Setup Guide
So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.
Setup Guide
So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.
Setup Guide
So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.
Flipping your chip
Flip chips are an adjustment mechanism found on many of bikes that change the bike’s geometry and suspension rate. Tweakers and finicky shredders can adapt their bike to suit their trails, their riding style and their needs.
VPP™ lower link chip
On VPP™ bikes there’s one chip that adjusts both the geo and shock rate. In the Low position, the BB height is lowered, the shock rate becomes more progressive, providing plenty of traction while climbing and extra squish for small bump compliance, while also giving you some bottom-out resistance for big hits. In the High setting, BB height is higher so there’s improved pedal clearance for slower, techier terrain, the bike rides a little taller in its travel and supplies the rider with more mid-stroke support.
How to?
Switching the lower link chip between High and Low only requires a 6mm Allen wrench and a minute or two—simply loosen and remove the bolt, flip the chips (one each side of the lower link), and retighten to the correct torque spec. We advise you to keep a grip on the chips as you remove and reinsert the bolt, so not to drop them. If you’re still working out which end of a hammer you hold onto then we suggest going to your local shop and letting a mechanic do it. Watch the video (above) to see how the pros do it.
Independent chips (four-bar bikes)
Bikes like the Vala have independent geo and shock rate chips. On the Vala the geo chip (at the top link/seat stay) raises or lowers the BB 4mm, and adjusts the headtube angle 0.3-degrees. Generally speaking, Hi position is for riders looking for something with more ground clearance when pedaling through the chunkiest terrain, or Lo for riders looking to optimize for descending. The progression chip (at the lower shock mount) changes the progression from 26-29%. Low progression provides a very consistent feel that prioritizes responsiveness. Hi progression sits in a bit more and prioritizes bump-eating forgiveness. However, all settings are preferences and terrain dependent. Try each out to find the best for you.
How to?
Adjusting the geo chip (at the top link/seat stay) is simply a case of loosening the 5mm bolt until the chip can be turned in the frame. It doesn't need to be fully removed. (note: both chips will need to be loosened simultaneously.) Set to the same position on both sides and tighten to 16Nm.
Adjusting the progression chip requires a 5mm allen wrench. Loosen the bolt, flip to the new orientation, slide shock bolt back through and tighten to 15.6Nm.