Bicycle Mechanics - Adjusting a Fox Float R

I just got my new 02 enduro and I need to adjust the sag for the Float R in the back. How do I do this, what tools if any do I need. Also, how do you guys recomend cleaning my bike. Today after a hard ride through the mud I simply sprayed the bike off with cold water, and dried it. After that I lubed up the moving parts. Is this ok?

i've got a '02 FSR Comp but i think the Fox Float R rear shock is the same - it's air right?

the only "tool" you need is an air shock pump - one that fit's the screw-on for the fox.

what i'm telling you is what i read in the manual which you should have too - although i'm telling from memory and you have to check to find out the exact numbers.

but basically, you set the SAG by using the little rubber band thingy and pushing it down, then carefully getting on the bike so that you don't depress the shock excessively and then get off and then measure the distance between the rubber band that has now moved since the shock was compressed while you sat on it from your body weight. this i called the SAG and you have to read the book, but i think you want between 1/4 and 1" sag since the shock has like 2" of travel (OK i'm totally guessing b/c i forgot) --- if you have too much sag, you increase the pressure. too little and you decrease it.

then there's also the dial where you set the (uh, is it rebound or damping) well, it's what determines how quickly the shock returns. turn it one way and it will be "fast" and after you hit a bump you will "bounce" back up as it quickly returns. turn it the other way and it will be "slow" so smooth but it might stay depressed as you hit another bump so not be as effective and feel flat.

i set the sag within the range that Fox suggested in the manual (soory, forgot exactly what it is) and found it to be pretty appropriate. i tried a little more and a little less, but the recommendation is about where mine is now (although haven't remeasured it)

if the rubber band is gone you can use a twist-tie or zip-tie to measure with.

I also can't remember exactly for this shock, but I think for FOX air shocks, you pump it initially so the p.s.i. corresponds to body weight. i.e.: if you weight 175 lbs, start with 175 p.s.i. then measure sag as mentioned above!

I'm a clydesdale rider (200+), so I stick with coil over shocks.

My wife on the other had is teeny, and I pump her Fox shock up to 125 p.s.i. and it seems to work well for her!

L8R

Thanks guys. First step is to get a shock pump I guess so until I do that Ill just have to bare with it, or take it to the shop. Just seems like on some real bumpy trails Im bouncing up and down more than I should be. I think the PSI is just too low for my weight, which is about 175.

Try slowing down your rebound, this will help with the bouncing thingy!

L8R