When it comes to understanding mountain bike suspension systems, the spring travel of a shock is a critical aspect that directly affects your riding experience. If you’re wondering, “What is the spring travel on a 185×55 shock?”, this comprehensive guide will break it down for you and help you understand how it applies to different brands like Fox and Shimano, and also touch on how the spring rate impacts performance. Whether you’re upgrading your mountain bike suspension or finetuning it for better performance, knowing how spring travel works is essential.
Understanding Spring Travel and the 185×55 Shock
What is Spring Travel?
Spring travel refers to the total distance a shock can compress under a load. It determines how much suspension movement a rider has, which directly affects comfort, traction, and control while riding. A shock with more travel can absorb bigger bumps and drops, while a shock with less travel is optimized for efficiency on smoother trails.
For a 185×55 shock, the dimensions refer to the eye-to-eye measurement (185 mm) and the stroke length (55 mm). The stroke length, in particular, plays a role in determining the overall spring travel.
What is the Spring Travel on a 185×55 Shock?
The spring travel on a 185×55 shock depends on the leverage ratio of the bike frame it’s mounted on. On average, for mountain bikes, leverage ratios range between 2.5 and 3.0. For instance, if your bike has a leverage ratio of 2.5, the spring travel is calculated by multiplying the stroke length by the leverage ratio. Here’s a simple calculation:
- Spring Travel = Stroke Length × Leverage Ratio
- Spring Travel = 55 mm × 2.5 = 137.5 mm
This means your shock would provide approximately 137.5 mm of spring travel. However, the exact travel can vary slightly depending on the bike’s suspension design.
Spring Travel and the 185×55 Shock on Fox Shocks
Fox shocks are some of the most trusted and high-performance suspension systems in the mountain bike world. For a 185×55 Fox shock, the spring travel will largely depend on the bike frame’s leverage ratio, as outlined earlier.
Fox also provides tuning options for their shocks, allowing riders to tweak things like rebound, compression, and air pressure, all of which play into the feel of the spring travel. Riders using Fox shocks will often benefit from reading the manuals provided or speaking with their local bike shop professionals to dial in the shock for their frame.
Spring Travel and the 185×55 Shock on MTB
When it comes to general mountain biking (MTB), a 185×55 shock offers versatility for a variety of riding styles, from cross-country to enduro. Here’s what makes this shock size an excellent choice for MTB riders:
- Ideal for Trail Riding: It offers enough travel to absorb bumps and ruts but isn’t overkill for pedaling efficiency.
- Great for Mid-Travel Frames: Most mountain bikes designed for mid-travel (120 mm to 150 mm) suspension systems are compatible with 185×55 shocks.
- Customizable Feel: MTB suspension systems typically offer various adjustments—air canisters for adjusting pressure or coil springs for tuning stiffness. This means riders can optimize their spring travel based on personal preference.
Spring Travel and the 185×55 Shock for Shimano-Compatible Frames
While Shimano primarily focuses on drivetrain components, many mountain bike frames designed for 185×55 shocks are Shimano-compatible. Shimano builds components that work seamlessly with these frames, ensuring you get smooth and efficient performance.
For spring travel on Shimano-compatible frames, keep in mind the leverage ratio of the specific frame. Many frames with Shimano setups aim for a balanced geometry that matches well with a mid-travel shock like the 185×55 size, offering stability and efficiency for diverse trails.
What is the Spring Rate of a Shock?
If spring travel determines how far your shock can compress, spring rate determines how stiff the shock feels during that compression. Spring rate is measured in pounds per inch (lbs/in) and indicates how much force is required to compress the spring by one inch.
For example, if your shock has a spring rate of 400 lbs/in, it would take 400 pounds of force to compress the spring by 1 inch. Spring rate directly influences the feel of your bike’s suspension. A higher spring rate means a stiffer shock, while a lower spring rate provides a plush and more forgiving feel.
Air vs. Coil Springs
Shock spring rate varies depending on whether you’re running an air shock or a coil shock.
- Air Shocks: These allow for greater adjustability in the spring rate by adding or removing air pressure within the canister. They are lightweight and widely used for trail and XC riding.
- Coil Shocks: These offer consistent performance and are popular for downhill and enduro riders. Coil shocks usually require purchasing the correct spring (rated in lbs/in) to match your weight and riding preferences.
Why Does Spring Rate Matter?
Spring rate must be matched to the rider’s weight, riding style, and terrain. For instance, a heavier rider on rocky, technical terrain may prefer a higher spring rate for better control, while a lighter rider on smoother trails may benefit from a lower spring rate for added comfort.
Choosing the Right Spring Travel and Spring Rate for Your Bike
When selecting the ideal spring travel and spring rate, consider the following factors:
- Riding Style: Aggressive trail and enduro riders may prioritize more spring travel for handling technical terrain, while cross-country riders often prefer less travel for efficiency.
- Weight and Build: Rider weight significantly impacts the spring rate needed. Use a spring rate calculator or consult a professional to determine the correct setup.
- Terrain: Rough trails and bigger drops call for more travel and a stiffer spring, while smoother trails might benefit from less travel and a softer spring.
For the 185×55 shock specifically, understand your bike frame’s leverage ratio and intended use to get the most out of your suspension system.
Tune Your Ride for Ultimate Performance
Optimizing your suspension is a game-changer for your cycling experience. The spring travel of a 185×55 shock provides an excellent balance between control and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a variety of riders. Whether you’re riding Fox, Shimano, or other MTB-specific brands, understanding spring travel, rate, and how they work together ensures you’ll have the best ride possible.
If you’re feeling unsure about your suspension setup, consult your local bike shop or reach out to suspension experts for guidance. A well-tuned shock makes all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort, control, and trail confidence.
