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Canfield Tilt & Lithium V3 Rear Triangle Info and Notes

Canfield Tilt & Lithium V3 Rear Triangle Guide: Install, Adjust, Troubleshoot

The Canfield V3 rear triangle adds flexibility to your existing frame — UDH compatibility, adjustable wheel size (29 / 27.5 / mullet), and tunable chainstay length — without changing the core ride feel you already trust.

This page is your reference for installing the V3 on your current frame and dialing in the settings that match your terrain and riding style. You’ll find the correct removal and installation order, torque specs, adjustment procedures, and answers to common setup questions.

Use it anytime you’re swapping settings, checking hardware, or fine-tuning your setup. If something doesn’t make sense or you have questions, reach out — we’re always happy to help.

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Rear Triangle Removal

Is installing the rear triangle difficult?

No. This is a direct swap using your existing pivot hardware.

You are removing the current rear triangle and reinstalling the new one into the same links.

Removal Order

  • Remove the upper shock bolt.
  • Remove the two upper rear pivot bolts.
  • These thread inward toward the seat tube.
  • Turn clockwise from the outside of the frame to loosen.
  • With the shock removed, compress the suspension slightly to clear the bolts.
  • Remove the lower rear pivot axle from the lower link and rear triangle.
  • The rear triangle is now fully disconnected.
  • No spacers will fall out during removal.

Hardware identification:

  • Two short pivot bolts (upper)
  • One long pivot axle (lower)

Reuse your original pivot hardware. Replace any damaged hardware before reassembly.

Rear Triangle Installation Order

What is the correct order?

Install the rear triangle into the lower link first, then the upper link.

Installation Sequence

  • Position the rear triangle in the frame.
  • Install the lower link pivot axle first.
  • Slide the lower link into the rear triangle.
  • Insert the long lower pivot axle.
  • Leave loose.
  • Install the two upper pivot bolts.
  • Thread from inside the link outward.
  • Leave loose.
  • Cycle the suspension by hand to confirm smooth movement.
  • Install the shock.
  • Torque all pivot hardware.

Do not torque the main pivots until the shock is installed. The shock stabilizes the rear triangle and prevents rotation into the seat tube during tightening.

My lower link does not slide in easily. Is something wrong?

No.

The lower link interface is intentionally tight.

During production, the bearing bosses are lightly finished for a precise fit. Some assemblies will feel snug.

If needed:

  • Lightly buff the aluminum bosses with fine sandpaper.
  • Remove minimal material.
  • Do not over-sand.

The fit should be tight, not loose. This contributes to frame stiffness.

If prying or hammering is required, stop and correct alignment.

Hardware Preparation

  • Grease the smooth shaft of all pivot axles.
  • Apply blue Loctite to threaded fasteners unless noted otherwise.
  • Ensure threads are clean.
  • Start all pivot bolts loosely before final torque.

This prevents misalignment, thread damage, and creaks.

Torque Specifications

Applies to Balance, Tilt, and Lithium trail bikes.

Component Torque
Main Pivot Hardware 24 Nm
Rear Axle 9–13.5 Nm
Shock Bolts 8 Nm

Install the shock before final torque of the main pivots.

Additional Dropout Hardware Torque:

  • Main dropout mounting bolts: 16 Nm
  • Brake mount bolts: 8 Nm
  • Flip chip clamp bolt (non-drive side): 6 Nm
  • Dropout filler bolts (2): hand tight only
  • Flip chip safety screw (non-drive side interior): hand tight only

Dropout Adjustment, Wheel Size & Chainstay Length

How do I change wheel size?

The bolt-on dropouts maintain geometry between 29" and 27.5" rear wheels.

  • Dropouts up = 29"
  • Dropouts down = 27.5"

Wheel Size Change Procedure

  • Remove rear wheel.
  • Remove brake mount.
  • Remove dropout mounting bolts.
  • Move both dropouts to the desired position.
  • Reinstall and torque to 16 Nm.

How do I adjust chainstay length?

Chainstay length is controlled by the flip chip at the rear axle.

Drive Side

  • Remove UDH hanger.
  • Remove flip chip.
  • Rotate 180° and reinstall.
  • Reinstall UDH hanger.
  • If switching to long setting:
  • Install the included screw in front of the UDH hanger.
  • Torque to 16 Nm.

Non-Drive Side

  • Remove interior safety screw (hand tight).
  • Loosen pinch bolt.
  • Remove flip chip.
  • Rotate 180° and reinstall.
  • Tighten pinch bolt to 6 Nm.
  • Reinstall safety screw (hand tight).

Both sides must match.

Brake Mount Adjustment

Brake mount position follows chainstay length:

  • Short setting = forward holes
  • Long setting = rearward holes
  • Remove brake mount bolts.
  • Move mount to correct holes.
  • Torque to 8 Nm.

Chainstay Length by Setting

29" (Dropouts Up)

  • Short: 435 mm
  • Long: 443 mm

27.5" (Dropouts Down)

  • Short: 427 mm
  • Long: 435 mm

435 mm is shared between both wheel sizes.

Ride Character

  • 29" + 443 mm = maximum stability.
  • 29" + 435 mm = balanced stability.
  • 27.5" + 427 mm = most playful.
  • 27.5" + 435 mm = playful with added stability.

Choose wheel size for overall character. Use chainstay length to fine-tune.

Do I need to adjust chain length when changing chainstay length?

Yes.

Switching between short and long settings typically requires approximately one chain link difference. Always verify for your drivetrain.

Recommended Method

  • Use a quick link and a short chain section to create a removable extension.
  • Add one link for long setting.
  • Remove one link for short setting.

Most quick links are not rated for repeated reuse. Replace the quick link each time you change settings.

Confirm correct length by checking big cog / big chainring and derailleur wrap before riding.

My pivot bolts do not thread in easily. Is something wrong?

Pivot bolts should thread smoothly by hand almost to full depth.

Resistance should only increase during the final turn as the axle shoulder seats against the frame. That is normal.

If resistance occurs early, stop.

Possible causes:

  • Dirty threads
  • Minor thread damage
  • Pivot misalignment

Correction

  • Remove and inspect.
  • Clean threads.
  • Start all pivot bolts loosely before tightening any single one.
  • All pivots must align. Thread each bolt halfway first, then torque to 24 Nm once all are engaged.

If necessary, chase threads with a 9/16"–18 tap. This is a last resort.

Installation Practice

  • Grease pivot shafts.
  • Use blue Loctite on threads.
  • Torque only after full alignment and shock installation.

Final Checks Before Riding

  • Recheck all pivot hardware torque (24 Nm) after the first ride.
  • Recheck rear axle torque (9–13.5 Nm).
  • All bolts must be torqued to spec.
  • Final brake alignment and drivetrain adjustments may be required after installation or geometry changes.
  • Cycle the suspension fully and confirm smooth movement before riding.

Brake Rotor Sizing

Brake standard is 180 mm.

Maximum rotor size: 220 mm.

Larger rotors are more prone to vibration. Rotor size should be selected based on heat management.

  • Purple discoloration: rotors are overheating — go larger.
  • Warm brown coloration: ideal operating temperature.
  • No discoloration: rotors likely too large and not reaching optimal temperature.

Rotors work best when brought up to proper operating temperature.

Tire Clearance

Rear triangle tire opening: 82 mm internal width.

A typical 2.5" tire fits with proper clearance.

Some tires larger than 2.5" may fit depending on tread profile and casing volume.

29" and 27.5" configurations share similar frame width clearance.

Always verify clearance with wheel properly centered.

Geometry Consistency

Wheel size changes using the bolt-on dropout system maintain intended geometry.

Head angle, seat angle, and bottom bracket height remain consistent when using the correct dropout position for each wheel size.

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