How To Set Up Your MTB Suspension - Suspension Setup Explained

[@stevenanderson22]

3:00. Just listen. And 3:28, the big ones.

[@X19JPL]

yes G. just checked the comments to check who else noticed this

[@ToddDunning]

They're trying to get more Democrat viewers

[@AngusMadden]

You just made my day

[@mtbgabe9209]

lol?

[@matfly4832]

Thanks man, you guys have every video for every question I have! Gotta say the biker community is very spoiled in resources and great mentorship! Gonna adjust my shocks right now, thanks for that.

[@kona6812]

Deflate the rear shock, measure the stroke length of the shock after it was completely compressed than you can calculate the 30% setup length. Nerds will do this again with the fork.

[@Swatragh1999]

Great video! Explains it very well compared to some magazine articles. Can't wait to see more of these GMBN videos!!

[@gmbn]

Swatragh1999 Cheers.

[@matfly4832]

Thanks man, very helpful, you guys have every video for every question I have! The bikers community is very spoiled in resources and great mentorship. Gonna adjust my shocks right now, thanks for that.

[@oopsydaisy4637]

My suspension is so hard whatever I do...looks like a replacement is definitely needed. This is the video I will watch over again once they arrive :) Thanks for a very helpful how to video.

[@AndreRouzo]

Mannnnn I'm so glad I found you guys on KZbin. Your production quality and content is the BEST I've seen so far. You guys are definitely top notch. Excited to see what's in store in the future. Cheers from Miami, Florida.

[@gmbn]

Thanks *****! We'll keep pushing forwards - more good stuff coming up.

[@theotht]

I thought this channel had a big number of vids like gcn but Its actually a new channel

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

Finally something i nerd can understand to adjust the shocks i was shocked about others explanations

[@N_Frouin]

thanks Neil, Easy to play with on forks. Do you tune the same way your rear shock ? Have you think of a video explaining how to set spacers on a rear shock ? all the best Niki

[@Antjan46]

Thank you GMBN for all your brilliant videos and advice. I'm constantly learning a great deal from you guys!

[@X19JPL]

3.00 he said bumholes. what a g

[@Monkeytz]

Great video, but if you take a look at the bike at 1:16, the sag goes more the 1/3 of the hole travel...so the guy riding has his rear shock wrongly configured ?

[@sixstanger00]

Is the preload setup procedure on the fork the same for a hardtail? I'm running a RockShox Recon Gold.

[@carlosa.sanchez896]

Nice video, full of useful info. Beautiful Santa Cruz Nomad!

[@xsbgtr]

I have a coil+spring suspension "setup" and I want to adjust it but I just don´t find the way to do it in any videos. Could you help me?

[@EverythingisFire]

Unless I missed it, could y'all do a video on bike geometry in general? And/or the differences in ride between all of the different types of mountain bikes? I'm understanding parts better but talk about chainstay length, headtube length and other angles kind of looses me.

[@gmbn]

EverythingisFire Hey, Yeah thats a great idea, I will put that one down for sure. Thanks for your comment. Marc

[@ricoranger2]

When setting the sag I assume you should have the suspension on its softest setting?

[@vectramadgsi]

hey gmbn I've looked through your play lists and can't seem to find one that explains how to setup a rear coil shock on a mtb. would you be able to make one of these vids please and keep up the good work 👍👌

[@gmbn]

+vectramadgsi it's on the to do list...

[@Paganiproductions84]

I will be setting up my rockshock Reba soon

[@kaneEvro]

Hi Gents, out of interest what shock was Marc running in the vid? Looking for an upgrade for my Bronson and thinking of a CC dbinline at the minute. Cheers, Kane

[@hyw079]

Can you do a video on how to set up a coil over rear shock.

[@stankojehart5680]

bike has closed/half closed/fully opened option on clicker on cockpit. Is first one at 0:25 for fully opened???

[@johnemerson6526]

I can't run 30 percent on my shock because its just a fox float ctd evolution, it bottoms out extremely fast and feels like a hard tail when its too soft. Planning on getting a monarch plus

[@JMBMTB]

Jimmie Banana the fox float ctd is much better than the monarch so i wouldn't change if i were you, you probably have the fox set up wrong?

[@johnemerson6526]

nope Ive set it up, got it tuned by push, had my bike shop set it up, nothing. Its a very dissapointing shock. Just because fox is overpriced doesn't make it better

[@ecly13]

Jimmie Banana How did you get Push to tune the evolution series? I looked on their website and all I see are quotes for "Non Evolution Series".

[@JMBMTB]

Jimmie Banana well there must be something wrong with your shock as most are fine, and it's not that it's expensive that means it's good, it's just better quality than the rockshox and better damping etc

[@Yhigma]

I would agree that fox's stuff is overpriced and it wears out too quickly, but I wouldn't say the float ctd is a bad shock. I feel like it would just be too much time and money to switch to another shock when you already have one tuned for your bike. Also, if it's a shorter travel one, like 100mm, you're definitely not going to get away with much over 20% sag

[@RxMTB]

Hey Neil, I noticed you have tape protection on your Nomad carbon frame. Which kit did you use? Would you recommend it as a necessary add on for carbon protection and durability? I am buying a carbon frame bike this year and I am very apprehensive about damaging or scratching it. On my current bike, the top of the fork just below the head tube, I suppose the base of the steerer tube(which is aluminum), has worn about 1/8" deep due to cable rub. If a cable housing can do this to Al over 2 years, I can't imagine what flying rocks or gravel will do to a carbon frame..... Maybe I'm just talking myself out of a carbon frame... seems that tape could be a life saver!

[@gmbn]

+Christian Moniz I would definitely recoomend doing this! I wont stop big dents, but it does help preserve your paint job hugely - when you come to sell it you can peel it all off and it looks new! You can buy Heli tape from loads of places in different thicknesses and size - Ebay is a good place really! Get your bike really clean - easy if its new and make templates with tissue paper - spend some time on it and it will look good and do its job.

[@N_Frouin]

Hi Neil, Could you tell us how do you deal with spacers/token on fork and rear shock tuning ? What is it aimed for ? Cheers Niki

[@gmbn]

+Niki Kite Hi Niki, we did a video on it, here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJSreHqYe819iqM

[@remusmoise8836]

Hello there, Any tricks on how to adjust the Fox terralogic 32? Thanks a lot; Remus

[@Kyance]

What screw are you 'playing with' at 2:22? What does it do?

[@gmbn]

+Kyance That is the rebound damper that controls how fast the fork rebounds after compression.

[@Kyance]

+Global Mountain Bike Network Oh, okay. Thanks!

[@Drewster195]

@3:25 is it me or did he say big bum holes

[@tobiasjung6351]

he said it

[@joematthew2469]

Drew_Marchant bump holes

[@calroberts5154]

@@joematthew2469 na bomb

[@mtbhou7033]

Thanks that was so usful do mor on it but with other shoxs

[@Steve-rm5bi]

do you often find yourself changing the suspension while on the trail or do you find a setting that works for most settings? I am new to all of this.

[@gmbn]

Stephen Barnes Hey Stephen, For me personally I get a good setting on my trail bike and don't stray too far from this maybe a click or 2 each way. Thanks Marc

[@lcc8394]

any chance of a vid on how to service suss....? I know it can be a world of trouble but for the budding home mech it's a must

[@shuwukong]

lcc83 Yes truly wish for more technical stuff Global Mountain Bike Network

[@kylehamilton9466]

What kinda frame protection tape do you guys use?!

[@shredntread9600]

Hey GMBN... I have a 2017 Trek Slash with a 36 Fork. I noticed I am not using enough of the front shock and when going fast over rocking terrain or rooty it feels harsh. Should I adjust rebound, high speed compression or air pressure? (assume sag is correct) Thanks. I was thinking the harsh is due to slow rebound or too much air pressure

[@josiahfarrow6770]

Hey GMBN, I recently bought a new enduro bike and havent been able to ride it (waiting for the -20 C weather to leave here in Canada). I have, however, been sitting on the bike because I really can't wait to ride. I noticed my rear shock ( X Fusion 02 R with AV air sleeve) is making a sucking sound as it compresses and decompresses. The sound as it compresses is really just like air leaving and when it decompresses its a much more liquidy sound (like the air is passing back through the oil type thing). Just wondering if this is normal, cause I've done some research and heard both that its okay and that its bad. Cheers!

[@Ziak_]

Josiah Farrow My rear suspension do that too ! It's okay for me since all rear suspensions I've seen do that noise.

[@jackbeames7643]

You can get that noises in forks it’s normal

[@zanecrocker9091]

I want to use my budget mtb frame to build a downhill and full suspension dirtjumper is it worth buying DH forks or just buying normal suspension forks

[@dosazsolt9725]

hi, what kind of protective film do you use on the bike?

[@Lewieowen14]

Any advice I'm stuck setting my suspension forks cause they don't move at all

[@Billabong00Mr]

Hej ! could you make a review för rear suspension system available in the market, which is better to perform climb and descent ?

[@ironmendm9]

which chris king headset are you running on your nomad? I'm getting all different answer all over the internet, I've seen inset 5, inset 7 and inset 3

[@CoalCracker88]

Thanks for this! However I have been looking at my fork and mine does not have a rubber ring around one like yours does. Is this odd and is there any other way to do this? thanks!

[@jameszanghi3564]

yes. you can only set sag with an air fork. put a zip tie or cable tie on your fork. it will work the same way

[@prr665]

According to the owner's manual of my Yeti SB5C, I should adjust my shock to 15-16mm. Being American, I don't understand millimeters and I don't understand how this relates to the 30% shock rule. Can someone tell me if 15-16mm is equal to the 30% shock rule or if it is something entirely different???

[@gmbn]

Steve Taylor Hey Steve, So 30% is how much the bike should sag when you balance your weight on the bike. The measurement is based on 30% of the shocks shaft I presume you have an air shock? As a ball park you want the shock to sag 1/4 of the shocks shaft length. I hope this helps and you figure it out. Thanks Marc

[@anonymouscommenter6419]

How do you put all your weight in the pedals ??? Please help , I recently bought a full sus bike and need to test my sag . I put my feet down and push down then sit down in the saddle , is that correct ??

[@scottbiddinger9824]

If your running a boxxer World Cup fork how would you set the sag....mine set for a 200lb man and I'm not that heavy

[@davidlambert3647]

Can you do a "how to" on suspension maintenance and repair?

[@DonKassim]

Kindly advise what bike is that ? Santa Cruz what model ?

[@mnix4615]

Hey Neil I was wondering I have a giant atx 27.5 1 2016 and my suspension is very firm will that effect the way I manual or not? Thx

[@georgedavis4453]

Does the plus sign on fork make it more suspense

[@nsquezada27]

is it bad to bottom out and use all the travel every once and a while. just want to know if it will break my air suspension or if its ok

[@1dd434]

thank you. great video.

[@steedwards7664]

My rear shock is making a horrible creaking noise and seems to have a small amount of play in the back end. When I hold the back down and pick up the seat I've got a slight movement and a clunking noise and idea what this could be, or any advise you can give me guys?

[@stoopkiddd]

So, I set my pike160mm to 20 sag and my 160mm monarch to 30. I ride gnarly trail with big drops and find myself with a inch of travel left in my fork and half a inch (tad more at times) left in my rear. So is it normal for me to have to run lower air pressure to maximize all of my travel? I'm riding a felt Compulsions 10 if it matters.

[@dalewilliams7484]

I have 97 cannondale f700 with the headshok. I'm interested in changing the headshok out for a fork easy to maintain and and easy on my bank account.

[@astroboy6014]

I have a Fox RL fork and I don't have that rebund trigger what do I do to adjust it?

[@EacyyC]

Does messing around with a SR Suntour XCR Fork preload setting do anything? I feel like it just keeps turning and doesnt do anything

[@Antjan46]

Is it ok to use a plastic zip tie on the fork to monitor sag? Any chance of it scratching the fork shaft over time?

[@gmbn]

Yes potentially, I would use it to set up sag then take it off.

[@vybtom1]

Or cut a rubber ring and tie it on the fork.

[@tristansaucedo6395]

This was posted right after I subscribed!!! old memories #100000

[@ShreddingBliss]

+Global Mountain Bike Network, I'm having difficulty finding the right PSI on my XC bike's RockShox Reba RL 29, 100mm fork. I'm a big rider, 195cm and 96kg on an XL 29er hardtail. I've set my suspension PSI to 150 PSI (I've also gone up to 170 PSI). I will only get about 8-10% sag when stationary, but I will close to bottom-out on bunny hops and high speed drops (small ones). Any bigger bunny hops or bigger drops (max 50cm drops) I am completely bottoming out. I feel I am not getting enough cushion on the small stuff (stiff fork) but bottoming out way too easy.. Drops aside, I really feel I shouldn't be using all of my 100mm travel on a bunny hop, but any higher PSI and it's a real stiff ride on the small stuff. Any advice?

[@olliekidner1295]

stick in some bottomless tokens to increase the forks ramp-up. this will let you run a lower pressure for a suppler beginning stroke whilst not bottoming out on the bigger stuff

[@ploschi1]

If you put air in your suspensions, does it matter if its set to firm, medium or soft? (CTD)

[@gmbn]

FusionGFX - Professional GFX for everyone No, it doesn't, but I set my suspension to open and then adjust the air pressure to get the right sag. Cheers, Neil

[@ploschi1]

Global Mountain Bike Network Fine, thanks for the fast response! :) Regards, Thomas

[@alenbegic8793]

Hey, i have a Fox Coil(With the Spring) Shock and it feels kinda Soft. I it ok if a Shock pumps all the way in (at more agressive rides and more pumping) and touches the end or is it something wrong.

[@gmbn]

+Alen Begic We'd suggest getting a higher weighted spring!

[@alenbegic8793]

+Global Mountain Bike Network Ok, thank you for the answer. Nice videos btw.

[@nsquezada27]

on my new bike i had it at 30 percent sag in the rear and my o ring was getting all the way to the bottom or even right off the edge of my stantion, is that bad? once i pumped it up it didnt feel very plush so id like to leave it low if it wont dampen the shock?

[@gmbn]

+nsquezada27 you could maybe experiment by adding 5 - 10 psi and making sure that you have small bump compliance but aren't blowing through your travel too fast!

[@jake30966]

would i need a shock pump for a Fox Van RC Performance

[@markusaurelious1150]

When I got my MTB a few months back, they had to set the suspension to my weight first, and then check the 30% percent rule. Is that also correct? I've now been told 2 different things.

[@gmbn]

Markus Aurelious Morning Markus, I would aim for 20% on your forks thats what we try to do here at GMBN thanks Marc

[@gpgalanis]

Global Mountain Bike Network Hi guys. Great videos and channel! Doesn't 20% sag in the attack position for the fork result to a rather stiff ride with low sensitivity and rather bad control? I have a Pike 160mm and honestly the ride is really harsh with 20% sag so I run around 30%.

[@gmbn]

Markus Aurelious Hi Markus, These sag setting are merely a guide have a play around see what suits you best? As you ride more varied terrain you may find you need to add compression to your suspension. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@JudoKing4]

Should the Sag be different on a downhill bike than on a enduro bike? Or should it be the same percentage?

[@gmbn]

+JudoKing4 Slightly different, I"d suggest around 30% for downhill and between 25 and 30 for Enduro... Scott

[@JudoKing4]

+Global Mountain Bike Network Thank you for the reaction! Is the 30 percent sag for the downhill bike for the fork and the shock?

[@gmbn]

+JudoKing4 Yeah it is, you may find that you prefer a harder fork or shock depending on your riding style!

[@kylealcaraz8121]

please help me my fox 32 has 150mm travel but when i compresed it it becomes 140mm so i need to pull the lowers to get back that 150mm travel

[@bl1nky319]

Pls respond i was turning mu coil rockshox xc30 rebound alot and nownits not changing rebound how do i fix it

[@mooncake205]

How do i pit more air/take out air. Will i need to go to the bike shop?

[@gmbn]

+ImAhObOGaming You need a shock pump, the shop will have one if you dont. Neil

[@billwelch9431]

+Global Mountain Bike Network You can't just use a regular compressor or bike pump? What happens if you do? Blow out seals?

[@jon3de]

cool. Thank you very much!!!

[@alemonje8461]

Hello guys how you doing? I'm looking for some help. I'm heavy rider. 95kg. My bike has a pike RCT3 and a Monarch plus RC3 debon air. I think they are not design to handle that much weight coz I'm having trouble setting them up with right amount of sag specially with the monarch. Any ideas. Thanks! Have a nice day.

[@gmbn]

Alejandro Monje Hi, they should be ok for your weight. Adjust the air pressure to get about the right sag, if they seem to be losing pressure, it might be time for a service. Cheers, Neil

[@garonlove]

Is the bike completely upgradable ?

[@AlexM-vh5hz]

Is that an 160mm or 170mm fork ? Thanks

[@steincanencia1960]

How much sag do I need to have for my 140mm travel fork?

[@alexkerr340]

Is there one on how to setup you're suspension for a downhill bike

[@ciarandinsmore879]

A thing have about in the trail I am going to ride on.

[@CarsByVincent]

my forks are really hard, and they have an adjustment thing on top. but when i adjust them, almost nothing happens. please help! how do i make them softer?

[@danielkofman4592]

I have the same problem and im also looking for help. Do you know the answer yet?

[@gmbn]

If they are air forks then lower the pressure, but it sounds like they might be sprung. If so you can remove the spring and replace it with a lighter spring.

[@CarsByVincent]

Global Mountain Bike Network i could try that but i dont have the time, i was looking for an easier fix. but thanks anyways :)

[@BaiL781]

I'm not a suspension expert by any means, i just started playing with the suspension and shock's adjustments and pressure myself. You should have an expert look at your spring and replace it if needed, it can really make a difference!

[@CarsByVincent]

Enduroot i prob need that, at the softest setting its not really that soft

[@rydervernon8665]

How do you setup coil shocks

[@Yhigma]

I disagree w/ the 30% sag rule. Maybe for longer travel bikes it's true, but on my stumpy it has autosag to automatically set it to 20% and I still add a couple more psi... Also depends on how hard you're riding the bike too...

[@gmbn]

Yhigma It is a personal one for sure but 30% is a good start for most. I like to run mine at 30% then if I use too much travel, I get the shock valved to be more progressive. That gives me a really active bike but doesn't go through too far too soon. Cheers, Neil

[@acxcve4369]

I'm not a good bike user but I use a trek mt200 and my suspension is really hard I want to make it softer for wheelies and I don't have a air cap (I want to do this on the front suspension)

[@sandromaisuradze1159]

i have Rock Shox dart 2 and how to set it up?

[@NagatoKamiPain]

just bought FS bike, how can I lock rear suspension?

[@matthewlaw8268]

Depends if you have a lock out lever on your rear shock...my fox has a three stage lever for hard, medium and soft.

[@MrOwnerxD]

dude please help me i can't understand i have - and + on the fork where shall i turn for softer suspension ?

[@MrOwnerxD]

yes i tried it and it felt the same i think

[@vinceelliott7164]

Hey guys my front fork is too hard but my dad won't change is because "it's been set to a rockshox factory standard" it's so annoying what's should I do or say???

[@bbb8775]

do i do this on coil spring shock

[@sid-yq6rh]

Can we add rear suspension to hardtail

[@InsaneDynamics]

No, you cannot.

[@liamwaylandsa]

What about rear spring suspension i have a spring in mine and this shows me nothing on how to adjust that

[@gmbn]

The principle is the same - look at the length of travel and adjust appropriately. There are many, many different types of suspension though and we'll cover the main ones in the future, so make sure you're subscribed to the channel :-)

[@RiggadonDan]

With a spring, you could use the bottom out bumper as an o ring to measure sag. Then change spring weight accordingly

[@jasonyang4902]

How do I make my forks softer?

[@Cabunnda]

Do a mazrochi fork guides and explain about those forks there is no proper videos about them in youtube

[@OrlandoHarris-dh5oh]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@B3atX13yt]

My rockshoxs only have Lockout and Preload

[@mehulgopalakrishnan984]

what is preload?'

[@jettm5997]

that wheelset though very expencive

[@samcrdx8016]

What is this bike called

[@nsquezada27]

*if it wont damage the shock. sorry for the type

[@rohanmathew7581]

can I get your GMBN cycle Jersey cause it's so col

[@gmbn]

Sure can! Check out our shop - shop.gmbn.com/

[@icecreamtrucker6400]

DAYUM Neil looks different than he does now.

[@xXKWEWANXxGAMING_]

I'm 13 and I weigh 7 stone I don't no how much air in my rear shock

[@joelbillington8536]

What is sag?

[@gmbn]

Sag is how much the suspension will compress under the riders weight. Just your weight on the bike should use the first 30% of travel on the rear and 20% on the front.

[@joelbillington8536]

Thanks please can you tell me where you are going to be next because I'm a 10 year old You are my idles

[@Tuckersteward]

They need a medium dampening compressing

[@dansotelo228]

Funny how all these KZbin tutorials on ""How To Set Up Suspension"" never mention that you first need to rotationally balance your wheels to get optimum suspension performance. Rotational balance is the key technology used to set up Loic Bruni's suspension as you can see in this video, fast forward to 6:55 and you can see all the balance weights attached to Bruni's rim >>>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4XPXp-OnKaaf5Y Why??? MTB especially DH wheels are very big and are extremely out of balance. Just about everyone in the MTB world (with the exception of JACK RACING), have no idea that an unbalanced DH wheel at 20mph is like having two huge sledgehammers swinging off your front and rear axles! The oscillation forces created by these unbalanced wheels are so powerful they literally confuse the suspension to control the ground irregularities or the powerful oscillations of the unbalanced wheels. Making matters worse is when both front and rear sledgehammers get in sync, then the poo hits the fan, overpowering your suspension, as it is trying to follow the terrain. So the key here is to balance your wheels first before adding sealant, so your wheels spin freely to eliminate all those crazy & powerful oscillation forces, and then set up your suspension.

[@georgeh4834]

can i buy any forks of you