Clunk in Suspension

[Itselectric]

hey all - been a while since my last post. recently got back into the ebike world.
bought a lower end e fatbike that folds.
I am sure most are familar with the style I am talking about seems to be quite popular these days. It’s 350watt. I wasn’t expecting high end performance but there is an issue with the suspension. I assembled it went for a ride on the street and it clunks on bumps. I have made sure the stem is tight and all of the other Allen bolts are snug related to the suspension. One thing I just noticed as well, the dial to turn the suspension off works, but the one on the left barely turns. I though it was an adjuster that should turn much more that say what seems to be like 10-15 degrees of that makes sense. Could this just be a case of a bike that should have never passed inspection?

 

[ruffruff]

What fork do you have?
Have you double checked that it is in the dropout correctly and the skewer tight?

 

[Itselectric]

Yes the quick release was right and through the wheel correctly. I don’t know what type of suspension it is. (Cheap). Has a thing to shut the suspension off on one side and an adjuster on the other. I should mention the adjuster does not really turn at all.

 

[J.R.]

hey all - been a while since my last post. recently got back into the ebike world.
bought a lower end e fatbike that folds.
I am sure most are familar with the style I am talking about seems to be quite popular these days. It’s 350watt. I wasn’t expecting high end performance but there is an issue with the suspension. I assembled it went for a ride on the street and it clunks on bumps. I have made sure the stem is tight and all of the other Allen bolts are snug related to the suspension. One thing I just noticed as well, the dial to turn the suspension off works, but the one on the left barely turns. I though it was an adjuster that should turn much more that say what seems to be like 10-15 degrees of that makes sense. Could this just be a case of a bike that should have never passed inspection?

When you say that everything is tight, double check things were tightened in the correct order. A stem usually has 2 hex head machine screws that tighten the stem to the steerer tube. Then there's a machine screw and cap on the top of the stem. The top screw has to be tightened first, while the stem screws are loose (stem should be able to spin on the tube easy). The top screw is what holds the suspension to the bike and can be adjusted to make the steering easy or stiff. Too easy and you'll hear some rattling, too stiff wears the bearings prematurely. When you have that adjusted properly, then straighten the handlebar and stem and tighten the 2 stem machine screws. Those 2 screws help to secure the suspension steerer tube to the frame and secure the steering. Has to be done in order and a torque wrench can help get it right.

 

[Itselectric]

When you say that everything is tight, double check things were tightened in the correct order. A stem usually has 2 hex head machine screws that tighten the stem to the steerer tube. Then there's a machine screw and cap on the top of the stem. The top screw has to be tightened first, while the stem screws are loose (stem should be able to spin on the tube easy). The top screw is what holds the suspension to the bike and can be adjusted to make the steering easy or stiff. Too easy and you'll hear some rattling, too stiff wears the bearings prematurely. When you have that adjusted properly, then straighten the handlebar and stem and tighten the 2 stem machine screws. Those 2 screws help to secure the suspension steerer tube to the frame and secure the steering. Has to be done in order and a torque wrench can help get it right.

Thanks. Yes I know what you mean. I checked today actually but will do it one more time as I think I tightened the two screws first then checked the stem screw after.
I still think the suspension for is the issue tho - as the dial to adjust it will not turn. Has to be an indication there is something wrong with the suspension. Also that’s where the sound seems to becoming from. Will keep
You posted thanks for your help.

 

[AHicks]

My bet is that "dial" you're trying to turn adjusts the amount of spring tension - controls how much weight the bike will carry. If it's turned full clockwise (righty tighty), eventually it's going to stop, with the suspension fully compressed - or as much as you're going to get out of it.

If turned counterclockwise (lefty loosey) it may loosen up and turn freely after a couple of turns.

In either case, if the suspension gives as it encounters a bump or a hole, collapsing a little bit, there's nothing (no damping) to keep it from coming up with a bang as it tops out.

 

[J.R.]

Thanks. Yes I know what you mean. I checked today actually but will do it one more time as I think I tightened the two screws first then checked the stem screw after.
I still think the suspension for is the issue tho - as the dial to adjust it will not turn. Has to be an indication there is something wrong with the suspension. Also that’s where the sound seems to becoming from. Will keep
You posted thanks for your help.

I had a bike with a modest coil spring suspension fork at one point. There are usually services you can perform and or check to make sure the springs are properly installed. Double check the bolts at the bottom of the fork legs. They should be tight, although not super tight.

This might offer some help.

 

[Itselectric]

I had a bike with a modest coil spring suspension fork at one point. There are usually services you can perform and or check to make sure the springs are properly installed. Double check the bolts at the bottom of the fork legs. They should be tight, although not super tight.

This might offer some help.

Good advice. It’s just I bought this thing new and I don’t feel like I should have to do this.
I did the assembly as required but I feel an overhaul warrants a return!

 

[Itselectric]

My bet is that "dial" you're trying to turn adjusts the amount of spring tension - controls how much weight the bike will carry. If it's turned full clockwise (righty tighty), eventually it's going to stop, with the suspension fully compressed - or as much as you're going to get out of it.

If turned counterclockwise (lefty loosey) it may loosen up and turn freely after a couple of turns.

In either case, if the suspension gives as it encounters a bump or a hole, collapsing a little bit, there's nothing (no damping) to keep it from coming up with a bang as it tops out.

Funny thing is the dial moves both ways just barely at all though. I will try left Loosy but I think it’s a factory screw up

 

[Itselectric]

My bet is that "dial" you're trying to turn adjusts the amount of spring tension - controls how much weight the bike will carry. If it's turned full clockwise (righty tighty), eventually it's going to stop, with the suspension fully compressed - or as much as you're going to get out of it.

If turned counterclockwise (lefty loosey) it may loosen up and turn freely after a couple of turns.

In either case, if the suspension gives as it encounters a bump or a hole, collapsing a little bit, there's nothing (no damping) to keep it from coming up with a bang as it tops out.

Oh one more thing I am talking about the noise occurs when there are minimal bumps.
I just took the fenders off too to check it was not that.
it for sure if the forks. Garbage

 

[AHicks]

Well, if you're convinced it garbage, pack it up and return it.

 

[Itselectric]

Ya I think next time I would never buy one through the internet not built (unless Costco) which has a no hassle return policy.
Hoping Amazon will back me up on the most recent purchase.

 

[LimboJim]

hey all - been a while since my last post. recently got back into the ebike world.
bought a lower end e fatbike that folds.
I am sure most are familar with the style I am talking about seems to be quite popular these days. It’s 350watt. I wasn’t expecting high end performance but there is an issue with the suspension. I assembled it went for a ride on the street and it clunks on bumps. I have made sure the stem is tight and all of the other Allen bolts are snug related to the suspension. One thing I just noticed as well, the dial to turn the suspension off works, but the one on the left barely turns. I though it was an adjuster that should turn much more that say what seems to be like 10-15 degrees of that makes sense. Could this just be a case of a bike that should have never passed inspection?

I've ridden a handful of different "cheap" suspension forks - some have "lockout," some have "preload adjustment," some have both, and some neither.

Can you post a pic like the top one below? This cheapo has lockout and preload dials, though the latter's pretty useless.

The bottom pic is of a fork that looks like it has an adjustment dial, but it barely moves and does nothing at all. It's basically a pogo stick!

 

[Itselectric]

Pogo stick lol

I've ridden a handful of different "cheap" suspension forks - some have "lockout," some have "preload adjustment," some have both, and some neither.

Can you post a pic like the top one below? This cheapo has lockout and preload dials, though the latter's pretty useless.

The bottom pic is of a fork that looks like it has an adjustment dial, but it barely moves and does nothing at all. It's basically a pogo stick!

View attachment 74012
View attachment 74013

pogo stick lol.....

 

[LimboJim]

Pogo stick lol




pogo stick lol.....

Ugh, most of those low-priced Amazon and Walmart bikes and ebikes come with pogo stick shocks and other low-end components.

Here's a video showing an "MTB" getting beat up pretty bad on trails - I started it at the ride part:

 

[Itselectric]

Well based on the photos I posted I believe you can see it’s intended to adjust. It’s just stuck. I just checked again. This bike sounds so sketchy. Can’t wait to return it.

 

[Itselectric]

Ugh, most of those low-priced Amazon and Walmart bikes and ebikes come with pogo stick shocks and other low-end components.

Here's a video showing an "MTB" getting beat up pretty bad on trails - I started it at the ride part:

Oh one more thing. I have I have realized the suspension on the bike runs a bit better when it is open and in suspension mode. But with the suspension turned off that is where the fork is not rigid totally and clunks over bumps. Is that normal? Perhaps for cheap forks? To me it totally sucks cause that’s how I want to ride it in the city. And everytime I hit a pothole or bump it sounds awful and is super annoying. Not what you would expect for paying over 1k. Am I being too picky about what I should expect from this thing?

 

[ruffruff]

ya that $1k mark is tricky price point. You can get some real crap components in that price range.
Front suspension forks look and sound sexy on a bike and they throw some real turds on cheap bikes to make them look appealing.

There are not many REAL bargains in a bike in the $1000 and less range.
They are cheap components and you usually pay in the end to keep them running.

I'm sorry your first ebike is not going well. It's frustrating.

 

[Itselectric]

Agreed. Even with cheap mountain bikes. Worst thing you can do is buy one with suspension. Can’t believe I broke my own rule.