Step-by-Step guide for the perfect suspension setup!

Do you want to get the best out of your mountain bike? Then an optimally adjusted suspension is the be-all and end-all. Let's perfect your setup together so that you can master every trail with maximum fun and control.

1. Preparation is everything:

  • Equipment: Put on your full bike gear - helmet, shoes, rucksack and everything else you have with you. This will simulate your actual riding weight.
  • Tools: Grab a shock pump, a folding rule or measuring tape and a friend to assist you. A mounting stand can be helpful, but is not a must.

2. Adjust SAG (negative suspension travel):

What is sag? This is the suspension travel that your bike sinks in under your body weight alone when stationary. A correctly adjusted sag ensures that your suspension reacts optimally to both bumps and dips.

How do you measure the sag?

  • Push the O-ring on the fork and shock all the way down.
  • Sit carefully on your bike, lean against a wall or have your buddy support you. Assume your normal riding position and sit still.
  • Get off carefully without putting any more weight on the suspension.
  • Measure the distance between the O-ring and the seal.

Guide values:

  • Suspension fork: 20-25 % of the total suspension travel.
  • Shock: 25-30 % of the total suspension travel.

Example: For a fork with 150 mm travel, the sag should be around 30-37.5 mm.

3. Adjust the air pressure:

  • Suspension fork: Start with the air pressure recommended by the manufacturer. You can often find this information on a sticker on the lower leg or in the user manual.
  • Shock: The recommendations here are often less specific, as they are more dependent on the geometry of your frame. Check the manufacturer's website or the booklet of your bike, in the best case there are a few helpful guide values. Start with a pressure that corresponds to your body weight and adjust as required.

4. Adjust the rebound:

What is it? The rebound controls how quickly the suspension rebounds after compression.

  • Setting: Close the rebound control completely (clockwise) and count the clicks. Then open it gradually (counter-clockwise) and test the handling after each change. A rebound that is too fast makes the bike “bounce”, one that is too slow makes it sluggish.

5. Adjust the compression damping:

What is it? The compression damping determines how easily the suspension compresses when hitting obstacles.

  • Setting: Start with an open compression stage (control fully counter-clockwise). Increase it gradually until you achieve the desired ride behavior. A setup that is too hard reduces comfort, one that is too soft can lead to bottoming out.

6. Test ride and fine tuning:

  • Dry run: go outside on a flat, quiet road or your backyard, and actively compress the suspension. The suspension should feel harmonious at the front and rear.
  • Off to the trail: Take a test ride on your favorite section and pay attention to the handling.
  • Adjustments: Make a note of how the bike behaves and make further fine adjustments if necessary. It can be helpful to change one setting at a time and then test again.

Pro tips:

  • Make notes: Write down your settings. This way you can always refer back to them if necessary.
  • Regular checks: Check your setup regularly, especially after major maintenance or changes to the bike.
  • Be patient: Finding the perfect setting takes time. But it's worth it - your riding enjoyment will thank you!

Have fun tinkering - and always remember: the more you do yourself, the better you know your bike.

Keep it smooth and ride on!

Mein Shop Admin