What Is the Spring Travel on a 185×55 Shock?

If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the term “spring travel” thrown around, especially when shopping for shocks and other suspension components. But what exactly does “spring travel” mean? More importantly, if you’re looking at a 185×55 shock, how does that specification impact your ride? Suspension can be a bit of a rabbit hole with all the jargon, so let’s break it down piece by piece. This article will focus on the specifics of what is the spring travel on a 185×55 shock and why it matters for your mountain biking adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the sport, understanding suspension travel can make a big difference in how your bike handles on rough terrain. We’ll explore what the numbers mean, how they affect your ride, and provide some guidance on selecting the best setup for your needs.

What Does “Spring Travel” Mean?

Before diving into the specifics of a 185×55 shock, it’s essential to understand what spring travel actually refers to. In simple terms, spring travel is the distance that the suspension compresses when you hit a bump, rock, or any other obstacle on the trail. It’s measured in millimeters, and it dictates how much your suspension can absorb impacts before bottoming out.

Why Is Spring Travel Important?

The amount of spring travel on your bike determines several critical factors:

• Comfort: More travel means a smoother ride over rough terrain.
• Control: It affects how well your bike handles technical sections and how stable it feels at speed.
• Durability: Less travel may be more efficient for smoother trails, reducing wear and tear.
• Weight: More travel usually means a heavier shock, which can impact your uphill performance.

Choosing the right amount of spring travel can be the difference between a ride that feels buttery smooth or one that’s jarring and uncomfortable. Too little, and you’ll be bouncing all over the place; too much, and your bike may feel sluggish on climbs.

What Is the Spring Travel on a 185×55 Shock?

The 185×55 specification is a measurement used in the world of mountain bike suspension to indicate the shock’s size. The first number, “185,” refers to the eye-to-eye length in millimeters—the distance between the mounting points when the shock is fully extended. The second number, “55,” indicates the stroke length, or how far the shock compresses when fully engaged.

Spring Travel and Stroke Length

When we talk about “what is the spring travel on a 185×55 shock,” we’re essentially referring to how much the shock can compress—its stroke length. In this case, the shock has a stroke length of 55mm. This doesn’t necessarily translate to the bike’s rear wheel travel directly, as the bike’s geometry (leverage ratio) plays a huge role in how this compression affects the rear wheel movement.

To sum it up:

• 185 mm: Eye-to-eye length (shock length when fully extended).
• 55 mm: Stroke length (maximum compression).

How Does Stroke Length Relate to Rear Wheel Travel?

In mountain bike terms, the rear wheel travel isn’t always the same as the shock’s stroke length. The bike’s suspension setup and leverage ratio dictate how much the rear wheel shifts in relation to the shock compression. For example, a 55mm stroke might translate to 120mm to 150mm of rear wheel travel, depending on the bike frame’s design.

Choosing the Right Spring Travel for Your Riding Style

Different riding styles call for different amounts of travel. Here’s a quick guide to understanding what might suit you best:

1. Cross-Country (XC) Riders

If you’re all about speed and efficiency, you’ll want a bike with less travel. XC bikes usually have around 100mm to 120mm of travel to keep them lightweight and fast on climbs.

• Travel Range: 100-120mm.
• Ride Style: Light and nimble, best for smooth to moderately technical terrain.
• Shock Example: A 185×55 shock might be overkill for this category, as XC bikes prioritize less travel.

2. Trail Riders

Trail riding is the middle ground—climbing efficiently while enjoying the descents. Trail bikes generally have 120mm to 150mm of travel, giving them a bit more versatility.

• Travel Range: 120-150mm.
• Ride Style: Balanced for climbing and descending.
• Shock Example: A 185×55 shock fits well in this category, offering a good compromise between efficiency and cushion.

3. Enduro and All-Mountain Riders

Enduro bikes are designed for serious downhill performance without sacrificing the ability to climb. These bikes have more travel—usually around 150mm to 170mm—making them perfect for gnarly descents and rough terrain.

• Travel Range: 150-170mm.
• Ride Style: Aggressive, suitable for technical descents and rough trails.
• Shock Example: A 185×55 shock is a popular choice for enduro riders who want a plush yet manageable suspension setup.

4. Downhill Riders

If you’re bombing down steep, rocky trails, downhill bikes are the way to go. They have the most travel, ranging from 180mm to 200mm, to handle big drops and rough terrain.

• Travel Range: 180-200mm.
• Ride Style: Focused on descents with little concern for climbing.
• Shock Example: While a 185×55 shock might not be typical for a downhill setup, some custom builds might use a similar shock with an optimized leverage ratio.

How to Choose a 185×55 Shock: Air vs. Coil

One of the biggest decisions when selecting a 185×55 shock is choosing between air or coil suspension. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and your choice will depend on your riding style.

Air Shocks

• Lightweight: Air shocks are significantly lighter than coils.
• Adjustability: You can easily tweak the air pressure to suit different trail conditions.
• Versatility: Great for a wide range of riding styles, from XC to enduro.
• Cons: Can overheat on long descents and may lack the plush feel of a coil.

Coil Shocks

• Durability: Coil shocks are robust and handle sustained rough conditions.
• Performance: Known for their consistent performance, especially on technical descents.
• Smoothness: Offers a plush, predictable feel.
• Cons: Heavier and less adjustable than air shocks.

Fine-Tuning Your 185×55 Shock for the Perfect Ride

Even after you’ve chosen a shock, getting it dialed in is crucial. Here are some tips to make sure you’re making the most of your 185×55 shock:

1. Set Your Sag

Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your body weight. Most riders set sag between 25-30% for a balance of comfort and performance. Here’s how:

1. Wear your typical riding gear.
2. Position yourself on the bike in your typical riding stance.
3. Adjust the air pressure or spring preload until the suspension compresses 25-30% of its travel.

2. Adjust Rebound and Compression

• Rebound: Controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position. Too fast, and you’ll bounce; too slow, and you’ll feel sluggish.
• Compression: Determines how the shock reacts to bumps. Fine-tune it for comfort or stiffness based on your terrain.

3. Check for Bottom-Out Resistance

If you’re hitting big drops, you might want to add bottom-out spacers or increase air pressure to avoid harsh impacts at full compression.

FAQs About 185×55 Shocks and Spring Travel

1. How do I know if a 185×55 shock is right for my bike?

Check your bike’s specifications. Most frames are designed to work with specific shock lengths and strokes. Using a shock outside those parameters could negatively impact your ride quality or even damage your frame.

2. Can I use a 185×55 shock for downhill biking?

While it’s possible, downhill bikes typically use shocks with longer strokes for more travel. A 185×55 shock is more common in trail and enduro setups, where a balance between climbing and descending is needed.

3. Does a longer stroke always mean more travel?

Not necessarily. The bike’s leverage ratio plays a significant role. A 55mm stroke could translate differently depending on your frame’s geometry.

4. What’s the distinction between eye-to-eye measurement and stroke distance?

The eye-to-eye length is the total length of the shock when fully extended, while the stroke length is how much the shock compresses. Both measurements are crucial when choosing a shock that fits your bike.

5. Should I choose an air or coil shock for a 185×55 setup?

It depends on your riding style. Air shocks are lighter and more adjustable, while coil shocks offer a smoother, more predictable ride for technical terrain.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your 185×55 Shock

Selecting the right shock can seem daunting, but understanding what is the spring travel on a 185×55 shock can make the decision much simpler. This type of shock provides a versatile balance for trail and enduro riding, offering enough travel to handle technical descents without sacrificing climbing efficiency. By fine-tuning your setup, you’ll be ready to tackle a variety of terrains with confidence.