Front Air Suspension???

[Mtl_Biker]

(I posted a message about this in the general section over an hour ago and now the message is gone. Strange! Anyway, I'm now posting my question here.)

I got my new bike yesterday and neither of the two manuals that came with it say anything about the front air suspension... how it works, how to adjust it, etc. So I'm asking you folks for help...

When I first got on the bike the front suspension sort of did a little hop and then just felt mushy (I don't know how else to describe it). I'm used to oil suspension (on my Specialized Stumpjumper XC Comp FSR) and this behaves nothing at all like it. There is a lever on top of the right fork that can be turned to a "lock" position. I did that and the bike was much better. I guess that makes the bike act as if there is no suspension. But I'd really like to know what adjustments to make.

The top of the left fork has a cap marked "air" and under it is a Schrader valve. It looks like a regular car air valve. What should I do? How much pressure should there be? Am I right that more pressure would result in a firmer suspension? I'm bummed that there isn't any info about this in the manual. I have a high-pressure Blackburn pump that works with Presta or Schrader valves but it doesn't fit deep (low) enough on the valve to be used here. What kind of pump is needed for this?

Under what conditions would you use lock versus air? Is it just personal preference?

Any help appreciated!

 

[gorse]

You need a shock pump. The cheapest one will be fine for a commuter fork which doesn't do much. Typically sag is set to around 25%, but you could go less if you want a firmer ride. The lock-out is there for people who should have bought a rigid fork (i.e. any road bike), or people who like to stand and hammer up hills.

Shock Pumps | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

.

 

[Mtl_Biker]

You need a shock pump. The cheapest one will be fine for a commuter fork which doesn't do much. Typically sag is set to around 25%, but you could go less if you want a firmer ride. The lock-out is there for people who should have bought a rigid fork (i.e. any road bike), or people who like to stand and hammer up hills.

Shock Pumps | Jenson USA

www.jensonusa.com

.

I’ve got a good shock pump now and experimented with different pressures over a 65km ride yesterday. I think it’s pretty good now, but I was doing this without guidance or experience. It would have been good if the manuals gave info on adjusting the front shock. Thanks for your help.

 

[rich c]

Lots of videos on YouTube about setting air forks. Nearly all are more helpful than a few paragraphs in a manual.

 

[LimboJim]

(I posted a message about this in the general section over an hour ago and now the message is gone. Strange! Anyway, I'm now posting my question here.)

I got my new bike yesterday and neither of the two manuals that came with it say anything about the front air suspension... how it works, how to adjust it, etc. So I'm asking you folks for help...

When I first got on the bike the front suspension sort of did a little hop and then just felt mushy (I don't know how else to describe it). I'm used to oil suspension (on my Specialized Stumpjumper XC Comp FSR) and this behaves nothing at all like it. There is a lever on top of the right fork that can be turned to a "lock" position. I did that and the bike was much better. I guess that makes the bike act as if there is no suspension. But I'd really like to know what adjustments to make.

The top of the left fork has a cap marked "air" and under it is a Schrader valve. It looks like a regular car air valve. What should I do? How much pressure should there be? Am I right that more pressure would result in a firmer suspension? I'm bummed that there isn't any info about this in the manual. I have a high-pressure Blackburn pump that works with Presta or Schrader valves but it doesn't fit deep (low) enough on the valve to be used here. What kind of pump is needed for this?

Under what conditions would you use lock versus air? Is it just personal preference?

Any help appreciated!

Double check the smaller plastic sleeves that came with the bike, especially the one with brand stickers in them. Every new bike I've purchased came with separate, much smaller "manuals" for drivetrain and suspension components, usually accompanied by brand stickers.

 

[Mtl_Biker]

There were only two manuals, both aimed at very novice riders and owners. Neither had any info on front suspension other than to say some models have it. But it is possible I guess that my bike was missing something... I bought it clear across the country from me, sight unseen because it was the last one of that model with small frame in all of Canada. The bike had been on the showroom floor and the dealer had disassembled and packed it to ship to me. Maybe he forgot to include something. I was surprised there was no info about how to use or adjust the suspension. Not even a pointer to where more info could be found. Oh well. I think I’m alright with it now anyway.

 

[Dirkdaddy]

I recall you looking for that small Giant frame bike. Glad you found one. Usually fork air is set and forget but it can leak out. I like having smoother ride, so I tend to run mine so the travel is used. Some will pump it stiffer so it only works on larger bumps but gives a ridgid bike feel otherwise. See what works for you.