21 Alpha Set Up/Shock Pressure

[715sledUP]

I just purchased a 2021 Mountain Cat Alpha 154 3”
My first single rail. I’m 5’9” and 165lbs, tried using the search with no luck. What do you guys recommend for a starting point with air pressures? Stock bars a good height?(thought about getting a shorter riser)
Any other must do/haves? Thanks in advance

 

[bnorth]

I'm 100# heavier than you but run 70 in the fronts, 70 in the FTS and 120 in the RTS. The clickers offer a ton of adjustability for each position.

 

[Fredrik]

The not easy way is to add tube boards bdx or similar,this will lower handle bar position and also make seat feel narrower make boards more rigid and sheed snow better,best mod for $ on cat.

 

[Cinno]

I just purchased a 2021 Mountain Cat Alpha 154 3”
My first single rail. I’m 5’9” and 165lbs, tried using the search with no luck. What do you guys recommend for a starting point with air pressures? Stock bars a good height?(thought about getting a shorter riser)
Any other must do/haves? Thanks in advance

Be advised the 2020 manual had a limit of 60 PSI on the front track shock, I believe to prevent blistering of the track at the hyfax contact point. That has occurred on may sleds. Many riders exceed that amount as it lightens up the front end quite a bit. What does your 2021 manual say about maximum settings?

 

[715sledUP]

Be advised the 2020 manual had a limit of 60 PSI on the front track shock, I believe to prevent blistering of the track at the hyfax contact point. That has occurred on may sleds. Many riders exceed that amount as it lightens up the front end quite a bit. What does your 2021 manual say about maximum settings?

The 2021 manual states a max of 60 psi on the fts as well. Says to start at 35 psi..

 

[BlueDevil]

Boy that’s not much air. Bet you will be bottoming that out constantly

 

[Cinno]

Boy that’s not much air. Bet you will be bottoming that out constantly

I now run 70 on the skis, 50 on FTS and 120 on the RTS. I don't jump and I don't hammer the big bumps on the trail. I would like to go more on the FTS but am afraid of the track damage. So far I've had no track or rail damage. I also have the clickers on the front on 1, the FTS and RTS on 2.

Cinno

 

[Cinno]

Boy that’s not much air. Bet you will be bottoming that out constantly

The air shocks in the MountainCat offer progressivity in that an air shock increases the effective spring rate at end of travel to reduce bottoming. The HardCore has springs which I don't think work as well and depend on the compression damping to reduce bottoming. I'm not a shock expert but I like my Mountain cat so far.

Cinno

 

[Vern]

I ran 45-50 in my fts last year with no issues. Only bottomed out once that I can recall and I bet I’m well over 300lbs geared up. I believe I ran about 70 in skis on clicker 1, 45-50 in fts and 165 in rts both on clicker 2.

 

[MTN_VIPER]

Front ski shocks 60 to 65 psi, clickers on 1 (mountain) 2 (trial)
Front skid shock 40 to 45 psi, clicker on 2
Rear skid shock 125 psi, clicker on 1 most of the time
170 lb without gear, experienced but not overly aggressive rider.
The front skid shock pressure makes a HUGE difference with how quick the sled reacts (especially on a 154") This is because the more pressure you run, the more it transfers back on to the mono-rail.
Depending on how quick your reaction time is and how aggressive of a rider you are, don't be afraid to try a lower pressure in the front skid shock, until you get a feel for the machine.
I suspect this is why Cat recommends starting out at 35 psi.

 

[715sledUP]

Front ski shocks 60 to 65 psi
Front skid shock 40 to 45 psi
Rear skid shock 125 psi
170 lb without gear, experienced but not overly aggressive rider.
The front skid shock pressure makes a HUGE difference with how quick the sled reacts (especially on a 154") This is because the more pressure you run, the more it transfers back on to the mono-rail.
Depending on how quick your reaction time is and how aggressive of a rider you are, don't be afraid to try a lower pressure in the front skid shock, until you get a feel for the machine.
I suspect this is why Cat recommends starting out at 35 psi.

That makes sense, thanks much for your recommendation [emoji1360]

 

[715sledUP]

Is an aftermarket or different rear bumper(with tunnel bracing) a necessity? I planned on doing a different front bumper for protection..

 

[715sledUP]

In addition, are the intakes still an issue? Was looking at a SSI/BDX Pro-tectair.. Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[Old & slow]

Really for the price i would just install the pro tectair it is cheap insurance

 

[Vern]

Is an aftermarket or different rear bumper(with tunnel bracing) a necessity? I planned on doing a different front bumper for protection..

I personally wouldn’t do a tunnel brace bumper. The rear section is fairly cheap and simple to replace IF you do bend it. A brace could possibly just move the damage up into the front section of tunnel which would be much worse to repair. This is just my opinion

 

[715sledUP]

Has anyone used the Cat mid size shovel pack/tunnel bag? Does it keep stuff dry? Are there better options out there? I didn’t use a tunnel bag on my 16.. just trying to get more stuff off my back while riding, thanks

 

[jb800]

Has anyone used the Cat mid size shovel pack/tunnel bag? Does it keep stuff dry? Are there better options out there? I didn’t use a tunnel bag on my 16.. just trying to get more stuff off my back while riding, thanks

Cat bags are garbage. They don't keep out moisture and the zipper failed on mine within a few rides. Get a polaris bag. I put a BCA bag on mine witch seems alot better then cats.

 

[Chewy22]

Has anyone used the Cat mid size shovel pack/tunnel bag? Does it keep stuff dry? Are there better options out there? I didn’t use a tunnel bag on my 16.. just trying to get more stuff off my back while riding, thanks

BCA is a great bag, what I currently use. Or any of the sled solution bags.

 

[MountainCat1]

My '17 came with a tunnel bag, so I have used it, since it was already paid for; it has been serviceable. Tip: Use an interior auto detail spray on the waterproof zippers for slick function of the zippers, it will help to keep them from breaking.

 

[Cinno]

Has anyone used the Cat mid size shovel pack/tunnel bag? Does it keep stuff dry? Are there better options out there? I didn’t use a tunnel bag on my 16.. just trying to get more stuff off my back while riding, thanks

I used a Dual Position LINQ™ Adapter Bracket Systems – Arctic Cat ... and a LinQ Slim Waterproof Tunnel Bag 4.2-6.9 Gallons 860202058. Love this combo. No zippers and is completely expandable. Has a shovel holder on the lid.