Installing Your Shock

If you are installing your shock on a bike for which the shock is not original equipment:

Install the shock with the spring retainer, but without the spring. (To remove the spring, read Changing Springs.)
Carefully cycle the suspension through its entire travel.
Check that all parts of the shock are clear of the frame and swingarm as it cycles through the travel.
Properly place the spring back onto the shock.
Set sag.

General Maintenance

Some things to consider:

If you ride in extreme conditions, service your shock more frequently. Check the maintenance schedule for your shock.
Wash your shock with soap and water only.
Do not use a high pressure washer to clean your shock.
Internal service should be performed by FOX Racing Shox or an Authorized Service Center.

Before You Ride

Clean the outside of your shock with only mild soap and water, and wipe dry with a soft dry rag.
NOTE: Do not use any solvents or de-greasers, as these products can damage the shock's exterior finish or its anodized parts.
Do not spray water directly on the seal/shock body junction. Do not use a high pressure washer on your shock.
Inspect the entire exterior of your shock. The shock should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Contact your local dealer or FOX Racing Shox for further inspection or repair.
Make sure that your quick-release levers (or thru-axle pinch bolts) are properly adjusted and tightened.
Check your headset adjustment. If loose, adjust it accordingly to your bicycle manufacturer's recommendations.
Check that all brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
Test the proper operation of your front and rear brakes on level ground.

Setting Sag

You can also view a Flash video on Setting Sag.

To set sag on your VAN RC:

Measure sag, and compare it to the recommended sag setting shown in the Coil Spring Settings table below. Continue if the sag is not to specification.
Adjust the preload ring accordingly:

If your sag value is less than the table value, turn the preload ring counter-clockwise. Always ensure that the spring is secure and does not freely move.
NOTE: After the preload ring engages the spring, turn the preload ring clockwise one turn. If the preload ring needs to be turned counter-clockwise from this point to achieve proper sag, you will need to obtain a lower rate spring.
If your sag value is greater than the table value, turn the preload ring clockwise no more than two full turns after the preload ring engages the spring.
NOTE: If after the preload ring engages the spring and more than two full clockwise turns are needed to achieve proper sag, you will need to obtain a higher rate spring.
If necessary, contact FOX Racing Shox or an Authorized Service Center to obtain a higher or lower rated spring.

Coil Spring Setting Guidelines
Shock Travel
(in./mm)
Recommended Sag
(in./mm)
2.00/50.8
0.66/16.76
2.25/57.1
0.74/18.79
2.50/63.5
0.83/21.08
2.75/69.8
0.91/23.11
3.00/76.2
1.00/25.40
3.50/88.9
1.16/29.46

Changing Springs

Loosen the preload ring until the spring freely moves.
Lift up the spring and remove the spring retainer.
Slide the spring off the shock body. Depending on your bike model, you may need to remove the reducers to remove the spring.
Orient the new spring correctly (see Spring Orientationbelow) and slide it onto the shock body.
Place the spring retainer back on the shock and under the spring ensuring that the open slot on the spring retainer rests on the flat part of the spring end.
Tighten the preload ring just until the spring no longer moves.
Turn the preload ring one additional full turn.

Spring Orientation

When placing the spring back on the shock body, it is important that the spring is correctly oriented. Essentially, the space in the spring retainer should rest on the flat part of the spring, and not on the segment of the spring where it starts to coil back under itself. Rotate the spring or spring retainer until the correct orientation is achieved.

WARNING: An improperly oriented spring can fail prematurely, causing loss of control of the bicycle, which can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The pictures below demonstrate correct and incorrect spring orientation. Correct spring orientation applies to all FOX Racing Shox rear shocks that utilize coil springs:

Reading Your Spring Rate

Adjusting Rebound

Rebound controls the rate at which your shock returns after it has been compressed. The proper rebound setting is a personal preference, and changes with rider weight, riding style and conditions. A rule of thumb is that rebound should be as fast as possible without kicking back and pushing the rider off the saddle.

The rebound knob has approximately 15 clicks of adjustment.

For slower rebound, turn the red adjuster knob clockwise.

For faster rebound, turn the red adjuster knob counter-clockwise.

Low Speed Compression (LSC) Adjust

Turn the blue LSC adjust knob clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease low-speed compression damping. The LSC adjust knob primarily affects the compression damping during slow speed suspension movements, such as g-outs or smooth jump landings. It also affects wheel traction and the harshness or plushness feel of your bicycle. The LSC adjust knob has ~16 clicks of adjustment range.

Coil Spring Setting Guidelines
Shock Travel (in./mm)	Recommended Sag (in./mm)
2.00/50.8	0.66/16.76
2.25/57.1	0.74/18.79
2.50/63.5	0.83/21.08
2.75/69.8	0.91/23.11
3.00/76.2	1.00/25.40
3.50/88.9	1.16/29.46