How to set up your suspension fork
As you progress as a rider, you’ll find that you might need to change the set up of your bike, especially suspension. We have started to notice that riders are running less and less sag in their suspension fork, even when using volume reducing spacers. It might not feel as good in the car park, but it might feel better on the trail…
Our advice for setting your suspension fork is:
- Read your suspension manual
- Set your sag — Around 20% of full travel in your normal riding clothing, helmet, bag etc.
- Adjust rebound damping — set so that the fork returns to sag level after a compression — turn to minus for faster rebound if it returns too low, turn to plus for slower rebound if it returns too high
- High speed compression damping (not always on all forks) — this deals with fast hits like drop offs and repeated bumps (braking bumps) Use more clicks if you feel like your suspension is diving or rushing through its travel — this could happen when braking on steep sections
- Low speed compression damping (not always on all forks) — this deals with progressive hits like bomb-holes, berms and whoops (pump track). If you feel like your bike is wallowing and unstable, add more clicks to make your bike feel more solid on the trail.
You may also be able to consider volume reducing spacers if you have an air sprung fork. Volume reducing spacers will change the spring rate of your fork. A linear spring rate means that your fork will move through its travel at the same rate no matter where in the stroke it is. A progressive spring rate means that the fork will get stiffer the further into its travel it moves. The faster you ride, if you are heavy, or if you push hard into the trail for grip and to pump, the more progressive you might want your suspension. If you feel like your suspension is diving or moving through it’s travel too fast, add volume reducing spacers.
Testing… Testing…
Once you have set your suspension, ride a trail you know well a few times. Between runs check how much travel you are getting and reflect on how the bike felt. If you make any changes only make one change at a time, and take note of what you have changed — you might want to change it back.
When your suspension fork is set, check it regularly and keep it well serviced. Air pressure can leak and different riding attire can be different weights, especially if you switch between bag and no bag. As you progress as a rider and you start to ride faster on more difficult trails, it’s likely that you will need to stiffen up your suspension or make other changes.
Good luck and have fun out there!
Want help with your skills as well as your set up?Download the Dirt School Mountain Bike Skills app on Google Play and iTunes for free.
