Mountain Bike Suspension
Setup Guide
Whether you favour a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike, suspension setup can make all the difference to the ride quality. Correct setup is key to the performance of any mountain bike, with an unsuitable configuration leaving even the highest-end models feeling underwhelming.
This article aims to supply you with the knowledge to dial in your perfect settings and get the most out of your suspension, no matter your discipline or skill level.
Where to Start?
Although suspension adjustment can seem daunting at first, any rider can achieve their perfect settings when armed with the right tools and knowledge. It is worth noting that what works for one rider may not work for another, so it pays to experiment on the trail to find your ideal formula. Essential to any setup is to strike a balance between firm support and supple traction, with the perfect setting for many rider’s lying somewhere between the two.
Manufacturer guidelines are an excellent place to start, with most bike brands offering a chart or calculator with baseline settings based on your weight and riding style. Although you and another rider may have the same rear shock, different frames will call for varying pressures due to the change in leverage ratio.
Depending on your suspension model, you may find that the below settings are not all relevant. If this is the case, take a look at the adjustments your suspension does offer and follow the appropriate sections. The below process is specific to air suspension. For coil suspension, refer to the manufacturer weight charts and model-specific setup guides.
Mountain Bike Suspension Tools - What Do You Need?
- A shock pump (ideally with a digital gauge)
- A measuring device, such as a tape measure or ruler (RockShox suspension does not require this due to their printed guides)
- Appropriate tools - some rear shocks such as the FOX X2 require allen keys to adjust the dials
- Ensure the suspension compression/lockout dial is set to the open position
- Ensure your sag O-ring is in place as these sometimes get removed during servicing
- A wall or friend to help you balance through the process
- A notepad to record your settings
How to Set Mountain Bike Fork Sag
Generally speaking, suspension fork sag delivers optimal performance at around 15-20% of the available travel. Start by adjusting the air pressure according to your weight on the manufacturer guideline, then use the below process to dial in your settings. For suspension forks, the guide is often found on the rear of the fork leg.
- Start by compressing the fork a few times to free up any friction in the seals
- Stand on the bike with the pedals in a 3 and 9 o'clock position, much like you would when descending
- Carefully reach down or have an assistant move the sag O-ring up against the fork seal
- Gently shift your weight back so as not to compress the suspension further and dismount the bike
To calculate the resulting sag, measure the distance between the O-ring and fork seal and divide this by the length of suspension travel. Then, times this number by 100 to determine your current sag percentage. If higher or lower than desired, add or reduce pressure as needed.
If you own an electric mountain bike, it is worth noting many manufacturers recommend running higher fork pressures. Check the chart on the back of your suspension fork for more information.
How to Set Mountain Bike Rear Shock Sag
To set your rear shock sag, follow the guideline pressures laid out by the frame manufacturer’s website. If unavailable, use 25-30% as a guideline percentage range and calculate it using the below process.
- Start by compressing the rear shock a few times to free up any friction in the seals and to charge the negative air chamber
- Stand on the bike with the pedals in a 3 and 9 o'clock position, much like you would when descending
- Carefully reach down or have an assistant move the sag O-ring up against the shock body wiper seal
- Gently shift your weight forward so as not to compress the suspension further and dismount the bike
To calculate the resulting sag, measure the distance between the O-ring and shock body wiper seal and divide this by the shock stroke length. Then, times this number by 100 to determine your current sag percentage. If higher or lower than desired, add or reduce pressure as needed.
How to Set Rebound Damping
As a guideline, rebound damping should be fast enough to recover between repeat impacts but slow enough that it doesn’t affect your stability. Many manufacturers now offer suspension calculators which feature a recommended rebound setting. Use this as a starting point and fine-tune your preference from there.
If a guideline is not available, turn the dial to fully closed and count the number of clicks it takes to reach the fully open position. Set the rebound setting in the middle of these two extremes, then ride repeat laps of a familiar section of trail. On each lap, adjust the rebound by two clicks at a time, either faster (open) or slower (closed) until you find a setting that achieves the fastest possible rebound speed without sacrificing control.
How to Set Compression Damping
Compression damping is set by personal preference, with some riders preferring a supple, cushioned feel and others a firmer, more stable setting. Many suspension units will have preset compression settings for on the fly adjustment, such as a climb, trail and descent mode. If you’re unsure what is best for you, start with your compression damping fully open and add clicks of compression if you feel more support is required.
If your suspension features independent low and high-speed compression circuits, refer to the frame/fork manufacturer setup guides to help get the most out of your ride. If no guide is available, add low-speed compression to reduce pedal bob and keep the high-speed compression fully open, adding additional clicks of high-speed to firm up the suspension when riding jumps and drops.
Suspension settings can make or break your riding, making spending the time to dial in your perfect setup an essential process for any rider. Looking to improve your own ride? Browse our wide range of mountain bike forks today and enhance your performance on the trail.
