Fork Suspension Tuning

Tuning your suspension to match your body will make riding more comfortable.

(1) Sag Adjustment

The sag is how much your fork compresses when you are seated on your bike. Sit on your bike with your feet off the ground, and measure how far the fork compresses. The sag should be 25% of the total travel. If you have 100mm travel, it means 25mm of sag. If the fork uses a spring, there will be a knob at the top to adjust the tension. On an air fork, you will need to adjust the pressure.

(2) Rebound Damping

Rebound damping is how fast the fork returns to its fully extended state after it is compressed. Start by fully reducing the damping knob, and test ride your bike. It may bounce a bit, so tighten it until it feels right.

3) Compression damping

Compression damping is how fast the fork compresses when it takes a hit. When riding on smooth surfaces, compression damping is not required. For more bumpy rocky trails, your fork may bottom out. This means you will need to increase the compression damping. However, if it is too bumpy, you may need to reduce the compression damping.

4) Test

Go for a quick ride, and make sure you are comfortable with the new settings.