Properly setting up the suspension on your mountain bike can make a huge difference to how it rides and handles. Before you get on and start pedalling, take a moment to make sure it’s set properly. Here are the key factors to consider.

Sag

Sag is the amount of travel you use simply by sitting on the bike in a neutral position. It’s the main point of reference you’ll need to set up your suspension. 

Luckily, sag is also one of the easiest adjustments you can make on your bike; all you need is a shock pump and your normal riding gear. If you don’t have one, it’s a good idea to buy one.

…you’ll want to calibrate the sag when you’re close to the weight you’ll be while riding.

To get the best performance from your suspension, you’ll want to calibrate the sag when you’re close to the weight you’ll be while riding; i.e. put on all your gear, including your helmet. It’s also important to make sure you reset the indicator – the rubber O-ring on the shaft of the shock – before every test.

To test sag, slide the O-ring back up against the canister, then ask someone to hold your handlebars while you get on the bike. Put your feet on the pedals and sit neutrally. Then – carefully – get off the bike. 

There should now be some shaft showing between the air canister and the O-ring. The distance between those two is your sag measurement. You’ll set the sag for your fork the same way, using the O-ring on the stanchion. Most shocks and forks come with percentages already labelled on them, to make measuring and adjusting sag easier.

Anywhere between 20-30% sag is the standard for rear shocks, and 20% sag is the standard for forks. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular model. Your setting could also depend on your riding style.

To adjust the sag, you’ll need to release or add air pressure – that’s where the shock pump comes in. Again, check the manufacturer recommendations for a starting point.  

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Rebound

Rebound is the speed at which the suspension comes back to full travel after it’s been compressed. 

It’s largely a preference thing, but in general you want your suspension to rebound as fast as it can without the shock topping out or feeling too springy. Set it slow, and the suspension can’t extend back into its travel before you hit the next bump, resulting in a harsh ride; set it too fast, and your bike will bounce like a pogo stick. 

To adjust, use the clearly marked control on your fork or shock. If you’re confused, find the middle between slow and fast and try that setting; then tweak for your next ride.

Compression

The compression setting controls the time it takes for your suspension to slow a downward force. 

Starting with the control knob completely open (counterclockwise), adjust the compression by turning the knob clockwise. Turn the knob too much, and your suspension will take too long to go through all of its travel; turn it too little, and your suspension will bottom out on small bumps. Experiment to find the sweet spot that best matches your riding style and terrain. (You can also adjust compression on the fly as you ride, depending on the terrain.)

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