Cane Creek Helm MKII User manual

SUSPENSION FORK INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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We are a company of riders...
From our roots with the world’s first threadless headset to the introduction of
the eeWings titanium crankset, we have always approached cycling from a rider’s
perspective – with wonder and curiosity.
Riding a bike isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are – enriching our lives
every time we sit in the saddle. It’s our therapist, our best friend, our link to the kid in
all of us – smiling from ear to ear pedaling to the end of the block and back for the first
time. For us, being on a bike is joy and we know that the dedicated riders who choose
Cane Creek products feel the same way.
For that reason, we strive to constantly make the act of riding better – in whatever
form that may take. This is the lens we look through when we conceive, design, test
and manufacture Cane Creek components. We look to the rider – to ourselves – on the
bike and ask, “How will this improve the ride?”
It’s our belief that a cycling component brand must be about more than just balance
sheets, income statements and manufacturing quotas. Simply because a product may
be profitable doesn’t mean it’s worth making. If it does nothing to make riding better
– through innovative design, superior performance and quality craftsmanship – then,
simply put, we don’t do it.
At Cane Creek we are riders first and we know the difference that cycling makes
in our lives and our customers lives. We know that every time someone chooses a
Cane Creek product they are choosing to trust us with something that makes their
life better.
We will honor that trust by making sure that every product we release – from a simple
bearing to a four-way adjustable shock – is the best it can possibly be.

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Safety Warning Information / Tools Needed
Fork Features Overview
Crown Race Installation/Steer Tube Cutting
Star Nut/Stem Installation and Headset Preload
Front Brake and Cable Guide Screw/Cover Installation
Bolt-On Axle Installation
D-Loc Axle Installation
Damper Adjustments
Air Spring Set Up
Air Volume Adjustment
Air Internal Travel Adjustment
Coil Spring Set Up
Coil Spring Rate Change
Coil Internal Travel Adjustment
Service and Maintenance Schedule
Warranty Information
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06 ....
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29 ....
35 ....
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Table of Contents

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The fork is an important part of your
bicycle. Before installing and using
your new front fork, carefully read this
owner’s manual to learn the correct
installation and adjustment procedures
of this fork.
Warning
Improperly installed and/or adjusted
forks can cause serious harm or death
and may severely damage your bicycle.
Warning
A broken or malfunctioning fork may
cause loss of vehicle control and result
in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. If the
fork ever loses oil, air or makes
unusual noises, stop riding and have
the fork inspected by a Cane Creek
Authorized Suspension Service Center
or call the Cane Creek Customer
Service Team.
Warning
Modification, improper service or
use of aftermarket replacement parts
voids the warranty and may cause the
fork to malfunction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control and SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. Do not modify your bike
frame or fork. Use only genuine Cane
Creek Helm parts.
Safety Warnings
Follow service maintenance
recommendations. Fork service
should be performed by Cane Creek
Cycling Components or a Cane Creek
Authorized Suspension Service Center.
Visit www.canecreek.com or contact
us at 828-641-9560 to locate a Cane
Creek Authorized Suspension
Service Center.
Tools Needed For Installation:
• Saw for cutting steerer
• Crownrace setter (Recommended
Cane Creek part code HST005)
• Star Nut Setter
• 2.5mm hex wrench
• 5mm Hex Wrench
Tools Needed For Maintenance:
• T10 torx wrench (Coil Forks Only)
• 2.5mm hex wrench
• 5mm Hex Wrench
• 13mm wrench
• 18mm wrench
• 30mm wrench
• Pick Tool
Specialized tools and materials are
needed for the installation of your
CaneCreek parts. Installation of Cane
Creek parts by a qualified bicycle
mechanic is highly recommended.

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Tools Needed
Congratulations on the purchase of your
Cane Creek Helm Fork.
Cane Creek has been supplying revolutionary suspension
technology to the bicycle market since 2005. Based on a
foundation of precision quality and cutting-edge innovation,
our forks and rear shocks represent the pinnacle of high-
performance bicycle suspension systems. This owner’s manual
is your reference guide to understanding and tuning your fork.
It also provides important information about proper installation,
set-up and maintenance of your fork.
For product registration or questions,
visit www.CaneCreek.com or contact the
Cane Creek Customer Service Team
ready to help you at 828-641-9560.

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Fork Features Overview
*WARNING: Due to wide variations in rim and tire widths, always check tire clearance before riding. Remove air and compress
the fork completely to verify at least 10mm of clearance across the complete arc of the tire and the crown.
Wheel Spacing Boost 110mm 15mm Axle Diameter
Brake Connection Post Mount 180mm Minimum
Rotor Size
Brake caliper specific adapter
needed for larger rotors.
Axle to Crown
Measured at 160mm travel
(Axle to crown will change
proportionally to travel change) 553mm for 27.5 573mm for 29/27.5”+
Tire Clearance Maximum Tire Size
Helm 27.5 Air & Coil *65mm wide by 714mm tall.
Tire Clearance Maximum Tire Size
Helm 29”/27.5+ Air & Coil
*29” 64mm wide by 749mm tall.
*27.5+” 75mm wide by 739mm tall
Air Pressure
Both 27.5” and 29/27.5+ Minimum = 30psi Maximum = 150psi Recommended Sag 15-25%
Coil Spring Rates Minimum = Extra Soft
35lb Spring (Red)
Soft 45lb spring
(Black)
Medium 55lb
spring (Green)
Maximum = Firm
65lb Spring (Blue)
Spring Specifications
Damping Adjustments *Count of adjuster positions may vary with some fork builds. The range of adjustment will remain the same.
Internal Adjustments
Fork Chasis Information
Compression Low Speed 10 Positions
Compression High Speed 10 Positions
Rebound Low Speed 10 Positions
Volume Reduction Indexed 8 Positions
Air Travel
Adjustment
27.5 Air
Indexed System (up to 7) 10mm Travel
Reducers
170mm-100mm travel positions are
possible with the use of (up to 7)
10mm travel reducers
Air Travel
Adjustment
29/27.5+ Air
Indexed System (up to 6) 10mm Travel
Reducers
160mm-100mm travel positions are
possible with the use of (up to 7)
10mm travel reducers
Coil Travel
Adjustment
Both 27.5” and 29/27.5+ Coil
Indexed System (4) 10mm Increments
on compression rod
160mm-130mm travel positions are
possible with accessory-free travel
adjustment rod

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Crown Race Install:
After installing a headset into the bicycle
frame, install the crown race included
with the headset onto the fork according to
the headset manufacturers instructions.
Steerer Tube Cutting:
Measure the steerer tube twice and cut
to length according to the stem manu-
facturers instructions.
WARNING: Do not install more than
30mm of spacers below the stem.
Crown Race Install/Steer Tube Cutting

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Star Nut Installation:
Use a star nut setter tool to install
a star nut into the steerer tube at a
depth of 15mm.
Stem Installation and Headset Preload:
Install fork into frame and stem on
steerer tube. Tighten headset and
stem according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Star Nut/Stem Install and Headset Preload
15mm

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Front Brake and Cable Guide Installation
Front Brake and Cable Guide
Screw/Cover Installation:
Install brake caliper according to the
brake manufacturer’s instructions.
Route the front disc brake hose
or cable housing on the inside of
the lower fork leg through the disc
brake housing guide , fasten the cable
housing into the brake line holder
using a 2.5mm allen wrench.
WARNING: Ensure that all bolts are
tightened to the correct torque and
that fork movement is not restricted by
improper assembly when the suspension
is fully compressed or extended.
Torque to 1Nm Max

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1. Remove Bolt-On axle from fork by
turning counter clock-wise with a
5mm hex wrench and slide the axle
out of the fork.
2. Install front wheel into the dropouts
and insert the Bolt-On axle with
text “THIS SIDE UP” facing towards
the head tube through the dropout.
Use an anti seize or grease on axle
shaft to promote longevity of axle
function.
3. Fully insert the Bolt-On axle into
the dropouts and tighten to 10Nm
with a 5mm hex wrench.
Bolt-On Axle Installation
1.
2/3.
WARNING: A properly tensioned
axle preloads the hub bearings so that
the hub of the front wheel has no side to
side movement without overtightening
the axle system. 10Nm is the suggested
torque for the Bolt-On axle but may vary
due to hub shell tolerances. Ensure that
the torque used is the correct amount to
properly tension the axle for your hub.
tAn improperly tensioned axle, could
result in disengagement of the axle and
possibly causing serious injury or death.

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Tension Adjuster
1.Remove D-LOC axle from fork by opening
the cam lever, then moving the axle lock
latch to the “unlocked” position and slide
the axle out of the fork.
2. Install front wheel into the dropouts and
insert the D-LOC axle with text “THIS
SIDE UP” facing towards the head tube
through the dropout. Use an anti seize or
grease on axle shaft to promote longevity
of axle function.
3.Fully seat the D-LOC axle into the
dropouts and Lock the D-LOC
axle lock latch.
4.Use the tension adjuster to adjust the
axle’s clamp strength and close axle
lever to complete wheel installation.
D-Loc Axle Installation
1.
4.
2/3.
Cam Lever
WARNING: A properly tensioned
axle preloads the hub bearings so that
the hub of the front wheel has no side to
side movement without overtightening
the axle system. An improperly
tensioned axle, a lever not completely
engaged, or a lever not positioned in the
upward closed position could result in
disengagement of the axle and possibly
causing serious injury or death.

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Compression Damping:
Compression damping controls how easily
the fork compresses under impacts.
Low Speed Compression:
Is used to manage traction and chassis
stabilization. LSC adjustment eliminates
pedal induced “bob”, influences small
bump sensitivity, reduces brake dive
and determines how the bike will react
to weight changes. To adjust, turn
middle adjuster on the top of the right
side leg labeled Low Speed Compression.
Turn clockwise to increase damping
(more force needed to compress), turn
counterclockwise to decrease damping
(less force needed to compress).
High Speed Compression:
Is critical to absorbing energy from
high impact forces, such as square
edge hits and harsh landings. It also
aids in bottom-out resistance. To adjust,
turn outside adjuster on the top of
the right side leg labeled High Speed
Compression. Turn clockwise to increase
damping (more force needed to compress),
turn counterclockwise to decrease
damping (less force needed to compress).
Damper Adjustments
High Speed
Compression
Low Speed
Compression

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Damper Adjustments
Rebound Damping:
Rebound damping controls the speed
at which the fork will return to normal
height after a compression cycle. To
adjust, turn adjuster on the bottom
of the right side leg labeled Rebound.
Turn clockwise to increase damping
(Slower fork return speed), turn
counterclockwise to decrease damping
(Faster fork return speed).
Rebound

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Setting Sag is a crucial part of set up as
it affects the ride height and head angle
of bicycle. Positive and negative air
chambers are manually equalized...
adding or removing air is a two step
process (1. add or remove air 2.
equalize chambers). Follow these
steps carefully.
1. Unscrew AIR top cap to reveal air
valve and thread on shock specific
pump.
2. Start by adding around 30-40% of
your body weight (in lbs) in psi to
the positive chamber of the fork.
For example a 150lb rider, should
start with 45-60psi and adjust from
there if necessary.
3. Unscrew cap on lower leg to reveal
the negative air chamber equalizing
system. Unthread equalizing valve
and press button in to allow air into
the negative chamber. Charging
negative air chamber via the
equalizing button will reduce overall
pressure in the positive chamber.
Air Spring Set Up
REMOVE
1.
3.

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WARNING: The fork can become
lowered when applying downward
force while the negative air equalizer
button is pressed, falsely lowering
the travel of the fork as more air
volume is moved from the positive
chamber to the negative chamber.
If this occurs, press negative air
chamber equalizer button down
and pull up on the uppers of the
fork until full travel is restored.
4. Move sag ring indicator to the
wiper seal of the fork according to
the illustration.
5. Dressed in full riding gear, mount
bicycle via normal descending ride
position. Push down on fork to
cycle travel 3-5 times. Then return
sag ring indicator to the wiper seal
at your sag position.
6. Step off bicycle and measure the
sag O-ring movement distance.
Sag should be set approximately
15-25% of the total fork travel. Set
sag with damper compression
settings fully open to prevent damper
influence during this procedure.
Air Spring Set Up
15-25%
(Example: 24mm-40mm
for 160mm travel)
4.
6.
Wiper Seal

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Too much.
Just Right.
Too little.
7. Too little sag: Release air pressure
from air valve, and equalize
negative chamber. Too much sag:
Increase air pressure and equalize
negative chamber.
For sag recommendations and
troubleshooting contact Cane Creek
Cycling Components customer service
at 1-828-641-9560.
Recommended Air Pressure:
We recommend inflating the Helm
fork with air pressure equal to 30-
40% of your body weight (in lbs) in psi.
Example 150lb rider weight, start with
45-60psi and adjust from there
if necessary.
Due to variations in travel, volume
reduction settings, and rider standing
position air pressure will vary. This
guide is intended to be used during
initial set up and only provides
recommendations for air pressure and
is not intended to define settings in
air pressure.
Air Spring Set Up
7.

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If sag is set properly, but you are using
all of the fork’s travel prematurely,
a reduction of volume should be
performed. Cane Creek’s air volume
reduction system allows any rider to
achieve their desired “bottomless”
feel without the need for additional
materials. The system uses a static
piston that is positioned on an indexed
rod. This piston can be installed on the
rod to decrease volume in the positive
air chamber and increase the ramp of
the air spring. Increased ramp = more
progressive air spring.
1. WARNING: If working on air
spring be sure to remove all air
from positive and negative air
chambers.
2. Remove AIR top cap on left side leg
and release air pressure from the
top of the fork.
WARNING: Verify that all air
is removed from the fork in both
the positive and negative air
chambers by pressing negative
chamber equalizer button while
releasing air from the positive
chamber on the top of the fork.
Air Volume Adjustment
1.
Tools Needed:
• 30mm Wrench
• Shock Pump
Air Top Cap
Air Valve
Assembly

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3. Remove air valve assembly and
unthread the air volume piston
wing nut.
4. Install the air volume piston to
desired reduction point and fasten
the air volume piston wing nut.
5. Confirm that the system is clean
and lightly greased, including
the threads. Reinstall air valve
assembly, torque to 36Nm, and
set sag.
Air Volume Adjustment
3./4.
4.
Wing Nut
Air Volume
Piston

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Air Internal Travel Adjustment
Cane Creek Helm fork travel is preset
from the factory, but travel can be
changed internally in 10mm increments
if desired. Two travel reducers are
included with every HELM fork.
(Additional travel reducers can be purchased in
packs of 2, Cane Creek part number BAG0392.)
Tools required:
• 13mm Wrench
• 18mm Wrench
• Pick Tool
• Travel Reducers
WARNING: READ ALL STEPS BEFORE PERFORMING TRAVEL
ADJUSTMENT Follow these steps carefully to avoid foul assembly, warranty void,
or serious injury. If you do not feel confident performing this procedure, contact
a professional bike mechanic or a Cane Creek authorized Service Center. *For a
detailed step by step video of this process, visit www.canecreek.com
Clean the entire fork before performing
a travel adjustment to ensure no dirt
enters the lowers during reassembly.
Dirt in the lowers can cause damage to
the seals and stanchions.
1. Remove air cap from top of fork,
remove charge air cap off bottom of
fork, unthread air charge button on
bottom of fork.
1.
Travel Reducers