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Setup Guide

So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.

Setup Guide

So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.

Setup Guide

So you’ve got yourself a shiny new steed, now it’s time to turn it into your own personal workhorse—dialing in your ride is the first step. From suspension setup to saddle height, this guide will show you the basics of bike setup.

Geometry and Flip Chip

Flipping your chip

Flip chips are an adjustment mechanism found in the lower link of many of our VPP™ bikes that changes the bike’s geometry and suspension rate. Tweakers and finicky shredders can adapt their bike to suit their trails, their riding style and their needs.

Adjusting the flip chip on a Santa Cruz Bicycle
Adjusting the flip chip on a Santa Cruz Bicycle

In the Low position, the BB height is lowered, the shock rate becomes more progressive, providing plenty of traction while climbing and extra squish for small bump compliance, while also giving you some bottom-out resistance for big hits. In the High setting, BB height is higher so there’s improved pedal clearance for slower, techier terrain, the bike rides a little taller in its travel and supplies the rider with more mid-stroke support.

Adjusting the flip chip on a Santa Cruz Bicycle
Adjusting the flip chip on a Santa Cruz Bicycle

Switching the lower link chip between High and Low only requires a 6mm Allen wrench and a minute or two—simply loosen and remove the bolt, flip the chips (one each side of the lower link), and retighten to the correct torque spec. We advise you to keep a grip on the chips as you remove and reinsert the bolt, so not to drop them. If you’re still working out which end of a hammer you hold onto then we suggest going to your local shop and letting a mechanic do it.