When it comes to mountain biking, the performance of your suspension is paramount. Rear shocks play a crucial role in absorbing bumps and maintaining traction, and the spring is a key component of that system. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace the spring on your 185×55 Fox shock, understanding your options, particularly Super Light Steel (SLS) springs, is essential. This guide will delve into Fox SLS springs, their benefits, and how to determine the correct spring travel for your ride.
Fox has introduced Super Light Steel (SLS) springs as a performance upgrade for riders using DHX and VAN rear shocks. These springs are engineered to be significantly lighter than traditional steel springs and even rival titanium springs in weight, but at a more accessible price point. This weight reduction translates to improved bike responsiveness and handling, especially on demanding trails.
What Makes SLS Springs Different?
The secret behind the lightweight and robust nature of SLS springs lies in Fox’s proprietary manufacturing process. They undergo a special surface treatment and stress relief process. This process effectively eliminates residual stresses within the spring material, allowing it to withstand higher forces and stresses without compromising durability. Furthermore, each SLS spring is meticulously designed with a smaller wire diameter and fewer coils. This optimization minimizes material usage while maintaining the required spring rate, resulting in a lighter overall spring.
Visually, SLS springs are easily identifiable by their bright orange color. They are also clearly marked with their spring rate in pounds per inch (lbs/in), in increments of 25 lbs, and the maximum shock travel they are designed to accommodate. This clear labeling ensures you can easily select the correct spring for your specific shock and riding needs.
SLS Springs vs. Standard Steel Springs
While both SLS and standard steel springs from Fox are designed for performance and durability, there are key differences to consider when choosing between them. Standard steel springs, typically black, are a reliable and more budget-friendly option. However, they are heavier than SLS springs.
Standard steel springs are marked with their spring rate (in 50 lb increments) and the total travel of the spring itself. It is crucial to note that standard black springs should only be paired with shocks that have less travel than the travel indicated on the spring. This is a key difference from SLS springs, where the marked travel indicates the maximum shock travel the spring is designed for.
Choosing the Right Spring Travel for Your 185×55 Shock
The tables provided by Fox are invaluable tools for selecting the correct spring for your shock. While the original article doesn’t specifically mention a “185×55 shock” directly in relation to SLS springs, understanding spring travel is critical for any shock size, including 185×55.
To determine the appropriate spring travel, you need to know your shock’s stroke length (the “55” in 185×55 refers to a 55mm stroke in a shock with a 185mm eye-to-eye length). Then, consult the SLS Springs table to find springs designed for travel equal to or greater than your shock’s stroke. For example, if you were looking for an SLS spring for a shock with up to 2.25″ of travel (approximately 57mm), you would look at the first section of the SLS spring table.
Similarly, for standard steel springs, you would use the corresponding table, ensuring that the spring travel marked on the spring is greater than your shock’s stroke to avoid damage and ensure proper function. The tables clearly list compatible shock sizes for each spring, making the selection process straightforward.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Fox SLS springs can offer a significant performance enhancement due to their lighter weight and optimized design. When choosing a spring for your 185×55 Fox shock or any other DHX or VAN shock, carefully consider the spring travel and spring rate. Utilizing the provided tables and understanding the markings on both SLS and standard steel springs will ensure you select the correct and safest option for your mountain bike suspension setup, ultimately leading to a better riding experience on the trails.
