We’ve been enamored by the custom and automatic air suspension tuning possibilities of the unique ShockWiz gadget since it was introduced via Kickstarter back in 2015. After getting gobbled up by SRAM and then given the further development might & rebranding under their data-focused Quarq division, ShockWiz is now ready for consumers. Available in two versions to work with a wide range of air shocks and forks, ShockWiz promises perfect suspension tunes tailored to your actual style of riding, all through an easy-to-use mobile phone app…
The way it works, you just install the small device inline with your suspension, and then go out and ride. ShockWiz automatically records and evaluates how your suspension is performing on-the-fly with it internal memory (independent of your phone), and then through its companion app offers clear instructions of what to change on your setup to get the most out of your bike for the type of suspension you have, the terrain you encounter, and your riding style.
While it obviously can have big benefits for setting up your shock and fork settings from the start, Shockwiz also can stay installed on the bike so you can continue to dial in an ideal tune over time or reoptimize your setup when you ride in new places on new trails.
ShockWiz is a small, light & durable device that is powered by a coin cell battery and in most cases gets zip-tied to your fork or shock. But don’t let its diminutive size fool you. There is some pretty advanced tech inside, and the made in the US device doesn’t come cheap. While the ShockWiz app for Android or iOS is free, the hardware is not.
The standard ShockWiz that gets strapped onto the bike will cost you $400/420€, while a direct-mount version that threads directly onto the air valve sells for $450/470€ (for inverted forks like the RS-1). That means you’ll likely use it once at a time to setup both fork & rear shock, and then keep it installed on one for longer to try to really work on specific settings. ShockWiz works with almost all air-sprung forks and shocks, as long as they have a single volume positive air chamber, that the device can then track.
The whole idea though is that it is simple & intuitive to use, and can bring pro-level suspension tuning into the grasp of everyone from a novice mountain biker with a nice ride, to a more competitive amateur racer looking to eke more performance out of their bike. The ShockWiz app makes it crystal clear how your suspension is performing and what you can change to make it work even harder for you. The approach actually serves as a good learning tool to explain core suspension tuning concepts so you can try them and see how they interact in real world riding.
Inside of that small waterproof black box is super sensitive pressure sensor, a microprocessor, and a Bluetooth LE transmitter. Connect it to the Schrader valve of your shock or fork and it logs air pressure 100 times per second as you ride. Specially developed algorithms track & analyze those pressure changes in order to identify bad characteristics – like pogo, pack-down, or bob – and the rate how bad they are. If it’s severe or doesn’t go away the app will suggest how to adjust to correct for it – either through air pressure, air spring ramp, rebound, or compression adjustments.
Both options include the ShockWiz device, plus a pair of hoses, the rubber mounting boot, and zip ties to secure it in place. The direct mount version also comes with an adapter to work with standard forks as well as rear shocks.
For now ShockWiz is available direct from Quarq’s website for US & Canada customers, and in the US, Australia & New Zealand through regular dealer networks. A few online retailers expand that international coverage to come to Europe as well, as Quarq continues to expand their international delivery options.
