{"id":8449,"date":"2019-11-25T21:41:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-25T19:41:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/?p=8449"},"modified":"2020-03-04T10:02:21","modified_gmt":"2020-03-04T08:02:21","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-setting-up-your-mountain-bike-suspension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-setting-up-your-mountain-bike-suspension\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to setting up your Mountain Bike Suspension"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Modern advances in mountain bike suspension have caused for greater amounts of fun on the trail. From new technology like the rear suspension flip-chips to the Quarq Shockwiz shock calibration tool. It\u2019s all to make the ride better, ergo faster!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, it\u2019s important to understand the ins-and-outs of today\u2019s suspension setups and to know what amount of shock travel you need. From the moment you unbox the bike, you should be able to quickly setup the shocks correctly without having to do hours of figuring and research. Even on the eve of a big event, it\u2019s good to know a little bit of tips to fine tune your suspension. Which is why we\u2019ve put together this guide to getting it right, getting your shocks pumping, and getting you smiling all the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determine how much shock travel you need:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First things first it\u2019s good to determine what amount of shock travel you need. This is entirely dependent on the type of riding that you do. And it\u2019s good to decide on this before you head out and buy a bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shock travel:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

100mm<\/strong> \u2013 Shorter travel is more for XCO racing snakes. Essentially you want to keep your bike as light and nimble as possible, and that\u2019s where this length of shock fits in well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

110mm <\/strong>\u2013 This amount of shock travel is still god for XC racing but falls more within the marathon category. If you\u2019re going to hit long distances, over mountains and down descents then this is for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

120mm <\/strong>\u2013 For trail shredders and weekend warriors, and those that take their time on the rides, enjoy the views, this one is for you. The 120s are light enough on the climbs, and great for descends with tight corners. They suit your go-everywhere mountain bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

140mm <\/strong>\u2013 Just like the 120mm forks the 140s are superbly matched to trail and leisure riders who want a shock that can tackle anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

160mm\/180mm<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re planning some hectic Enduro riding ahead then by all means make sure your riding a 160mm or a 180mm travel fork! Typically, Enduros have massive drops and loose rocky corners, which is why you want to have a bit more travel than a 140mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

200mm <\/strong>\u2013 These kind-of forks are for the gnarly shredders, the downhillers. They can handle huge jumps and keep you as stable as a log. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set the correct shock air pressure:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front shock is easy to pump and set with the right air pressure. Simply weigh yourself in on a scale, get your weight in Kilograms. For every kg you weigh, pump the shock according to that number in PSI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1 Kg = 1 PSI<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test the sag\non your fork, and in the shock feels too soft or too hard still \u2013 then pump or\ndeflate accordingly. Usually you want to have the sag set at around 10% when\nyou\u2019re on the bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many\nexpert ways to determine how much pressure you want in the rear shock, and its\nslightly more complex than just letting it rip on the pump. The way we like to\napproach it is sort of a shortcut; take your weight in kg and add 40 to that\nnumber. That\u2019s how much you should pump your rear shock in psi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

x Kg + 40 = y PSI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then look at\nyour sag once more when you\u2019re on the bike. For the rear shock you want to have\naround 20% sag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shock Rebound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Shock rebound can affect the way your shock performs and its quick and super easy to fine tune. A good quality shock and most modern shocks have a rebound adjustment dial. On fork its normally found at the bottom (underneath) the fork legs. And on a rear shock there\u2019s a dial that says rebound adjustment. Once again, many riders have different preferences to the way they like to set their suspension up, but we like to keep it simple; and set the rebound to the middle click. Giving you a happy medium between slow and fast rebound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n