Risses arrived...is this how all air shocks feel?

[DugB]

Hello all,

My new Risse air shocks arrived today (Genesis for the front and Astro 5 for the rear) and after installing them on my bike I'm...well, I don't want to sound like a whiner...but I'm a little disappointed. The feel of the travel is nothing like what I'm used to, and there seems to be so much stiction. Maybe I'm more used to the faster progression of the rate increase as a typical coil-over shock compresses - these air shocks are nothing like that. They are certainly light, and they look great and installation was a cinch. I really just wish the travel wasn't so sticky. Anyone running Risses and able to share their insights? Will these things loosen up a bit?

Thanks,
- Doug :-)

[Ade]

Dug

I've got exact same set up on 957 and they did seem stiff compared to the shocks they replaced, especially on the front. The back did loosen up quite nicely though after a bit of thrashing about. I found the air pressure risse recommended worked for me. (120 psi front, 180 psi rear for 180lbs rider).

Front works quite nicely for bigger bumps but doesn't seem that responsive to smaller 'ripples' or hoof prints though and still has a lot of stiction, once it is moving it works well. Having said that I've just swapped to rockshox reba and disc front thanks to a myopic motorist and the compensation payout for very sore buttocks. First ride this weekend.

Ade

[keith]

I think stiction is inherrent with all air shocks,it comes down to a trade off ,light weight or plushnes

[Old Proflexer]

I've a Fox Talas on the back end of one of my carbons - don't notice any stiction at all.
It is a little less 'plush' than my 5th element which I use for more XC but for a lot of steep hills and declines,
I take the Fox as it's length adjustable -

OP

[shovelon]

I think you will end up happy with the rear, as you will put more weight on it, and the initial stiction mimics platform damping modern shocks.n You can also put lighter oil in for micro tuning.

The front. First let me say that I sent mine back(crosslink) 3 times, the last time with a Vector shock that I bought from a member here. My final request was to revalve them for a 90 lb. little girl, light oil, and smooth seals. What Josh found was that both bypass ports were undersize Whatever. Then when returned I exchanged/refilled the oil with some light spindle oil(like water) and low and behold the vector fork works well. The crosslink shock just does not move freely enough, and I ran out of patience to break it in any more.

I agree with OP, the modern Fox and Manitou shocks are smooth as silk. I reckon it is the design of the seals that makes the Risse shocks sticky, which is magic for the rear and evil for the front.

[DugB]

LOL, I love the group image. :-)

Thanks for all the input, guys! I'm going to play around with different shock pressures this weekend and better evaluate the combination. I may end up doing what you did with the front, Shov. Maybe it'll help if I reference your setup in my communication with Risse (Kevin). At one point last night, before I posted this topic, I'd even considered just going back to my old setup...but was not eager to consider the $450 upgrade cost "wasted".

Man, I'm glad you guys are around and this forum exists :-) Have a great weekend, all (and a Happy Halloween, too).

- Doug