A_M _B_2015_02_03_

96 - AMB

Setting up a full suspension bike can be a daunting exercise - especially

for novices. With the average bike these days having such a huge range

of adjustments, finding the sweet spot which will work for you and your

needs is a real challenge. Getting it right takes time and practice learning

about what the settings do and how they affect every aspect of your ride.

There’s plenty of advice when it comes to bike setup. This is a process

I’ve come to use over the years which works well for me and helps me

find a good starting point for a new bike. At the end of the day, much

like a bike fit, there’s no right or wrong way - just a way. The most

important aspect to understand is that it takes time to get it right and

the more you can learn, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Here’s

how to go about it.

Words: Jared Rando

Photos: Jonathan Renton

Step 2- Set your rebound and

compreSSion SettingS

I always set my rebound first and then move

on to compression from there. Rebound is

generally done by feel in the first instance and if

you’re a newbie, seeking some hands on advice

to find a good starting point is a good idea. You

don’t want a pogo stick (no rebound damping),

but at the same time, it shouldn’t be sluggish

(too much rebound damping).

Compression settings vary a lot from shock to

shock and the trend seems to be towards pre-

set settings such as the Fox CTD system which

makes things much easier. Have a good read

through the literature relating to your shock

to find a starting point if need be and don’t be

afraid to seek specific advice for your bike if you

begin to feel lost. If in doubt, start off with a mid

to light setting and go from there.

Step 1- Set your rear Sag

I prefer to set my rear sag whilst seated as

it will give the most consistent results. The

process is pretty simple - push the O ring

up, sit down gently, get off and take note of

how far down the O ring is. You can work off

a percentage setting of the shock stroke or

simply a measurement - I prefer the latter

and record my settings as a measurement in

millimetres. What’s right? Well that depends

on a lot but as a guide, 20% - 30% of your

shock stroke will be a good starting point.

I’ll also start with all compression settings

backed off for consistency.

Long TraveL

SuSpenSion

SeTup –

The BaSicS