Basic suspension setup

Why setup matters

Even the best suspension does not work if it is set up wrong. Suspension that is too soft bottoms out and sags on climbs; too stiff and it bounces and will not keep the tyre on the ground. A few basic adjustments make your suspension work for your weight and riding style.

1. Sag

Sag is how much the suspension compresses when you sit on the bike in your riding gear. On air suspension it is adjusted with air pressure.

1. Set the air pressure according to the manufacturer's chart for your weight (often printed on the fork leg or shock body).
2. Push the rubber O-ring on the shock body or fork stanchion against the seal.
3. Carefully get into your riding position, then step off without compressing the suspension further.
4. Measure how far the O-ring moved and compare it with the stroke.

A typical starting point for trail and enduro riding is around 25–30% at the rear and slightly less at the front, and less for XC. The manufacturer's instructions always come first.

2. Rebound

Rebound damping controls how quickly the suspension returns after compressing. Too fast and the bike bounces; too slow and the suspension packs down over repeated hits. Start from the manufacturer's recommendation and adjust a few clicks at a time.

3. Compression

Many forks and shocks let you adjust compression damping or select a mode that firms up the suspension for climbing. Start with light compression and add more only if the suspension dives under braking or sinks too much.

Write your settings down

Note the pressures and clicks that work for you. Check the pressure regularly, as air suspension slowly loses air and temperature affects pressure.

When should suspension be serviced?

Damper oil is a wear part just like any other component. When the oils wear out, the suspension no longer works properly, which can lead to damage and more expensive repairs. Ride More recommends a lower leg service at most every 30–50 riding hours and an annual fork and shock service at the latest every 100 riding hours, 1,000 km or one year. We service forks and shocks in-house – book a slot.