Confused No Longer Over Full Suspension Bike Settings

[reed scott]

So Far I've simply adjusted my shocks and forks to basically a 'medium' setting and hoped for the best. From watching other videos discussing sag, compression and rebound I did grasp the sag setting but the others were still mostly a mystery. Well ... no longer. Thanks to someone around here that posted this you tube contributor's video on cornering I found the channel and FINALLY understand just what these settings do and how they do it. I feel sure that many many beginners and even long time FS bike rider will benefit from this video:

 

[AHicks]

Reed, I really enjoy dialing in a quad, snowmobile or dirt bike suspension for me and my 'druthers. Messed with mine and some friends for quite a few years. What you are likely to find (what I found!) is that the more you learn/know about suspensions, the more you realize what you DON'T know! Talk about a rabbit hole! That's an art form few really conquer. To this day, I claim nothing more than enough knowledge to be dangerous.....

I would encourage you though, to keep reading/watching. Most will never fully experience what a well set up set of shocks are capable of. -Al

 

[reed scott]

Thanks AHicks. What really impressed me with this guy and his explanations was how 'non technical' his presentation was and yet how perfectly he showed, in easy to understand video demonstrations, the effects of all the settings. I tell ya, it was revelation !

 

[reed scott]

Don't miss this if you question your ability to properly adjust your suspension. Best I've seen.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I would also check the manufacturer’s own shock specs as they will vary in travel length. I also used Fox's suggested SAG measurements as a general guideline. The recommended SAG, relative to my weight, on my front Fox forks (150mm travel) was 25-30% and 15-20% on the rear. It took a while to get the suspension dialed in but I ended up with a slightly firmer SAG on the front and a plusher ride on the rear according to the trails that I ride on which are peppered with tree roots combined with undulating terrain and for this reason also prefer a slightly faster rebound rate. I can always adjust on the fly accordingly by simply turning the front/rear compression levers to firm or soften the ride depending on the trail.

The process takes a bit of time but is well worth the effort for a more dialed in ride and can be accomplished without a buddy as shown in Reed’s video.