Complete Guide to Mountain Bike Suspension Setup

[@bikewithchris1273]

As someone who has been in the bike industry for a number of years, I can honestly say this was an excellent video for those looking to do more of their own suspension setup on their bikes. Nice work Clint.

[@robwasnj]

This is by far the best setup video I've seen to date, simple, clear concise information anyone can digest. I already knew a fair deal about setup from other videos and experience but what a great tip locking out the suspension before getting off the bike, I have had a bike shop once set me up and they had 2 people helping me off, another holding the bike, it was amusing. The front tire bounce test I also never was aware of, I only knew of the curb test for rear suspension damping. As others have commented I would love to see a video discussing the pros and cons of using different levels of compression damping as per trail conditions. I used to run my shock always open but recently down here at Santos started using the "trail" setting on my fox 32. Quite a few drops and jumps so rather than put in more air I use that then switch back to plush when I just want a smoother ride on the xc trails (which are amazing in Santos, you can ride over 30 miles one way from one end to the other). Also looking forward to your 2017 trance review, I actually got to shortly demo that bike and loved how lively it was, a bit more trail oriented than my Pivot 29er. Only thing that was downright awful on the new Giants were the dropper posts weren't functioning correctly on all 3 bikes I demo'd... Giant really needs to get on their game with demo days as the one I attended was nothing short of an embarrassment for the company, I believe they had 4 maybe 5 working bikes mtb's total, all the rest had something broken and I had to ride my demo with the seat in a lower position than I wanted because the dropper post kept falling on every bump. One last note, on my fox fork I find the o-ring actually does get pushed totally up to where it's touching the crown after a big drop or jump, maybe some shocks vary and I never felt a hard bottoming. Taking the first day off from riding today and hoping we don't get a tornado, tomorrow should be a lot nicer.

[@ejhayes76]

You mentioned two really useful tips that helped me: 1) flipping the compression to firm before hoping off 2) the cardboard cutout 'Sag-O-Meter' for the rear is an awesome idea. Much easier than a tape measure. Oh and a third, using a cell phone video to check both rebound. Appreciate the insights.

[@willstewart8274]

Easily the best, simplest setup video I've seen. Outstanding

[@shaynewilliams727]

Great Video... I'm a suspension guy from the motocross scene/Days and you did a great job trying to translate some technical info and explain it in easy to understand Layman's terms. Good job!

[@MsDenver2]

At last someone who explained sus settings clearly , thank you , I will follow what you said .

[@vincentek9]

Have had a few hard tails that i built myself, but I never messed with fork adjustment due to lack of knowledge. I would just pray that the fork was adjusted to someone similar to me in the past. This video really helped me understand and gain confidence to finally try and adjust my forks along with all of my other buddies who have adjustable forks. Thanks a ton.

[@jameslopez958]

I was going to take my Specialized FSR to the bike shop! After watching your Video on Air Suspension I was able to get my bike in Riding Order! Thanks for sharing this information Brother 😎✌️

[@hallbrandon8562]

for a newbie like me this is incredibly helpful I have read a lot of articles and watched a lot of videos on this and none of them made as much sense as this and all the other videos go through so fast and with no detail. awesome information thanks clint great video as always.

[@asselinf]

Best MTB suspension video I've seen, well done, comprehensive, easy to follow, tight video.

[@MIKESTREED]

Ugh, you are a life saver, possibly literally. I had it backwards, i thought turning rebound to the + meant it rebounded faster, and - it rebounds slower. Its really the other way around, + means it dampens rebound more, and minus means it dampens rebound less. I always feel like my bike is trying to buck me on jumps... 🙄. I owe you a beer.

[@kschuler919]

Clint, Fox needs to pay you to do their how-to videos. Best video I have seen anywhere on MTB Susp set up. Thnx

[@bradshearman4570]

Absolutely spectacular! I don't usually leave comments but I had to. Clear, well explained for someone of my knowledge base which is limited but I am not brand new to mountain bike set up. Thank you!

[@davidmelcher3757]

Love your videos!! . I am new to MTB ing....and am older ....I find your videos both informative and extremely encouraging.They are well edited and interesting. Your video on why MTB's are so expensive led to my recent purchase of a used Pivot. I am hooked beyond belief. So much so that I found your video on keeping it all in balance a must see lol...I am a single dad with two kids and have taken up the sport as part of my new fitness program. I have lost 35 lbs and am beating heart disease and Diabetes which run in my family. Your life and dedication to family and the sport is an inspiration to me.Please keep up the good work!

[@ClintGibbs]

+David Melcher thanks, great to hear stories like this. It gives me inspiration.

[@ken5403]

Thanks for making a video that us "Weekend Warriors" can understand. You da man!!!

[@rehaerman6519]

I like your videos. You are very thorough and easy to understand. I also watched how to clean the bike video, which was the absolute best!

[@MikeOxwelling2]

Thanks for the video. Nearly 3 years on and it's still a great primer to get a reference point for setup. Now just need to hit the trails and fine tune a little.

[@abuzerkadu]

Just received my Canyon Neuron 7.0 and it being my first full sus, I was a bit intimidated by the amount of things to adjust! I feel a little more confident now after watching this video and hope to implement them as soon as I reach home!

[@bertfella365]

Very informative, and exactly what I was struggling with at the moment. Many thanks for the in-depth, guide. Awesome job.

[@bainer66]

I would suggest making adjustments after changing any volume spacers as this will change the amoutn of air pressure you likely will want to run as well as the rebound.

[@tycojewel7979]

Excellent. I just bought my first full suspension bike, a Giant Anthem, so will be watching this again after i pick it up from LBS.

[@natarzi]

What a great tutorial! I wish I would watch it first before I sift through dozens of BEGINNER tutorials that through out terms that I did no know the meaning off. Thank you, Clint :-)

[@BikesRPG]

I wear the exact same socks and flippers in my workshop. :)) Can't help noticing and giving you a thumbs up. Awesome content! Thank you for the lesson.

[@mroberts566]

Hey Clint, this video is a prime example of what's so great about KZbin. Well done.

[@achdumeineguete]

From a technical point of view perfectly described. I also like the calm and unbiased way you are presenting all this. It's a pleasure to watch. A small advice when checking rebound: you can also lift you bike aprox. 30-40 cm from the ground and let it drop. It should not bounce off, if rebound has been set up properly. Of course this is only an indicator of one being on the correct way. Unfortunately, this video is not talking about setup of coil suspension systems. So a little bit on the specialties (friction, sensibility, linear/progressive springs, no volume spacers etc.) to deal with there might be worth a separate video. Most other stuff applies there as well.

[@76jazza]

Thanks for demystifying the subject with clear and concise information, awesome video as always Clint - Gday from West Oz

[@jay3290p]

Thank you Clint! This video is great. I’m a total beginner and just bought a Giant Trance. This video made setup easy for me to understand.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I measure the sag. Also on the front, hold on the brake. Push as hard as you can and see how much suspension is being used. I like soft suspension. Subbed, I like your teaching method. Excellent work.

[@bluestraycat]

Really enjoy your videos Clint, I like the way you really explain things thoroughly. You've really helped me understand how to set my suspension up, and the compression as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Five-Ten shoes and flat pedals. Trying to work out if these shoes are really worth the money.

[@stewartsummerside2971]

Brilliant blog but the little black adjuster on the right hand side you forgot to mention. This is the best suspension set up I've ever seen 😊

[@ClintGibbs]

+Stewart Summerside the compression damping setting? If so that's coming this weekend

[@powduck]

The best video! Comprehensive and demystifying to a newbie and a tinkerer.

[@Shralps]

Discovered your channel recently. Best MTB videos on KZbin IMO. Liked and Subscribed.

[@michaeleales7097]

As a new rider to mountain biking this video was very intuitive thanks

[@hugoamo]

Saved this video, by far the most useful one I found on youtube re suspension setups. Good job Clint!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Hugo Amo 👍

[@kathleenhart707]

Picking up my first dual suspension bike tomorrow. Can't thank you enough for demystifying the terminology for me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Cj-nd3nv]

So far no thumbs down, proves this is a good and succinct video Clint. Anyone thumbing it down is clueless.

[@alejandro_a]

Cj 2 clueless people now :/

[@Cj-nd3nv]

Alejandro Acosta, there's always one, or two, lol. Is amazing, aye! Very cool name BTW, Alejandro Acosta.

[@alejandro_a]

Cj thank you :D. What does Cj stand for?

[@Cj-nd3nv]

Now that would be telling. It's not cool like anything starting with Alejandro :)

[@alejandro_a]

Cj aw thanks ;) :PPP

[@CorrupteddSanity]

Clint, you are a beacon of knowledge & inspiration. Thank you.

[@buildersedge888]

Hi Clint. Fabulous video! Very informative and easy to follow. Looking forward to setting up the shock on my new bike properly. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[@Jett125]

This is really helpful. What do you think about how are these settings are affected on a hardcore hardtail? I would love to see a detailed video on aggressive hardtail suspension

[@jamesrobson1960]

Great advice, I watched other vids and. Got it wrong. After watching this a couple of times I went to work on my bike. 😎 What a transformation!! THANK YOU 🤘🏻

[@jcreedy20]

Thanks for this video, the volume spacer information was just what I needed, I wanted my shocks to ride more "Linear" as you put it. I'm just looking to turn it into the bike version of uncle bucks car so I don't rattle my hands to death along bumpy roads, don't care about performance or jumping off sky scrapers over a pool of alligators and through a ring of fire etc.

[@BigBeres]

As always a great video - watching from New Zealand

[@lordexzisus]

Great video Clint! I've learned so much from this.

[@michaelbuteau4183]

Well that was the best one I watched yet and it gave me a lot of information so I know how to setup my Fork thank you very much

[@option_n]

Awesome guide! I have to admit I really like that you're such a picky or precise guy! Thanks 👍

[@boowiebear]

OMG. I did this so wrong on my last bike. New one arrives this week. Can't wait to do it right. So well explained! Thank you sir!

[@EatBuildRideRepair]

Great video, every question is answered, hope to see more useful tips like this in the future. Well DONE.

[@rohankapoor5301]

Loving watching your videos! Most of the people out there hurry up in explaining this stuff assuming that all bikers would know it already. Great content as always! Keep it coming :D

[@txbiker15]

This video is exactly what KZbin needed. Thank you 😎

[@DRSZFLA]

Thanks for the great guide on setting up my shocks. I just purchased new Fox front and rear shocks for my 09 Reign and I’m ready to kill it this weekend!

[@redman4419]

Thanks bro,good info, cant get any clearer. Just sold my roadbike and im collecting my MTB in 2 days. Cant wait to kick off

[@rossjackson9191]

Thanks Clint, great video. You took the mystery out of setting up MTB suspension.

[@markhooshmand5712]

Thank you so much for posting this video you have helped me in relation to setting up the suspension on my new bike, for someone that had no idea after watching this video I've got a fair idea on what to do, thanks again much appreciated.

[@tonygee3284]

leant a lot Very understandable even for a dumby like me . made a huge difference in my riding Thanks Clint

[@uriahchessor9989]

just picked up a trance 29 2 and have it set up for some trials. Thanks for this video as I set the rebound based on my the local NE FL trails here. (roots!).

[@amarucassius9474]

The best know how and diy for newbies..... Planning to buy mtb soon... Hard tail probably because of a tight budget.... But this vid is very helpful.... Keep it up mate.. And thank you for good informative video...

[@scottwilson1895]

owwww dammm I've been setting my fork up in the standing attack position. same forks as you 30% sag . No wonder I've been getting dead hands and the feel harsh . great video thanks

[@sbrenan3326]

Hi am supprised so few likes compared to views.!!! I know enough and good on bikes general so its not totally necessary for me to watch this to me its easy to see you've done a really informative clear interesting vid and I learned a few tips. Also Ill add I hardly like or comment on any vids an only subscribed to 2 people I think, 1 of them causes I felt sorry, arrrr, and I found myself liking your vid without thinking about it at all. Then noticing as I said so few likes compared to views! so thought id big you up for all those people who watched your vid and gained loads of clear knowledge but couldn't be bothered to thank you in any way........ so yeah, thnx bro good tutorial, peace

[@ClintGibbs]

+s brenan thanks!

[@golfcurve7]

Brilliant ....just the sort of advice I was looking for.

[@ianmacleod3340]

Excellent video.Very helpful and easy to understand. Thanks Clint!

[@MrTheAcoustic]

New 2017 Trance looks amazing :)

[@timnixon7690]

Bloody dropped my bike while watching, with the pump attached and snapped the valve stem. Aaaahhhhhhhhgggggrrrr. Great stuff.

[@ClintGibbs]

On the fork or on the shock?

[@gavgreen10]

Great video Clint, going to go and fiddle with the suspension on my Giant Anthem now 👍

[@williammarshall4277]

Great video....as always. Demystifying tech speak is a real talent. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@residuevideos]

Best suspension setup video on youtube.

[@julioruiz9261]

Thank you for the video now I understand how to set up my suspension I might have to adjust on the trail but I know how.

[@rosevillemtbdad302]

Extremely helpful content, thank you. Quick input - I have same Fox pump you're using, mine has proven to be inaccurate and unreliable. I cross-check pressures w/ Topeak D2 Smartgauge and found anomalies. I'm looking at Lezyne or Cane Creek digital pumps as more reliable options. Your helpful guidance on the importance of accurate settings is predicated on pump gauge accuracy, by no means a foregone conclusion at least in my case. Appreciate the education, many thanks.

[@ClintGibbs]

I have been using the fox digital pump lately and really like it. It's what I recommend.

[@weathdone]

Hey Clint i love ur vids and thanx so much for taking the time to do them ...i have a queston about rockshox forks im curious if u know anything about why rockshox front forks loose travel when u lessen the air pressure. My new Sid Ultimate needs about 55psi for my weight and with that pressure i loose almost 10mm of travel ... whats the deal with this its def a major issue in my eyes but i cant find anything about it online so far so just figured u might know something about it.. thanx for your time

[@JohnSieber]

Awesome video! Very comprehensive and easy to follow!

[@injunatorify]

Excellent Clint, I'm new to this technical facet of mTbiKing. I had the special pump specifically made for the front forks, RocxShox and small shox. imma test it out tomorrow :) ! thnx Sir.

[@andrewrobertson8115]

New to suspension setup, video was perfect gave me all i needed to know. running a fox 36 float with 150 travel.

[@Ziak_]

Andrew Robertson I have a Fox Float 32 29 Evolution Series with 130mm travel and it helped me a lot to set up these

[@88997799]

I notice the drop in psi is when I remove the top screw to release pressure on main screw before removing it from top of shock. Also installing the shock pomp again loses some pressure. It’s about 2.5 points each so equals about 5 pounds every time you disconnect and reconnect the shock pump. So what you think it’s set at could be few pounds off when you take the pump off so you may want to be a few pounds over before you remove the shock pump.

[@ClintGibbs]

You really only lose pressure when you connect the hose as the air pressure comes out of the shock and into the hose. When you disconnect you should not lose pressure.

[@christophersullivan7552]

That was a great tutorial! Thank you for all the help.

[@deangiovinazzo2680]

thanks so much it helped me a great deal. i knew nothing now i know everything

[@ramialkishawi3530]

Very useful guide , for me it was confusion , but now i totally understand . could you please make complete review on Giant Trance Advance which you use in this guide, i am planing to buy one. Thank you in advance

[@2078HB]

nice one dude, really explain very well simplifying what is very technical stuff with good knowledge cheers

[@findingNEMO529]

Love it! Now i can set up properly my rear and front suspension. Thanks a lot.

[@backtoobasics]

thanks man. fills the void from the bike shops inablity to explain.

[@chrlmlln9018]

Very good excellent channel and good and clear instructions! A very big THANK to you, sir! Wishing you safe and happy rides! /Best Regards from Sweden

[@matteblacknz503]

Perfect video Clint :) I used it to set up my Fox shocks and got it right first time!

[@ClintGibbs]

+MatteBlack NZ 👍👍

[@336snake]

Thanks for posting this video, I learned a lot.👍

[@mikekeen9710]

M888 cheers seeing the rebound in action has helped me understand it so much better and be able to set it up and make adjustments as needed thanks so much:-)

[@taufikabidin412]

The thing about pumps is, read how much is the max pressure the pump can withstand or deliver, there are floor pumps that can pump to 120 psi, and there are also shock pumps that can only go 50 psi. It's a mtb vs road tyre pumping, mtb tyres generally are low pressure but high volume while road tyres are high pressure but low volume. Using a road bike pump to an mtb tire will take much more time, while using a mtb pump to a road bike tyre will destroy the pump

[@charlespalmerii4299]

Greetings, love your videos , watched a number of them so far... my front fork is a Coil Spring fork , I have a Rockshox XC30 weight about 220 with camelback..etc... I see it has Rebound adjustable , any suggestions what I should set it to .... Riding in southern AZ, lot of hard surfaces many rock gardens.... Hilly....

[@SoppenSin]

Such a great video! I especially liked what you said about roots! I've been looking for a comment like this :D Cheers!

[@netposerx]

Trying to figure out the best rebound setting for my shock when riding fast downhill (Pisgah/Dupont trails) since I feel I'm bouncing around too much going over things. And I noticed you are very close to 100K subs!!

[@gavgreen10]

Thanks for the useful video Clint & I am using it to set up the suspension on both my ht and full sus bikes. One question, re. removing spacers, what do you gain from this, you mention your fork feeling more 'linear'? I also ride loose, rooty, chattery xc trails like yourself albeit in the muddy UK not sunny Florida 😁. Thanks again & I hope you can elaborate further with the spacer question, cheers.

[@ClintGibbs]

More linear really means it's more supple in the midstroke so it's less resistant to bottoming out but better for smaller bumps.

[@gavgreen10]

Thanks @@ClintGibbs, sounds about right for my type of riding, will give it a go.

[@memos_povreviews5539]

Thanks bro! Really appreciate the time to make us understand

[@stazorm1]

Really good video Clint. you do realize that you're making me bleed money by showing me that bike... lol looking forward to the 2017 Trance review. it kinda has the same colour scheme the 2015 giant stance 1.

[@theodounis272]

Very informative Clint can you do a tutorial on a cannondale lefty and the shock is a fox Dyad Rt2 front fork is 140 mm travel and shock is 140-85 mm cheers

[@Hmannk]

Thank you sir.. this is what im looking for.. simple and easy understand..

[@jguzman2121]

Great video,very clear and understanding.

[@axxxxman]

I have been watching videos on suspension setup for several months and this is the most complete one I have seen. the only question I have is where you are measuring to on the shot, do you measure from the edge of the shock seal/wiper? and go by the shocks travel? ex. 130mm and do 30% of that? ANOTHER new bike? Well everyone has their weaknesses. ;-) is that a plus size tire? maybe the camera makes it look bigger.

[@ClintGibbs]

+axxxxman measure from the seal to the bottom of the shaft... Basically the whole length of the exposed shaft.

[@jkamer2168]

Great Video. Most things I felt I knew, but there were 2/3 take-a-ways that I implemented that made a HUGE difference on my last ride. I feel like I'm starting to understand my suspension and your video really really helped me make a jump. Super fun, thanks for your help your vids rock. One question: How much of one's travel should be used? I'm riding trails that have some chunk, but certainly aren't 'gnarly.' I'm not doing any real 'drops' and I try to avoid jumping at all costs. Even with this, I am using ALL my travel in my rear shock, with the indicator ring literally 1/2mm away from actually falling off the stanchion. Am I using too much? I don't ever feel it bottom out. I am a heavier rider, at 6'2" and 200lbs geared up. Thanks for any input.

[@ClintGibbs]

On a trail where you don't take big hits I'd say about 2/3. If you take a big hit (2-3 foot drop, hard G-out...) you should bottom out. If not you don't have enough sag or your suspension is too progressive.

[@jkamer2168]

Got it, thanks so much. So previously, I thought bottoming out was really bad for a fork/shock/bike, apparently that's not the case and bottoming out is 'okay' sometimes?

[@ClintGibbs]

As long as it's infrequent and not harsh

[@GlennboiPhotography]

very informative for me as a new rider! Thanks for this video 👍🏻

[@moekyawphoto]

Thank you Clint. Do you recommend keeping the rear shock in fully closed or full open position when you're setting up sag for the front fork?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Moe Myint fully open. It keeps your geometry accurate for font sag setting

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I have rst cappa t7 forks no adjustment at all but I found that changing the oil viscosity changes the compression dampening

[@MichaelRei99]

Clint thank you very much! I know so much more about suspension now you are a great teacher. Right now I have a basic rockshox air sprung 30c I believe. It has no oring. How would you recommend I measure my sag?

[@tonyblunsum2547]

Mike R put as small zip tie around your fork and it should work the same as an o ring as long as you don’t have it way too tight

[@MichaelRei99]

tony blunsum I like it thanks

[@卡爾伯]

Good day..how to set my manito front shock..your video is very helpful

[@theodounis]

Clint have you ridden the new specialized stump jumper expert 29er this is a awesome trail bike

[@LuisDiazmeyrelesdentista]

thanks very helpful video.... im new in MtB i have a doble suspension and i want to setup mine.