With their new Mod shock, Formula caters to the rear end of suspension bikes. This isn't their first rodeo into dampers either - they have experience in designing and manufacturing them for motorbikes since as far back as 1993.
Function, Details & Features
The Mod is a coil spring shock that uses a monotube design.
That mono, or single, tube is the one we see on the outside with the threaded spring collar on. On the end of the shock shaft is the main piston that moves back and forth inside the outer tube, which is full of oil, flowing through it to control the compression and rebound of the damper.
That monotube design means that the vast majority of the damping force is generated from the main piston and valving on it. Formula will also sell the shock tuned for the bike that it will be going onto.
There's a 30mm diameter piston on the inside that allows, along with an increased number of oil passages, to increase the oil flow inside the shock for better heat management and consistency in performance.
Compression and low-speed rebound are externally adjustable with the red rebound knob on the shock eyelet and the compression knob on the end of the reservoir. There is also a lockout lever to up the overall firmness of the shock for climbing.
Inside the reservoir is an expandable bladder that separates the oil from the air inside the reservoir volume, since as the shock compresses some compensation for the volume of shock shaft needs to happen. Formula say that the bladder design offers less friction than a standard IFP, or internal floating piston, design due to the reduction in moving parts.
Situated on the end of the shock shaft is the bottom out bumper, which has been carefully designed in shape and material to assist in managing the energy in the last portion of travel. Often overlooked, the bottom out bumper is pretty damn important for your shock's performance and not just to stop metal on metal contact. Formula stated that while they could have gone for a less visible bottom out bumper color, the engineers said that if they wanted the right performance, the sandy color, and its associated material, was the only option to get it.
CTS Adjustability
As the oil moves from the main shock body to the reservoir during use the valving assembly on the neck also generates damping, and is the place where we find one of Formula's unique selling points - Compression Tuning System (CTS). First seen on their forks, it's an interchangeable assembly that can change the feel of the shock.
Perhaps this is a system inspired by true twin tube damper designs, where all the damping was generated by these externally accessible valves, giving the riders or engineers ability to adjust the vehicle performance quickly and easily in a racing situation. But the essence is the same with the CTS system and allows the rider or mechanic to swap out the small assembly for one of three options.
Gold is the softest setting and is for light riders or those searching for a softer than usual suspension setup. Orange is for more aggressive riders looking for more support, and green is for heavier riders or riders with a very aggressive riding style wanting increased support all the way through the travel.
The thought of opening your shock to swap the CTS might be daunting, but it is actually very easy: it's a doddle to do for anyone with a basic mechanical idea of bikes, and it's even surprisingly simply for people who aren't as confident in the workshop. That ability for the user to change the whole feel of their shock, and fork too with the Formula forks, can offer quite the advantage over the competition if you like to chin scratch and experiment, or even for the shop mechanics who could offer the service to Formula equipped customers.
Options, Price & Availability
The Mod is available in the following variations:
- 210 x 55mm (standard eyelet length)
- 230 x 65mm (standard eyelet length)
- 185 x 55mm (Trunnion mount length)
- 205 x 65mm (Trunnion mount length).
Springs are available from 300 to 600 in 50lbs increments in ultraviolet and titanium colours.
Hardware for the Mod is available in 8mm diameter with 20, 22, 25, 30, 35 and 40mm widths and 10mm diameter in 22, 25 and 30mm widths.
It is priced for retail at 699,00€ including the Mod shock absorber, three CTS valves and a shock pump.
It's available immediately for pre-order with shipping starting from 2nd November 2020.
Source: Pink Bike