Instruction manuals, workshops, video tutorials - it cannot be said that there is a lack of relevant sources of information on setting up a suspension. And yet the subject remains a challenge, because every track, every bike and every riding style requires individual fine-tuning of the sometimes diverse adjustment options. This dilemma has also moved the Australian Nigel Wade. With his tuning company Dusty Dynamics, Wade has developed the digital setup aid ShockWiz for air suspension elements and financed the project with the help of crowdfunding. At some point, Sram subsidiary Quarq, which is responsible for the integration of electronic components on bikes, also became aware of the activities of the Australian developers. At the beginning of 2016, Quarq bought the technology to make it ready for series production. The 509 supporters of the crowdfunding circle have already received their copies in advance. The small wonder box is now available to all end consumers.
The functional principle of ShockWiz is based on the fact that every spring movement causes a change in the air pressure in the positive chamber. Almost all aspects of suspension performance can be derived from this. The measurement itself is carried out by a highly sensitive pressure cell, which measures the air pressure in the positive chamber 100 times per second when connected to the suspension fork or shock. An internal microprocessor analyses the data collected on the trail and filters out the data that allows conclusions to be drawn about the suspension behaviour. Whether jumps, root carpets, drops, pedalling or braking movements - all events during a ride leave a characteristic pattern in the data logger. The software calculates an assessment from the collected data and makes suggestions as to which settings need to be changed. The results and optimisation suggestions are displayed to the driver graphically in the corresponding smartphone app. The app even states the level of confidence with which it makes these statements and, if necessary, requests additional "trail experience". You can choose from four different "Tuning Modes" for fine-tuning: "Efficient" for a taut chassis trimmed for propulsion, "Balanced" and "Playful" are the other gradations. "Aggressive" is primarily for downhill use.
In practice, using ShockWiz is quite simple. A few cable ties for fastening, a shock pump for calibration - the handling of the app and practical use are then explained in video tutorials. Anyone who spends a few minutes with it can start their first "session" straight away. Until ShockWiz has collected sufficient data on the road ("Confidence" over 50 %, ideally over 80 %), it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the test round. Once you have made the recommended changes to the suspension setup, you start the next "session". Because each tuning measure also affects other aspects of the suspension, it is advisable to work through the suggested tuning measures one after the other. In this way, you gradually approach the optimum setup for the test track. Because a ShockWiz unit can only be connected to one suspension element at a time, the fork and damper must be tackled one after the other.
Key question: Is ShockWiz equally suitable for all bikers and areas of use? Answer: no. Our practical tests show that ShockWiz works extremely precisely when searching for the optimum setup for a clearly defined route. However, confusion can arise when ShockWiz generates the data on long and different trails or even on tours. The reason: after a certain number of relevant events, the microprocessor's limited memory is full and older data (which would still be relevant) is overwritten. The result is still a good all-round setup, but if you are not aware of this fact, you run the risk of chasing after a constantly changing "ideal tune". Especially for touring riders, the suspension setup is and will always be a compromise, and ShockWiz can't change that. For riders with a clear requirement profile - especially cross-country, downhill and enduro racers - ShockWiz is an expensive but very effective tool for teasing the optimum performance out of the suspension. In view of the price, it remains to be seen whether the clever little box will also be accepted by normal bikers or whether it will be used more in shops, hire centres and clubs.
Christian Artmann, BIKE author, has tested ShockWiz extensively:
Shockwiz is a real aid for optimising the setup for defined routes and for finding a solid basic setup for almost any suspension. A great innovation, albeit at a steep price.
1 In the Shockwiz unit precision pressure cell, microprocessor with memory and button battery are housed in a dustproof and watertight compartment. For easier installation, the two valve nozzles are at different angles.
2 The rubber cage serves as protection for the ShockWiz unit and the spring elements. It offers a wide range of mounting options using cable ties.
3 The system comes with two different pressure hoses to optimise the positioning of the unit on the suspension fork and shock.
4 Shockwiz is paired with the smartphone via Bluetooth and communicates the results via the intuitive app.
Weight 45 grams (incl. rubber cage, plus cable)
Price 429 Euro (per unit)
Availability immediately
Info & Tutorials www.bike-magazin.de, webcode #35173
The app - the measured values are recorded and analysed in the Shockwiz unit. The smartphone app prepares the results for the biker.
Even if you don't need to take your smartphone with you on the test rides, you will need it for calibration, to view the results and to start a new test session. The individual pages are very clearly laid out and easy to understand. All suggested changes as well as any incorrect behaviour of the suspension are clearly displayed in bar charts. Even the technical terms are explained again directly in the app by tapping on them. Preliminary points of criticism: The app is currently only available in English, and there is no archiving option apart from screenshots.
Who benefits most from Shockwiz?
Racer (Cross Country, Enduro & Downhill)
If ShockWiz can collect its data on a defined route - be it a short test lap or enduro stage - you can achieve optimum and reproducible results. The setup achieved in this way is perfectly customised to the rider, riding style, bike and terrain.
All Mountain & Tour
Thanks to the intelligent software, you can even use ShockWiz to collect your measurement data on tour and receive clear setup suggestions at the end. However, not every tour is the same - which is why the setup recommendations are not equally suitable for every tour. Rather as a basic setting.
Interview with Marcus Klausmann, former downhill pro and expert in suspension tuning
Marcus Klausmann is a perfectionist. As a professional downhiller, he always tries to tease the last few per cent out of his setup. We sent Marcus a ShockWiz system to test exclusively for BIKE.
What is your impression of ShockWiz?
I was amazed at how quickly and precisely the system works. The app is also pretty self-explanatory.
Has ShockWiz discovered any tuning potential in your presumably meticulously adjusted suspension?
Not really, the evaluation by ShockWiz resulted in a 96% perfect chassis. However, the result showed me how capable the software is.
What are the benefits of ShockWiz for you?
I see different areas here. Because ShockWiz evaluates the real suspension performance, it can help to find the optimum setup for the respective track even faster - perfect for different stages in an enduro race, for example. And for newcomers, it is a great tool for learning to understand their own suspension.
Do you also see disadvantages to the digital setup?
Not really. As in other areas, there is a danger of becoming a slave to technology and stubbornly chasing after a 100% perfect setup instead of having fun on the bike.
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