Full-suspension has dramatically altered how mountain bikes navigate trails. Bumps feel smoother, technical terrain is easier to tackle, and riding is that much more fun for it.
But to take full advantage of the fun factor, suspension must be arranged properly. “A badly set rear shock will deliver a harsh ride, even kick you off during landings, and can change how well your bike tracks through a corner,” says Trail Doctor Dan Milner in his most recent video.
While anyone can take a mountain bike to the shop for work, there’s a sense of independence that comes with knowing how to adjust your own components.
“Fortunately, setting up our rear shocks so that we don’t end up on the ground every time we get something wrong on the trail is actually pretty easy. It takes less time than choosing toppings on a pizza,” Milner says. “That little air canister tucked under your loins might look foreboding, but it’s a simple bit of kit, really.”
The key is to adjust shocks for your riding weight, as well as sag and rebounding. Photo is a screen shot
The key is to adjust shocks for your riding weight, as well as sag and rebounding. These micro-movements help the rear wheel drop into a hole quietly, as well as roll over a bump, and determine how fast your wheel returns to the ground after climbing over a bump.
“Everyone has or will develop their own personal preferences for how they want their bike to feel on the trail—maybe plush and forgiving or firm and performance-driven—but finding a good starting point to set up your rear suspension is key,” Milner says. “So grab a shock pump and head out into the world of riding a better bike setup.”
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