ODS Damper Oil Weights

[WD Pro]

What oil would be the best recommendation for me based on :

856 / Vector II
COR springs front and rear
190 lb rider

I have never had a fully suspended bike before so I am thinking it would suit me to be a little on the ‘stiff’ rather than ‘soft’ side ?

Intended use will be fast XC, tow paths, bridleways etc

What are you guys running ?

Can anyone recommend a good cheap source for small quantities (eBay seller etc) or is it worth buying a larger quantity for future servicing etc – how often should that be ?

Cheers for any help / replies 

WD 

[shovelon]

I thought I heard that 30 weight motor oil was about right for the rear shock. That would be a good cheap start.

[mach_y]

I got 15 weight motorcycle fork oil at a local motorcycle shop (1.5 quarts) for like $7... pretty cheap stuff at a motorcycle shop apparently.

What oil would be the best recommendation for me based on :

856 / Vector II
COR springs front and rear
190 lb rider

I have never had a fully suspended bike before so I am thinking it would suit me to be a little on the ‘stiff’ rather than ‘soft’ side ?

Intended use will be fast XC, tow paths, bridleways etc

What are you guys running ?

Can anyone recommend a good cheap source for small quantities (eBay seller etc) or is it worth buying a larger quantity for future servicing etc – how often should that be ?

Cheers for any help / replies 

WD 

[Simon]

30 wt if using a COR spring 5 or 10 wt if using an elastomer

[WD Pro]

Ok, so that's 2 to 1 upto know for the 30wt

Is that the same for front and rear ?

Cheers,

WD

[shovelon]

I always like lite damping on the front, but that is just me.

[WD Pro]

Ok, thanks for you guidance the reason for all the questions is that I have never had a sprung bike before so I won't know if it rides as it should / the best it can when it's finished !

[Simon]

You have to remember the ODS system was over damped to start with and as the elastomers have inheriant damping qualities (early elastomers didn't even have dampers) it didn't help.
Most changed the oil to a lighter weight BUT when you fit a spring to an ODS damper you lose the damping qualities of the elastomers I found going back to the heavier weight oil the best bet.

[kiwi]

the 856 isnt a long travel bike so the suspension isnt plush.....

[rapiddescent]

I remember Bob Girvin telling us on the old 855-heads email list that the factory made a mistake with the ODS shock - they used a different material for the piston (not shiny enough) and they over dampened the shock with 30wt oil.  My advice is that:

a) if you are road/trail centre rider then go for 30wt oil with the coil spring upgrade
b) if you are a bit of a harder/faster rider and need a quicker reacting system then go for something a little less dense, like a 15wt - here in scotland, our trails are really rough, so this is what I use.

As simon says, if you are using MCU's then a lighter less dense oil is better - also, just use motorbike fork oil from an auto store (like halfords in the UK).  I've never seen much advantage in the special (and more expensive) mountain bike versions.

callum