Monarch RT3- IFP adjustability

Back to my forlorn forgotten blog now that the running event is finally over (at least for this year).

From the default RP23 to my first coil shock, an 08 DHX to the Diverse Dueler, plus a couple of loaners in between and now a Monarch RT3, I have learned a little more about suspension stuff. Those compressed neurons in the head thansks to the dense online reading is finally getting some rebound. I wonder if  a change in viscosity of brain fluid might also do wonders to my understanding as they can sometimes do with fork oil.

The problem with knowing more as we learn is to demand more out of the component or parts on the bike. Nothing is worse than suspensions with its myraid of parts. Any one of which could be a potential source of tweak to give that elusive "perfect" feel and function. As if that is not complicated enough, one will tend to DIY and tinker. Ok, maybe not for everyone but definitely applies in my case.

While it would be almost possible to pull apart most shocks on the market with the right tools, some are just not meant to be user-serviceable. On that count, Fox is notorious especially when it comes to things like their "inaccessible" IFP (Internal Floating Piston) and a lot of their special tools arent even available readily.

"Why bother?"
That's probably the question. The IFP if I describe it correctly is partly what resist the compression forces, loosely similar  to a negative spring in some of Rock Shox forks and hence affects small bump compliance characteristics.

To an extent the IFP relates to the bottoming out characteristics like how the tuning of shocks with a piggy resevoir would affect bottom out (Shocks with piggy resevoir also can have IFP, in fact most still do).

The problem with shocks like the RP23 is that there is no way to get to it until one gets into the inside most innards of the shock and expensive special tools are needed for the job. There are no guides provided on how to do it. In fact they don't recommend end users tinkering, everything is supposed to be done by a trained mech.

This is where the Monarch shines, with a little adapter that screws into a regular shock pump, now the IFP chamber can be fiddled to one's content... giving much more options when dialling in the shock. What's more there is even official video from SRAM/Rockshox that teaches how to  get to these parts online!

My RT3 is still pretty new and need a little more break-in time before fidgeting with the IFP (if its needed to). But first I really need to get back on the bike..