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5th Element Air

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Mountain Bikes
Published
18 August 2003
Last activity
29 August 2003
Original author
Paulus
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  1. Hi,

    I'm trying to figure out the relationship between the IFP and main chambers to tune it properly. How does changing the pressure in the IFP affect the main chamber and vice versa? What would the effect be of having a greater IFP pressure than in the main chamber, etc.

    Thanks,

    Paul

  2. Quoted message said:

    Just follow the instructions that came with it, you can figure it out


    easier

    Quoted message said:

    that way.

    - CA-G 5th Element science degree...

    Perhaps the poor fellow cannot make any sense of the instructions, or perhaps the instructions do
    not clearly delineate this issue. Since the 5th Element shock is the most adjustable and probably
    the most confusing shock on the market, I say we give him a little help here. Is that too much to
    ask, Carla?

    The fellow gave a properly written question, so he deserves a properly written response. I
    don't know the first thing about 5th Element shocks, but somebody here is bound to have an
    answer. Slacker?

    -John Morgan

  3. John Morgan said:
    Quoted message said:

    Just follow the instructions that came with it, you can figure it out


    easier

    Quoted message said:

    that way.

    - CA-G 5th Element science degree...

    Perhaps the poor fellow cannot make any sense of the instructions, or perhaps the instructions do
    not clearly delineate this issue. Since the 5th Element shock is the most adjustable and probably
    the most confusing shock on the market, I say we give him a little help here. Is that too much to
    ask, Carla?

    I guess I missed the hall monitor elections.

    Who did you have to go down on to win?

    The instrustions are straight forward and do indeed answer his questions.

    Build a man a fire and he is warm for the day, set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest
    of his life.

    Or something like that.

    p.s.http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdf/5th%20Air%20Setup%20Guide.pdf

  4. "John Morgan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:kw80b.6425$cj1.5401@fed1read06...

    Quoted message said:

    Perhaps the poor fellow cannot make any sense of the instructions, or perhaps the instructions do
    not clearly delineate this issue. Since the


    5th

    Quoted message said:

    Element shock is the most adjustable and probably the most confusing shock on the market, I say we
    give him a little help here. Is that too much to ask, Carla? The fellow gave a properly written
    question, so he deserves a properly written response. I don't know the first thing about 5th
    Element shocks, but somebody here is bound to have an answer. Slacker?

    -John Morgan

    John, if you aren't aware of it, I do have experience with the 5th Element rear shock and setting
    one up. It is not the easiest shock in the world to set up, I'll admit that. On the other hand, the
    manual that comes with the shock is very easy to understand and it is simplified. There a lot of
    steps involved in setting up the shock to the way you like it, but if you take the time and follow
    the instructions provided, the job is much easier. You can even download the manual on Progressive's
    site. Since you really have no experience with the shock, you don't seem to understand that you
    can't just type out an answer and let the guy figure it out from there. If he is so inclined and
    can't figure it out himself even by following the instructions step-by-step, I am sure there is a
    bike shop around him that can help.

    - CA-G

    Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

  5. From what I can figure out, tuning the IFP chamber has a similar effect to tuning the low speed compression dampening adjustment on a Fox Forx RLC. The manual doesn't go very in depth about the relationship between the two chambers, nor how they relate to rebound dampening.

    Could someone please provide some constructive comments rather than telling me to re-read the manual?

    Thanks.

    Quoted post said:

    Originally posted by Carla A-G
    "John Morgan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:kw80b.6425$cj1.5401@fed1read06...

    Quoted message said:

    Perhaps the poor fellow cannot make any sense of the instructions, or perhaps the instructions do
    not clearly delineate this issue. Since the


    5th
    Quoted message said:

    Element shock is the most adjustable and probably the most confusing shock on the market, I say we
    give him a little help here. Is that too much to ask, Carla? The fellow gave a properly written
    question, so he deserves a properly written response. I don't know the first thing about 5th
    Element shocks, but somebody here is bound to have an answer. Slacker?

    -John Morgan



    John, if you aren't aware of it, I do have experience with the 5th Element rear shock and setting
    one up. It is not the easiest shock in the world to set up, I'll admit that. On the other hand, the
    manual that comes with the shock is very easy to understand and it is simplified. There a lot of
    steps involved in setting up the shock to the way you like it, but if you take the time and follow
    the instructions provided, the job is much easier. You can even download the manual on Progressive's
    site. Since you really have no experience with the shock, you don't seem to understand that you
    can't just type out an answer and let the guy figure it out from there. If he is so inclined and
    can't figure it out himself even by following the instructions step-by-step, I am sure there is a
    bike shop around him that can help.

    - CA-G

    Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

  6. Paulus said:

    From what I can figure out, tuning the IFP chamber has a similar


    effect

    Quoted message said:

    to tuning the low speed compression dampening adjustment on a Fox


    Forx

    Quoted message said:

    RLC. The manual doesn't go very in depth about the relationship


    between

    Quoted message said:

    the two chambers, nor how they relate to rebound dampening.

    "1. Internal Floating Piston (IFP)Air Pressure Settings - The shockdepends on air pressure
    tofunction properly. Use of theshock with improper IFP airpressure will cause damage &failure of the
    shock that is notcovered by the warranty. The IFPair pressure settings control theposition sensitive
    damping feature of the shock. IFP air pressure adjustments vary thestarting compression force that
    affects the pedaling platform & high-speed blow-off.The IFP air pressure range is 50-125psi. Never
    use a pressure outside this pressurerange. You can refer to the online Quick Start guide at:
    www.progressivesuspension.com/literature.html for accurate pressure ranges matched to your bike
    model and body weight.The IFP air pressure also affects sag, so you should set the IFP air pressure
    beforesetting the main spring pressure. The IFP pressure settings will vary according to
    riderweight, main spring pressure, your bike’s leverage ratio & your personal preferences.Lower
    pressures will provide a softer ride & lower blow-off threshold for sharp, high-speed bumps. Higher
    pressures will provide a firmer ride control, firmer pedaling &higher blow-off threshold for sharp,
    high-speed bumps.

    3. Main Air Spring PressureAdjustments – Air Springadjustments are made byinflating or deflating the
    main airspring chamber. Since your IFP air pressure adjustment (outlined above) also affectsyour
    starting spring force, you should always adjust your IFP pressure before adjustingthe main air
    spring pressure. You can refer to the online Quick Start guide
    at:www.progressivesuspension.com/literature.html for accurate main air spring pressure23

    4. Rebound Damping Adjustment - The rebound damping controls the return rate ofthe shock & rear
    wheel after it has compressed to absorb the bump. The reboundadjustment will vary for different
    air spring pressures, rider weights, leverage ratios,type of riding and individual rider
    preferences. As a general rule, adjustments thatare too fast (counterclockwise adjustment) will
    produce a springy ride with excessivekick-up of the rear end during aggressive riding or racing.
    Adjustments that are tooslow (clockwise adjustment) will cause packing of the rear wheel that is
    identified bya low ride height & stiff ride feeling when the rear wheel can’t return fast enough
    toabsorb the next bump. An average starting adjustment will achieve a return movementof the shock
    somewhere between a “snap-back” and”“sluggish” motion. You canrefer to the quick start guide for
    an average starting setting for your bike model,spring rate and rider weight. The rebound
    adjuster is a red knob found on the eyeletcap of the main air chamber. All models are fitted with
    a knurled knob for easy no-tool adjustment.When reaching the minimum &maximum stops of the
    adjusterrange, do not apply excessiveforce to continue turning theadjuster, or damage to
    theadjuster will occur that is notcovered by the warranty."

    Quoted message said:

    Could someone please provide some constructive comments rather than telling me to re-read
    the manual?

    straight-forward stuff.

  7. Paulus says:

    Quoted message said:

    From what I can figure out, tuning the IFP chamber has a similar effect to tuning the low speed
    compression dampening adjustment on a Fox Forx RLC.

    Ya lost me there, but read on......

    Quoted message said:

    Could someone please provide some constructive comments rather than telling me to re-read
    the manual?

    I believe that if you ask your LBS, they will have someone that knows. It may well be that no-one on
    this group is confident enough to answer your question, or it may be that they feel there are better
    ways to go than trying to explain in text-mode.

    The LBS may charge for it's services, but that is life.

    Steve

  8. "John Morgan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<kw80b.6425$cj1.5401@fed1read06>...

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    Just follow the instructions that came with it, you can figure it out


    easier

    Quoted message said:

    that way.

    - CA-G 5th Element science degree...

    Perhaps the poor fellow cannot make any sense of the instructions, or perhaps the instructions do
    not clearly delineate this issue. Since the 5th Element shock is the most adjustable and probably
    the most confusing shock on the market, I say we give him a little help here. Is that too much to
    ask, Carla?

    If he's so e-tarded that he can't follow simple instructions, he needs to have a lobotomy, or a
    reputable LBS adjust it.

    Quoted message said:

    The fellow gave a properly written question, so he deserves a properly written response. I don't
    know the first thing about 5th Element shocks, but somebody here is bound to have an answer.
    Slacker?

    No, he deserves a boot to the head for being a daft buggerer.

    JD

  9. Quoted message said:

    I don't know the first thing about 5th Element shocks, but somebody here is bound to have an
    answer. Slacker?

    -John Morgan

    Sorry, not me. I'm clueless and *anti air shocks, even if they disguise it as a coil.
    --
    Slacker

  10. I live in eastern Canada and purchased a frame mail order from the US. Not a single shop here
    carries the 5th Element Air, let alone knows what one is. Although the manual describes how each
    individual adjustment works, it doesn't go into much detail about how one setting may effect
    another, if at all.

    I posted the question hoping to get an answer from someone who might have had experience with one.
    Instead... "e-tarded", "go down on", "Read the

    Pete, since you are so familiar with the Progressive website, could you please post the link for the
    5th Element Air "Quickstart" Guide mentioned in the manual?

    "P e t e F a g e r l i n" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    Paulus said:

    From what I can figure out, tuning the IFP chamber has a similar


    effect

    Quoted message said:

    to tuning the low speed compression dampening adjustment on a Fox


    Forx

    Quoted message said:

    RLC. The manual doesn't go very in depth about the relationship


    between

    Quoted message said:

    the two chambers, nor how they relate to rebound dampening.

    "1. Internal Floating Piston (IFP)Air Pressure Settings - The shockdepends on air pressure
    tofunction properly. Use of theshock with improper IFP airpressure will cause damage &failure of
    the shock that is notcovered by the warranty. The IFPair pressure settings control theposition
    sensitive damping feature of the shock. IFP air pressure adjustments vary thestarting compression
    force that affects the pedaling platform & high-speed blow-off.The IFP air pressure range is
    50-125psi. Never use a pressure outside this pressurerange. You can refer to the online Quick
    Start guide at: www.progressivesuspension.com/literature.html for accurate pressure ranges matched
    to your bike model and body weight.The IFP air pressure also affects sag, so you should set the
    IFP air pressure beforesetting the main spring pressure. The IFP pressure settings will vary
    according to riderweight, main spring pressure, your bike's leverage ratio & your personal
    preferences.Lower pressures will provide a softer ride & lower blow-off threshold for sharp,
    high-speed bumps. Higher pressures will provide a firmer ride control, firmer pedaling &higher
    blow-off threshold for sharp, high-speed bumps.

    3. Main Air Spring PressureAdjustments - Air Springadjustments are made byinflating or deflating
    the main airspring chamber. Since your IFP air pressure adjustment (outlined above) also
    affectsyour starting spring force, you should always adjust your IFP pressure before
    adjustingthe main air spring pressure. You can refer to the online Quick Start guide
    at:www.progressivesuspension.com/literature.html for accurate main air spring pressure23

    5. Rebound Damping Adjustment - The rebound damping controls the return rate ofthe shock & rear
    wheel after it has compressed to absorb the bump. The reboundadjustment will vary for different
    air spring pressures, rider weights, leverage ratios,type of riding and individual rider
    preferences. As a general rule, adjustments thatare too fast (counterclockwise adjustment) will
    produce a springy ride with excessivekick-up of the rear end during aggressive riding or
    racing. Adjustments that are tooslow (clockwise adjustment) will cause packing of the rear
    wheel that is identified bya low ride height & stiff ride feeling when the rear wheel can't
    return fast enough toabsorb the next bump. An average starting adjustment will achieve a return
    movementof the shock somewhere between a "snap-back" and""sluggish" motion. You canrefer to the
    quick start guide for an average starting setting for your bike model,spring rate and rider
    weight. The rebound adjuster is a red knob found on the eyeletcap of the main air chamber. All
    models are fitted with a knurled knob for easy no-tool adjustment.When reaching the minimum
    &maximum stops of the adjusterrange, do not apply excessiveforce to continue turning
    theadjuster, or damage to theadjuster will occur that is notcovered by the warranty."

    Quoted message said:

    Could someone please provide some constructive comments rather than telling me to re-read the
    manual?


    Quoted message said:

    straight-forward stuff.

  11. Paulus said:


    I live in eastern Canada and purchased a frame mail order from the


    US. Not a

    Quoted message said:

    single shop here carries the 5th Element Air, let alone knows what


    one is.

    Quoted message said:

    Although the manual describes how each individual adjustment works,


    it

    Quoted message said:

    doesn't go into much detail about how one setting may effect another,


    if at

    Quoted message said:

    all.

    I posted the question hoping to get an answer from someone who might


    have

    Quoted message said:

    had experience with one. Instead... "e-tarded", "go down on", "Read


    the

    Quoted message said:


    Pete, since you are so familiar with the Progressive website, could


    you

    Quoted message said:

    please post the link for the 5th Element Air "Quickstart" Guide


    mentioned in

    Quoted message said:

    the manual?

    Is Google now banned in Canuckland?

    google.comsearch
    t+manual&spell=1

    google.comsearch

    progressivesuspension.com5th%20Air%20Setup%20Guide.pdf

    progressivesuspension.comliterature.html

    p.s. I'm not familiar with 5Th element shocks nor their website but I seem to be able to use basic
    internet search engines and comprehend the relevant links.

  12. I believe inexperience is the key here. I've never worked on shocks and I DID read the manual and I
    can understand how it can be confusing to someone like me. Take it to an LBS, or play around with it
    and in due time you'll have it set up!

    --
    - Zilla Cary, NC (Remove XSPAM)

    "P e t e F a g e r l i n" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:
    Paulus said:


    I live in eastern Canada and purchased a frame mail order from the


    US. Not a

    Quoted message said:

    single shop here carries the 5th Element Air, let alone knows what


    one is.

    Quoted message said:

    Although the manual describes how each individual adjustment works,


    it

    Quoted message said:

    doesn't go into much detail about how one setting may effect another,


    if at

    Quoted message said:

    all.

    I posted the question hoping to get an answer from someone who might


    have

    Quoted message said:

    had experience with one. Instead... "e-tarded", "go down on", "Read


    the

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:


    Pete, since you are so familiar with the Progressive website, could


    you

    Quoted message said:

    please post the link for the 5th Element Air "Quickstart" Guide


    mentioned in

    Quoted message said:

    the manual?

    Is Google now banned in Canuckland?


    google.comsearch
    t+manual&spell=1

    Quoted message said:



    google.comsearch

    Quoted message said:


    progressivesuspension.com5th%20Air%20Setup%20Guide.pdf

    progressivesuspension.comliterature.html

    p.s. I'm not familiar with 5Th element shocks nor their website but I seem to be able to use basic
    internet search engines and comprehend the relevant links.

  13. "P e t e F a g e r l i n" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    straight-forward stuff.

    Thanks Pete, I've been trying to tell him that all along...

    - CA-G

    Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

  14. Obviously, you don't.

    I asked for the Quickstart guide, not the setup guide/instruction manual. Is literacy so poor south of the border? Read the post before trying to impress people with your copy/paste skills. What are you going to send me next, the link to the quickstart guide for the COIL version? Are you going to insult my mother?

    Here's a simple concept:

    If you don't know the answer to a question, don't post.

    Quoted post said:

    Originally posted by P E T E F A G E

    BOn Tue said:


    I live in eastern Canada and purchased a frame mail order from the


    US. Not a

    Quoted message said:

    single shop here carries the 5th Element Air, let alone knows what


    one is.

    Quoted message said:

    Although the manual describes how each individual adjustment works,


    it

    Quoted message said:

    doesn't go into much detail about how one setting may effect another,


    if at

    Quoted message said:

    all.

    I posted the question hoping to get an answer from someone who might


    have

    Quoted message said:

    had experience with one. Instead... "e-tarded", "go down on", "Read


    the

    Quoted message said:


    Pete, since you are so familiar with the Progressive website, could


    you

    Quoted message said:

    please post the link for the 5th Element Air "Quickstart" Guide


    mentioned in

    Quoted message said:

    the manual?

    Is Google now banned in Canuckland?

    google.comsearch
    t+manual&spell=1

    google.comsearch

    progressivesuspension.com5th%20Air%20Setup%20Guide.pdf

    progressivesuspension.comliterature.html

    p.s. I'm not familiar with 5Th element shocks nor their website but I seem to be able to use basic
    internet search engines and comprehend the relevant links. [/B]

  15. And for anyone actually looking for more information on the 5th Element Air:

    The Main chamber and IFP chamber pretty much work independently of each other. Although the IFP setting has some effect on sag, it has little influence on rebound dampening.

    The Main Air is basically your spring rate that depends on your riding weight and riding style, while IFP air pressure adjustments vary the starting compression force that affects the pedaling platform & high-speed blow-off. Basically, this means you can dial-in how sensitive it is in regards to how much you want to reduce initial suspension movement (bob) without effecting the main spring or rebound dampening.

    The main chamber is the "spring" in the traditional sense that it has the greatest affect on the sag. The IFP is similar in function to having a compression adjuster on the shock where an increase in IFP pressure is like turning up the low-speed compression damping. THe main purpose of the IFP on this shock is anti-bob, so it has only a slight affect on sag. The drill is to set the IFP first, the use the main chamber to set sag. If you change the IFP, you should re-check sag just in case.

  16. Paulus said:
    P E T E F A G E said:

    On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 00:09:38 -0400, "Paulus" <[email hidden]>


    wrote:

    http://www.progress-" rel="ugc nofollow noopener">progressivesuspension.comwww.progress

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    ivesuspension.com/literature.html

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    p.s. I'm not familiar with 5Th element shocks nor their website


    but I

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    seem to be able to use basic internet search engines and


    comprehend

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    the relevant links.

    Obviously, you don't.

    I asked for the Quickstart guide, not the setup guide/instruction manual. Is literacy so poor
    south of the border? Read the post before trying to impress people with your copy/paste skills.
    What are you


    going

    Quoted message said:

    to send me next, the link to the quickstart guide for the COIL


    version?

    Quoted message said:

    Are you going to insult my mother?

    Hey dipshit, the Quick Start guides that are referenced in the manual are in the link
    above(Hyperlinks 7-9 from the bottom of the page). I did read your simpering post. Perhaps you
    should read mine next time lest you continue to overwhelm us with irony.

    Quoted message said:

    Here's a simple concept:

    If you don't know the answer to a question, don't post.

    The answer to your question is in your owner's manual.

    The fact that you can't figure it out speaks volumes about your inability to comprehend the
    written word.

    Maybe you would be better off with a rigid SS? They are much simpler pieces of machinery.

    Best of luck!

    explain it to you.

  17. If you took the time to look at those links, you would have noticed they are for the 5th Element COIL and NOT the 5th Element AIR.

    You might want to give this product a try:

    http://www.hop.com

    They also have a toll-free number if you have trouble copying and pasting the link.

    1-800-532-3607

  18. Paulus <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:

    Here's a simple concept:

    If you don't know the answer to a question, don't post.

    Coming from a simpleton like you, that's a riot. [censored] now, dumbass

    JD

  19. Paulus said:

    If you took the time to look at those links, you would have noticed


    they

    Quoted message said:

    are for the 5th Element COIL and NOT the 5th Element AIR.

    Hey , Einstein, you asked for the links that Progressive referred to in their Product Manual (you
    knopw, the one that you can't understand for some reason).

    Those are the links. If you're unhappy that they are for their coil shocks, whine to Progressive.

    Quoted message said:


    You might want to give this product a try:

    hop.comhop.com

    They also have a toll-free number if you have trouble copying and pasting the link.

    1-800-532-3607

    Yeah, that's pretty ironic coming from someone who can't even understand a product manual.

    Try the SS.

  20. Quoted post said:

    Originally posted by Paulus
    If you took the time to look at those links, you would have noticed they are for the 5th Element COIL and NOT the 5th Element AIR.

    You might want to give this product a try:

    http://www.hop.com

    They also have a toll-free number if you have trouble copying and pasting the link.

    1-800-532-3607

    While you were busy posting phone numbers and links on how someone should give you an answer to which you were just too lazy to get yourself...
    here is Progressive's contact info...
    Phone & Fax Numbers:
    --For Literature - 877.690.7411
    --Techline - 760.948.4012
    --Fax - 760.948.4307

    I bet for all the time you spent pissing and moaning here you could have taken your finger out of your nose and gone right to the source... Why did you waste all your time fishing for an answer?

    ---> Jimbo(san)

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