Sortie 1 Suspension Part List: Complete Guide to Components and Upgrades

If you own a Sortie 1 full-suspension mountain bike, you already know it’s a capable trail machine. Keeping the suspension in top shape requires knowing exactly which parts go where. This sortie 1 suspension part list covers every component you’ll need for maintenance, rebuilds, or upgrades—from fork seals to rear shock hardware.

Understanding the Sortie 1 Suspension System

The Sortie 1 uses a four-bar linkage design that separates braking forces from suspension action. The system includes a front fork, a rear shock, and a network of pivots, links, and hardware. Each part must work together to deliver smooth travel and traction.

Front Fork Components

The front fork on the Sortie 1 is typically a 130–140mm travel unit from Fox, RockShox, or similar. Key parts include:

• Stanchions – The upper tubes that slide inside the lowers. They are coated with a low-friction finish.
• Lowers – The cast magnesium or aluminum pieces that house the damping and air spring.
• Damper Cartridge – Controls compression and rebound. Common cartridges are FIT4, Grip, or Charger.
• Air Spring Assembly – Provides adjustable spring rate. Includes the air piston, top cap, and air valve.
• Seals – Wiper seals keep dirt out; foam rings lubricate the stanchions.
• Buschings – Sleeves inside the lowers that guide the stanchions.
• Bottomless Tokens/Volume Spacers – Tuning for air spring progression.

Rear Shock Components

The rear shock is usually a Fox or RockShox unit with 120–130mm of travel (depending on frame size). Parts to know:

• Air Can – The main body that holds air. Some shocks use a separate reservoir.
• Damper Assembly – Controls oil flow for compression and rebound. May be internal or external.
• Air Sleeve – Slides over the air can to reduce friction.
• Eyelet Hardware – Top and bottom bushings and bolts that mount the shock to the frame and linkage.
• Volume Spacers – Fit inside the air can to adjust progression.
• Rebound Dial – Adjusts return speed.
• Compression Dial/Levers – For low-speed or high-speed compression adjustment.

Complete Sortie 1 Suspension Part List

Here is a detailed list of every suspension-specific part you might need to order for a Sortie 1. Always verify compatibility with your model year, as specs can change.

Frame Linkage and Hardware

The back end of the Sortie 1 relies on a series of pivots:

• Main Pivot Bolts – High-torque bolts that connect the front triangle to the swingarm.
• Upper Link Bolts – For the rocker link.
• Lower Link Bolts – For the rear triangle links.
• Bearings – Sealed cartridge bearings inside each pivot. Common sizes are 6000, 6802, 6902.
• Bushings – Some pivots use oil-impregnated bronze bushings instead of bearings.
• Link Arms – The forged or machined rocker and lower links. If cracked, they must be replaced as a set.
• Rear Dropouts – The part that holds the axle. May have replaceable inserts.

Seals and Wipers

• Fork Wiper Seals – Fit over the stanchions. Replace annually if you ride frequently.
• Fork Foam Rings – Lubricate the stanchions; clean and re-oil during service.
• Rear Shock Wiper Seals – On the air sleeve.
• Pivot Seal Kits – Rubber covers or O-rings that keep dirt out of bearings.

Air Springs and Volume Spacers

• Fork Air Spring Top Cap – Holds the spring assembly.
• Air Piston – Moves up and down the air chamber.
• Volume Spacers – Plastic rings that reduce air volume for more progression. Common brands: Fox, RockShox, DVO.
• Rear Shock Air Sleeve – The outer part of the air can. Often replaced when upgrading to a different volume.

Damper Cartridges and Tuning Kits

• Fork Damper Cartridge – The entire sealed assembly. If damaged, replace as a unit.
• Rear Shock Damper – Can be sent off for rebuild, but sometimes a new cartridge is easier.
• Tuning Kits – Shims and washers to adjust compression and rebound damping curves. Recommended only for experienced tuners.
• Spring Conversion Kits – For coil conversion of air shocks (rare on Sortie 1).

Hardware and Small Parts

• Fork Lower Leg Hourglass Nut – Holds the damper cartridge.
• Fork Air Valve Core – Standard Schrader valve, but may need a specific style.
• Rear Shock Mounting Bolts – M8 or M10, usually with a specific length.
• Pivot Bearing Covers – Plastic caps that snap over bearings.
• Derailleur Hanger – Not suspension, but often damaged in crashes and affects suspension feel? No, but include only if relevant. Better to skip.

How to Find Compatible Parts

Sortie 1 frames and suspension components are not universal. To ensure you get the right fit:

• Check the model year – The Sortie 1 was produced from 2018 to 2022 (or similar). Year affects pivot hardware, shock size, and fork travel.
• Look for OEM part numbers – Manufacturers like Fox and RockShox have specific SKUs for the Sortie 1. Search online using the bike manufacturer’s website or dealer.
• Measure before ordering – For bearings, note the inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and width. For bolts, measure thread pitch and length.
• Use a suspension service kit – Kits designed for your fork or shock model include all seals, foam rings, and wipers. Fox offers Float and 36 kits; RockShox has Lyrik and Pike kits.

Upgrading Your Sortie 1 Suspension

While the stock components are solid, you can enhance performance with targeted upgrades:

• Fork upgrade – Swap a 130mm Fox 34 for a Fox 36 if you want more stiffness. Ensure the steerer tube and wheel size match.
• Rear shock upgrade – Replace the basic Fox Float with a Fox DPX2 or RockShox Super Deluxe for better mid-stroke support. Check eye-to-eye length and stroke (usually 210×50mm or 210×55mm).
• Lighter hardware – Titanium pivot bolts shave a few grams without sacrificing strength.
• Better bushings – Some aftermarket bushings reduce friction in the pivots. Expect a small improvement in small-bump sensitivity.
• Volume spacers – Add one or two spacers to make the suspension more progressive, preventing bottom-outs while climbing.

Avoid “too good to be true” claims. Upgrades are incremental. Sticking with OEM replacements is perfectly fine for most riders.

Final Recommendation

For routine maintenance, your sortie 1 suspension part list should include fresh seal kits for both fork and shock, pivot bearing sets, and appropriate lubricants. When replacing parts, always verify compatibility by model year and measurement. If you’re unsure, consult a professional suspension service. For upgrades, focus on the rear shock first—it makes the biggest difference in trail feel. The Sortie 1 is a well-engineered bike; keep it running factory-smooth with the correct parts.