Oil flows through the low speed bleed valve Figure 10: Low speed compression flow Oil flows through the low speed bleed valve Figure 11: Low speed rebound flow Figure 12: High speed compression flow Figure 13: High speed rebound flow Compression poppet opens (high speed) Piston compression shim stack opens Rebound poppet opens (high speed) Piston rebound shim stack opens Cane Creek Double Barrel ® – customized for Nicolai 1. Function and features: Uniquely for a mountain bike shock, the Cane Creek Double Barrel (CCDB) utilizes a twin tube design. The main body of the damper contains two concentric tubes which allows the damping oil to flow through the damping control valves. On the CCDB, these damping control valves are located at the ‘top’ of the shock. During the compression stroke (when the wheel is moving towards the bike) the oil in the inner tube is forced toward the damping control valves. After passing through the compression damping valves the oil is returned to the rebound side of the piston via the space between the inner and outer tubes. During rebound the opposite is true, the oil passes between the two concentric tubes through the rebound damping valves and returns to the compression side. This is fundamentally different from traditional shocks and is the reason for the CCDBs huge adjustment range. Since a much greater volume of oil is routed through the external adjusters than on a traditional shock, the Cane Creek Double Barrel is more adjustable and has more consistent performance. 2. Adjustability and range of use: The advantage of increased adjustability is especially well utilized on bikes with varying setups, for example multiple travel settings, and where the bike will be used for a variety of different applications - ie enduro, trail, DH. The shock is particularly suited to the ION, NUCLEON and HELIUS models. Since shock rate varies with travel setting, the large adjustment range of the CCDB allows an optimised shock setting for each travel setting. You can see the shock compression curves on our website - www.nicolai.net . The CCDB would allow you to set the shock up plush with good bottom-out control for DH; tune in compression damping to limit rider induced suspension movement for general trail riding; and a compromise between the two for Enduro. 3. Rear shock setup: 3.1 FIGURE 10: Low Speed Compression - adjusts sensitivity to rider induced suspension movement and suspension response on rolling terrain. 3.2 FIGURE 11: Low Speed Rebound - similar to the rebound adjuster on most other shocks. Counters slow rebound speeds caused by unsprung elements of frame and balances spring forces. 3.3 FIGURE 12: High Speed Compression - controls shock sensitivity to larger impacts and controls the bottom out from drops. Also controls high speed bumps. 3.4 FIGURE 13: High Speed Rebound - this control adjusts how the shock returns from large impacts. This adjuster is unique to the CCDB and allows for good low speed rebound settings without causing the shock to pack down. Gives control of the rebound after big hits. 4. Resistance to cavitation - A secondary advantage of the twin tube design is that the reservoir pressurizes both sides of the main piston. This reduces the chances of oil cavitation which keeps the damping consistent regardless of shaft velocity. This also leads to longer oil life. 5. Precision machined shaft and high tolerance seals - The small diameter precision machined steel shaft helps keep stiction to a minimum resulting in unbeatable low speed shock sensitivity. Seals and sealing surfaces are matched for long term durability and minimal maintenance. 6. Springs - Springs are available in steel and titanium from 200lb/in to 650lb/in depending on damper size (stroke and eye to eye). We demonstrated a similar high and low speed compression damping principle on our Nicolai Trombone model from 2000. As Nicolai’s own shock never made it to mass production we are delighted that this advanced shock technology can now be offered through the Cane Creek Double Barrel.