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Briefly explainedAdjusting the suspension - the perfect setup in just a few steps

Stefan Frey

 · 28.08.2024

The optimal suspension setup? The best thing to do is to throw on your bike outfit - don't forget your rucksack or hip bag and off you go
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Adjusting the suspension - every biker should really know these steps. A basic setup for the suspension is quickly found. What counts is the sequence. In principle, the process is identical for forks and shocks, the settings should harmonise. This is how it works.

Adjusting the running gear - starting position

The sliding bushes of the suspension elements are lubricated because the bike was ridden briefly or turned upside down for ten minutes and then compressed. All damper controls are open (turned anti-clockwise). The air pressure is set according to the manufacturer's specifications or left at the current value.

1 - SAG check

The optimal suspension setup? The best thing to do is to throw on your bike outfit - don't forget your rucksack or hip bagPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe optimal suspension setup? The best thing to do is to throw on your bike outfit - don't forget your rucksack or hip bag

In the decisive riding position, you check how much of the specified suspension travel is utilised by the weight of the rider plus luggage and the mass of the bike alone. The best way to do this is with the bike leaning against a tree or a wall or with someone holding the bike securely and pushing the O-rings up to the wiper.

Then assume the riding position and push the wipers on the fork and damper all the way downPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThen assume the riding position and push the wipers on the fork and damper all the way down

2 - Calculate SAG

Then dismount carefully and measure the suspension travel used. How much SAG is correct depends on the total suspension travel and the riding style. The more suspension travel, the more SAG is appropriate. On the fork, it is usually around five per cent less than on the shock. Basic values are 20 to 25 per cent at the front and around 25 to 30 per cent on the shock. The tables on many forks are a guide to the air pressure.

The calculation is simple: SAG in per cent is equal to used suspension travel divided by total suspension travel times 100.
Now you can easily measure the SAG currently in use with a folding rulePhoto: Georg GrieshaberNow you can easily measure the SAG currently in use with a folding rule
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The correct SAG depends on the suspension travel. Some manufacturers print information about this on their componentsPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe correct SAG depends on the suspension travel. Some manufacturers print information about this on their components

3 - Set air pressure

Increase or decrease the air pressure depending on the calculated SAG. Is the air pressure set? Then compress several times. This equalises the pressure in the positive and negative air chambers. The pressure in the positive air chamber - the actual spring - decreases slightly. Pump again if necessary.

If the SAG is not quite right, you have to use the damper pump and adjust the pressure accordinglyPhoto: Georg GrieshaberIf the SAG is not quite right, you have to use the damper pump and adjust the pressure accordingly

High-speed compression, SAG, rebound, token - these terms sound more like Bohemian villages than mountain bike terms? If so, our article on the construction of suspension forks and shocks could provide some information.

And here we have tested shock pumps for bikes: Pressure maker - pumps for MTB suspension forks & dampers in test

4 - Adjust air pressure, lap 2

The SAG can now be finalised. Sit on the bike again and measure the suspension travel used in the same way as in step 2 - this works for the shock in the same way as for the suspension fork. If necessary, release the pressure or top up the pump.

Now mount again and measure the SAG again. This works on the shock in the same way as on the forkPhoto: Georg GrieshaberNow mount again and measure the SAG again. This works on the shock in the same way as on the fork

5 - Adjust rebound

The rebound is largely independent of the riding style and only needs to match the air pressure. With Fox and Rockshox, it is usually adjusted with a red knob. The easiest way to set it correctly is to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. The reference point for the information given there, such as "minus 14", means the number of clicks with which the damping is opened again (anti-clockwise) from the completely closed state.

You can then adjust the rebound. Usually at the red adjustment wheel at the bottom right of the forkPhoto: Georg GrieshaberYou can then adjust the rebound. Usually at the red adjustment wheel at the bottom right of the fork

6 - Adjusting the suspension without manufacturer's instructions

Without the manufacturer's instructions, compress the fork or rear triangle as much as possible with your body weight and let go as quickly as possible. The wheel should only lift minimally when the suspension is released. Rule of thumb for the rebound: as fast as possible, as slow as necessary.

If the tyre lifts off the ground after letting go, the rebound is set too fast. Finding the optimum setting is not always easy.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIf the tyre lifts off the ground after letting go, the rebound is set too fast. Finding the optimum setting is not always easy.

7 - Setting the compression stage

On most forks and shocks, a blue knob or lever is responsible for this. Expensive suspension elements have one control for the high-speed and one for the low-speed compression stage. However, if there is only one control, it is usually for the low-speed compression stage. It regulates the compression speed and is independent of the rider's weight. Too little compression damping can lead to the suspension sagging too quickly on steps or berms or feeling nervous when pedalling. Too much compression damping ruins the response behaviour.

On most suspension elements, the blue wheel is responsible for the compression damping. High-quality components have low and high-speed compression dampingPhoto: Georg GrieshaberOn most suspension elements, the blue wheel is responsible for the compression damping. High-quality components have low and high-speed compression dampingThe optimum low and high-speed compression setting is something for professionals and can only be determined by extensive test ridesPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe optimum low and high-speed compression setting is something for professionals and can only be determined by extensive test rides

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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