How To - Elastomer Setup

Need help changing out elastomers or getting the proper setup on your new Flexx Handlebars? On this page you will find the resource you need to get your setup dialed. Check back often for new information, we will be updating this page often.

Which Elastomer should I run?

Tunable to your preferences through our compression and rebound elastomers you control how soft or stiff the bar is. What’s remarkable about Flexx Handlebars is what you don’t notice. You should not notice, or notice very little, depending on your preferences, your Flexx Handlebars moving.  

Your Flexx Handlebar will come built with red compression and rebound elastomers installed which is a good baseline for most riders. In the package are blue (soft), yellow (medium) and black (extra firm) compression and rebound elastomers.

Smaller riders, or those riding mellow trails (or gravel grinding) usually prefer the blue or yellow compression elastomer. The red elastomers are harder and provide a more traditional feel.  The black elastomers are extra hard, mostly reserved for larger, more aggressive down hill riders. It's mostly personal preference, and with a little testing you can quickly tailor the bar to your needs. We're happy to discuss your elastomer combination with you to be sure you're getting the most out of the Flexx Handlebar, please shoot us a call or email to do so.

Soft - Blue

Medium - Yellow

Hard - Red

Extra Hard - Black

 

Recommended Elastomer Combinations:

BLUE: XC/Gravel, youth, lightweight riders, 140lbs or less
YELLOW: XC/Trail/mild Enduro, 140-165lbs 
RED: Enduro/DH, 150lbs-220lbs, most popular set up
BLACK: DH 190lbs +

- A properly tuned Flexx Handlebar should feel natural while riding, absorbing small bumps, chatter and other trail terrain that tends to make your hands and upper body more fatigued. Any diving sensation, bottoming out or "that doesn't feel right" is an indication your set up is too soft.  

*The pin end caps do not need to be removed to change elastomers, use blue loctite on the nut and bolt when re-assembling 

Please call or email us if you have any questions or need any help, we love to work with our riders! 

How to change elastomers

Tools required: Two 4mm allen

It is imperative to apply blue loc-tite to both the nut and bolt when reinstalling. 

The nut requires a 4mm allen, while your bolt also uses a 4mm allen. Loosen the nut from the bolt. It may be easier to loosen the nut if you apply downward pressure on the handle with your forearm like in the picture. 

By taking some of the load off of the nut/bolt it is easier to unthread.  Notice when removing your elastomers how they sit in your FlexxMTB. It is important to install them with small side into the handle and the round side against the center section.  Orientate the elastomer so the bolt hole does not protrude from the handle or center section. It's important for the bolt and nut to have interference from the elastomer.  

With the elastomer in place install the nut with the rebound elastomer on it. The radius'd side of the rebound elastomer should be facing out with the square side against the handle.  From the center section the it should look like this:  

Now install the bolt, ensure there is blue loc-tite on both the nut and bolt threads.  As when removing the elastomer it can be easier to turn the nut if pressure is applied downward through the handle unloading the tension on the bolt/nut from the elastomer.  Tighten the nut until the bolt bottoms out.  With the bolt bottomed out in the nut the bar will have 5* of up sweep.

Video