Understanding Your Mountain Bike’s Rear Shock: The ‘160’ Explained
So, you’ve heard the term ‘160mm rear shock’ and are a little puzzled? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s a common question among mountain bikers, especially those new to the sport. Let’s break it down together.
What Does 160mm Actually Refer To?
That ‘160mm’ refers to the travel of your rear shock. This simply means the maximum distance the shock can compress. In this case, it’s 160 millimeters (or about 6.3 inches). This is a crucial specification because it directly impacts your bike’s performance.
More travel generally means a smoother ride over rough terrain. However, increased travel often comes with a trade-off; it can make the bike feel less agile on smoother trails.
Eye-to-Eye and Stroke Length: The Other Key Measurements
While ‘160mm’ tells us the travel, it’s not the whole story. You also need to know the eye-to-eye length and the stroke length of the shock. These measurements determine the physical size of the shock and whether it will fit your bike.
Think of it like this: the eye-to-eye length is the overall length of the shock, while the stroke is how far it compresses.
- Eye-to-eye length: The distance between the mounting points (the ‘eyes’) of the shock.
- Stroke length: How much the shock compresses when fully extended to fully compressed.
Two bikes with 160mm of travel might use shocks with different eye-to-eye and stroke lengths. This is because the leverage ratio of the bike’s suspension design affects how much the wheel travels for each millimeter of shock movement.
Leverage Ratio: A Hidden Factor
The leverage ratio determines how much the rear wheel moves relative to the shock’s movement. A higher ratio means more wheel travel for the same shock travel. For instance, a leverage ratio of 2.3 implies that for every 1mm the shock moves, the rear wheel moves 2.3mm.
Choosing the Right Shock: Beyond the 160mm
Selecting a rear shock isn’t just about the travel. It’s crucial to match the eye-to-eye and stroke lengths to your bike’s frame. Failing to do so can result in poor performance or even damage to your bike.
Always check your bike’s specifications or consult a professional bike mechanic to ensure you choose the correct shock for your specific model. Don’t assume all 160mm bikes use the same shock size!
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: All 160mm travel bikes use the same shock. False. The eye-to-eye and stroke lengths can vary significantly even among bikes with the same travel.
Misconception 2: More travel is always better. Not necessarily. More travel can make the bike less efficient on smoother trails.
Conclusion
Understanding what ‘rear shock 160’ means involves more than just the travel number. It’s about understanding the relationship between travel, eye-to-eye length, stroke length, and leverage ratio. Choosing the right shock is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Always consult your bike’s specifications or a professional to ensure the correct fit.
