Of cock feet and air springs

Have you ever read the owner's manual after buying a new bike? These manuals usually end up straight in the waste paper. Wrongly so, because they contain some real gems. It's worth buying a Fox shock for the German translation alone, which no comedian could have done better. Move took a look at it and picked out the most beautiful stylistic flourishes.

Whatever software Fox Shox uses to translate the manuals: it's worth the price. Even the second word is misspelled, after which things escalate into a first-class comedy. Suddenly it becomes clear why the manufacturers insist so vehemently on the manuals being followed. "Read the fucking manual" is not a politically incorrect patronizing of the consumer. Rather, they are concerned about the well-being of the buyer, because laughter is known to be the best medicine. This starts with the disclaimer: "FOX Racing Shox makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied." All clear so far?

You should saddle up before riding

The tips for the ride are also understandable: "Keep your bike and suspension on, ride within your limits and pace yourself lightly. Don't bounce on the pedals or saddle up." Heehow, the cowboys send their regards, and they already knew that their nags need more care with increased use. At Fox Shox, this means: "If you ride in extreme conditions, maintain your shock absorber more often." But things soon get more complicated, as the horse needs to be broken in: "Ride away from a curb bit and monitor the recoil." Or: "Ride at normal crossing speed and stay settled."

Stay composed - this shouldn't be a problem for temperamental bundles like Sports Minister Samuel Schmid. And finally, "While 'stuck down' shocks is a serious condition and should only be maintained by FOX Racing Shox is also rare." Sounds a lot like horse medicine according to Gary Larson, but at least it is rare. It seems to be less dangerous for the rider than for the steel horse, because after all, there is only the following threat: "Riding with a defective or malfunctioning shock absorber can result in loss of control, breakage and possible death or serious injury." Loss of possible death - thanks to Fox suspension elements, you can really make it rattle.

Air spring diagram

Now comes the technical part and the real highlight of the manual. Even the definitions of the terms are worth reading as an introduction: "Preload: The initial strength set to one spring." The keyword "spring rate" does not refer to partial payments that are due in spring, but to "The force required to compress a spring to inches." So the next time you have to wait at the border in April and get bored, you can determine this force. The "air spring diagram" is also important for the settings, where "The increased compression, the setting is damping, is company but will 'test cock' under a big success or a heavy load." Oh well.

Inflated inflation statements

The comments on adjusting the damper are also interesting: "After left-turning speeds the recoil. Move the click of the preselection knob one after the other until the desired rebound is achieved." Did you understand that? Maybe, but it's not that simple, because after all, the following must be observed: "AVA may open as much as 200 pounds of adjustment in the spring rate from fully closed to fully open when fully compressed." Last but not least, the entire volume of the steeled lungs of seasoned cyclists is required: "Inflate shock absorbers with inflation instructions."

Cockfoot in spring

It is also important to know how to maintain the products: "Pressurize the shock absorber, adjust sag and check for full impact performance again." You don't need a hammer or a baseball bat for this, but a "22mm cockfoot accessory." If the desired preload cannot be achieved with the preload ring, the spring must be changed. If only the weather fairies at Meteo had this under control, because changing a spring is not that easy: "On wraparound shocks, this is done by adjusting the spring preload or changing springs. Tighten the preload adjuster one full turn to keep the spring retainer from shaking loose." For all those who, contrary to expectations, still don't have a clue, Fox provides the solution at the very end of the manual: "Springs are available from FOX Racing Shox." From next year, fall should finally also be available.

All quotes are from the 2004 manual for Fox shocks. Move would like to thank Fox wholeheartedly for the enjoyable reading, the cleanly adjusted breakaway torque and the optimum response. The manual alone makes the purchase of a Fox product worthwhile. If that doesn't fit into your budget, you can also download all the comedy at: ridefox.com/fox_tech_center/owners_manuals/04_RearShocks_gr.pdf

This text appeared in the February 2004 issue of Move. It deserves to leave its mark on the Internet after more than 15 years. And by the way: the translation machines are much better today, but above all the Fox manuals are available in wonderfully error-free German.