Attaquer SS24 Launch
Attaquer meet Bici - Bici meet Attaquer. Cycling is a sport steeped in old world European traditions. Archaic étiquettes. Icons. Rituals. Formalities. Rules upon rules. A world where deviation was...
THE BICI GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN BIKE SUSPENSION TUNING
Why, How Often, and Signs It’s Needed
Why You Should Tune Your Mountain Bike Suspension?
Mountain biking offers an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors, tackle challenging trails, and enjoy the thrill of the ride. However, to make the most of your mountain biking experience, it’s crucial to ensure your bike’s suspension is properly tuned. Suspension tuning not only enhances performance but also ensures safety and comfort. In this guide, we’ll explore why you should tune your mountain bike suspension, how often to do it, and the signs and symptoms indicating it’s time for a tune-up.
Improved Performance
You’ll experience a smoother ride, better traction, and increased control, allowing you to tackle technical trails with confidence.
Enhanced Comfort
You can ride longer and more comfortably, enjoying the trail without the strain on your body.
Increased Safety
Proper suspension tuning ensures that your bike responds predictably and efficiently to obstacles, reducing the risk of crashes and injuries.
Component Lifespan
This prevents premature wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your bike’s parts and reducing the frequency and cost of repairs and replacements.
What is Mountain Bike Suspension Tuning?
Mountain bike suspension tuning is the process of adjusting and optimizing your bike’s suspension system to match your riding style, weight, and the specific terrain you encounter.
The goal is to enhance your bike's performance, comfort, and safety by ensuring that the suspension responds appropriately to various trail conditions.
How Often Should You Tune Your Mountain Bike Suspension?
The frequency of suspension tuning depends on several factors, including how often you ride, the type of terrain you cover, and your riding style. Here are some general guidelines:
Regular Maintenance (Every 50-100 Hours of Riding)
Tasks: Check air pressure, lubricate seals, and inspect for any obvious wear or damage.
Reason: Regular maintenance keeps your suspension performing well and can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Full Service (Every 100-200 Hours of Riding)
Tasks: A full service involves a complete teardown, cleaning, inspection, and replacement of worn parts.
Reason: Over time, seals, oil, and other components degrade, affecting performance. A full service ensures everything is in top condition.
Pre-Ride Checks
Tasks: Before every ride, quickly check the suspension for proper air pressure, look for leaks, and ensure everything feels smooth.
Reason: These quick checks help catch any issues early and ensure your bike is ready for the trail.
Signs and Symptoms Your Suspension Needs Tuning
Reduced Performance
Symptom: Your bike feels less responsive, with poor handling and reduced traction.
Cause: This could indicate that your suspension needs tuning or that components are worn and need replacement.
Unusual Noises
Symptom: Clicking, knocking, or squeaking sounds coming from your suspension.
Cause: These noises often signal that something is loose, worn, or needs lubrication.
Leaks
Symptom: Oil or air leaks around the suspension seals.
Cause: Leaks indicate that seals are worn and need to be replaced to maintain proper function.
Bottoming Out or Harshness
Symptom: Your suspension bottoms out too easily or feels harsh over bumps.
Cause: Incorrect air pressure or damping settings can cause these issues, signaling a need for tuning.
Sag Issues
Symptom: Incorrect sag setting, where the suspension compresses too much or too little under your weight.
Cause: This can affect your bike’s handling and comfort, indicating a need to adjust air pressure or spring tension.
Best Sellers
How to Tune Your Suspension
Tools Needed:
Shock pump
Suspension setup guide (often provided by the bike or suspension manufacturer)
Allen keys or wrenches
Step 1: Set the Sag
Measure and adjust the sag according to your weight and riding style.
Typically, sag should be 25-30% of the total suspension travel for most mountain bikes.
Step 2: Adjust Rebound Damping
Set the rebound damping to a middle setting and test ride. Adjust incrementally until the suspension returns smoothly without bouncing.
Step 3: Tune Compression Damping
Start with a middle setting for both low-speed and high-speed compression damping. Test ride and adjust to find a balance that handles both small bumps and larger impacts effectively.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning
Make small adjustments and test ride after each change. Pay attention to how the bike handles different terrains and tweak settings accordingly.
Step 5: Go Ride
Nice Work. Time to hit the trails.
Key Components of Suspension Tuning
Sag Adjustment
Sag is the amount of suspension travel used when you sit on the bike in a stationary position. Proper sag ensures that your suspension works effectively over the full range of travel.
Adjustment: Typically, sag is adjusted by adding or releasing air pressure in air shocks or changing the preload on coil springs.
Rebound Damping
Rebound damping controls how quickly the suspension returns to its original position after compressing.
Adjustment: Adjusting the rebound damping dial allows you to control the speed at which the suspension rebounds, preventing it from bouncing back too quickly or slowly.
Compression Damping
Compression damping regulates how the suspension compresses under load. It includes both low-speed compression (for small bumps and pedal strokes) and high-speed compression (for larger impacts).
Adjustment: Compression damping is adjusted using dials or levers, allowing for fine-tuning to handle different types of terrain and impacts.
Air Pressure/Coil Spring Preload
Air pressure in air shocks and preload in coil springs determine the stiffness of the suspension.
Adjustment: For air shocks, you use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure. For coil springs, you adjust the preload by tightening or loosening the spring.
Final Thoughts
Regularly tuning your mountain bike suspension is essential for optimal performance, comfort, and safety. By understanding the importance of tuning, knowing how often to do it, and recognizing the signs that your suspension needs attention, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride every time you hit the trail.
Investing time in suspension maintenance not only enhances your riding experience but also extends the lifespan of your bike’s components. So, keep an eye on your suspension, perform regular checks, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Happy riding!
More Fascinating Reads
The Bici Guide to Mountain Bike Suspension Servicing
Mountain biking offers an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors, tackle challenging trails, and enjoy the thrill of the ride. However, to make the most of your mountain biking experience,...
Just Dropped The 'Cletta
Today, we are thrilled to share with you a significant milestone in our journey – the unveiling of our new brand identity, bici. Let's be honest, it just makes sense!...
Bicicletta Proudly Partners with TLD for the 2024 Season
Bicicletta proudly joins forces with The Last Drop Cycling Club (TLD) for the 2024 season, uniting a commitment to enhancing the cycling experience with TLD's passion for growth, camaraderie, and...