Suspension fork settings - What they mean

[@TheTorkerman]

Seth, as a father who's kids are switching from BMX to MTB as their primary rides, I want to pass on my thanks. A Dad is meant to be the tech guru for their kids, they come to you for the things in life that thy do not understand. Now I have MTB air suspension covered, so thank you sooooo much. Very very helpful and informative video. Easy to see why "a bike guy on youtube" has almost 700k subscribers. Adam, Melbourne Australia.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

thanks Adam! That means the world to me

[@-rizzza-]

TheTorkerman-Adam my main man dad

[@TheTorkerman]

DOUBLE R DIZZLE ha ha, go finish your homework!!!

[@dummkompf]

it's cool to be able to sit on the couch and have the info spoon-fed to me so I appreciate it too but I mean, it's not like this is difficult info to figure out on your own if you wanted to lol

[@blame7121]

@@dummkompf yes, usually people can learn from trial and error if they want it, but you know, if "error" means your kids ending up injured, it's better to learn from someone that actually knows the stuff.

[@PARAF.19]

7:43 THAT JUMP!!! Dude, it looks epic!

[@---GOD---]

That was fucking crazy!

[@blanco2k]

I clicked this expecting to go hella far forward or back in the video but as i clicked it, the video just hit 7:43

[@kaydenyap5677]

@@blanco2k yo I just did the exact same thing

[@jacksongilbert8644]

Every time I start to have a problem with my bike. Seth instantly makes a video... I love this guy.

[@benchapman8432]

I've been following this channel since 66000 subscribers and remember thinking at the time this guy is awesome. Every things explained so well and he has a real passion for his videos, not like some that just post to keep there income coming in. Thanks for all the great tutorials and info you've given us all, go Seth!

[@BSAVBFBA]

Dude, that last clip of you jumping was absolutely SICK!

[@mtb_rene317]

Thanks dude! This has got to be the simplest and easiest to understand explanation about suspension setup. I've always just relied on the bike shop to dial everything in for me, and then I just record everything they've done so that I can maintain those settings. Now I feel like I can start playing with those settings without fear of screwing everything up.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Rene G my job here is done! Only YOU can find the perfect setting by tweaking it on the fly

[@carlosadorno1544]

Rene G Find the manufacturer's setup guides for your shock and fork model and use the recommended settings for your weight as starting point. Then ride a trail that has a little bit of everything and apply the concepts taught by Seth on this video to better tune your suspension to your preferences and riding style. Make sure you understand what is the effect of every setting and you'll be able to tweak the right settings without much guessing. If you don't really feel what you are doing, go and change one thing at a time go to the maximum and minimum of the range and do a short trail...these big changes will allow you to feel what each setting does. It is good to use full travel (bottom out) a few times on each ride but not feeling a hard hit when reaching full travel (harsh bottom out). No one cane better set your suspension up than you! You will feel rewarded after spending a few long rides tuning your suspension!!!

[@hunterpurdon9118]

You forgot to mention that when setting the sag on your fork its best to be on the pedals and in an aggressive riding position or shoulders relatively over the bars. its key for getting proper sag readings.

[@gswitzer2005]

I love both your and Clint's channels! You should absolutely do more collaborations together! Two guys making MTB easier to understand and more enjoyable! Or maybe even combine efforts and create a super mega awesome channel!! :)

[@rgmtb]

One of the best vids I've seen on this topic Seth. Wonderful job!

[@codringogoasa9772]

I have a coil fork,but I still watch this😂😂😂

[@Create_o_raptor]

Codrin Gogoasa same..

[@jonnyjaywalk]

the compression and rebound settings will still be the same as explained in this video but to change how still your fork is would require ordering new springs with a stiffer spring rate (if your fork company offers them). Also means you cant change how progressive the fork is because springs for bike suspension are inherently linear

[@jacquedearing3465]

Codrin Gogoasa same

[@paulavram2759]

Codrin Gogoasa, suspensia mea este una foooarte simpla si deabea ca se misca

[@xxnose34xx17]

😂😂😂not me but I'm dead

[@wedgett1]

Just watched Clint's video before watching this, so good to see you giving him a shout-out on your channel!

[@streetrider11]

I've been on a rigid fork for 4 years now with no hint of going back to suspension any time soon but man this was an enjoyable watch. Your videos are always very engaging and interesting to learn about new stuff even if I ride 99% skateparks and street. I also find them very relaxing for some odd reason haha. Keep up the good work Seth!

[@FloridaTrailrider]

This week I reduced the pressure in my Rockshox. What a difference! I was a little reluctant to mess with it in the passed but now I have a little more confidence. Thanks again for the great info Seth.

[@HNXMedia]

Love the explanation! You actually used real language everyone can understand (i.e. squishy). Awesome video!

[@bkxc]

Really good stuff!

[@v1d300]

Is training just pain or as you say 'pain and pleasure' while climbing slickrock?

[@cleyey]

v1d300 slickrock is fun ive ridden it probably 15 times its not that hard either its rather easy for me

[@samsteve65]

BKXC i

[@sulhijasimon6094]

@@v1d300 lq .

[@villahquevince]

@@v1d300 l

[@nickrogers6441]

Great video Seth. I took my bike to a suspension specialist and they helped me understand all the different settings. I came out and my bike was way more lively, it felt like a new bike. I totally recommend playing with it even if it feels good, record what it's at and just play with it. You never know it could get better.

[@rummgoeshamm]

I knew pretty much all of this coming in but thought I'd watch cus i love your vids. I gotta say this has got to be one of the best you have done. Absolutely everything was covered in prefect detail but i didn't feel that any of it was dragging on and the visuals were excellent. Great job Seth, that's why you're the king

[@ForbinColossus]

@1:55 did you create the graphic for the progressive travel explanation? (Nicely done)

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+ForbinColossus Thanks, and yes all the animations are original

[@iconic_artefact]

@@SethsBikeHacks I love your videos and I cannot stop liking your bikes

[@XGaming1]

For some reason I watch all of your videos even tho Iv never been mountain biking, the last bike I owned was when I was 8. I’m almost 18 now.

[@fazza2104]

Seth you are such a great youtuber, you keep you’re videos nice and snappy and very well explained, while also making the video exiting to watch, keep up the good work, I’m loving the berm peak videos at the moment!

[@callumfox2533]

Actually the most in detail and understandable video I have watched for how to set up your forks. Thanks Seth 👍🏼

[@mtbfiend4170]

Haha another badass video, very helpful! Im learning so much stuff off of your channel its great! Thanks brotha!

[@lukasradzimski1033]

MtbFiend brother** 😂

[@mtbfiend4170]

Lukas Radzimski I like to say it as brothaaa haha Its a baseball thing my teammates and i had during the season haha

[@raduga135]

5:48 You Can Actually Hear His Heart Holy Shit LOL!!!

[@elpacko7687]

Seth. I've recently had to semi-retire my running shoes for a more low impact pursuit, and have recently taken the plunge at a high end hard tail (Whyte 905). I've had mtb's in the past; most recently retiring my GT Aggressor XCR. A totally different kettle of fish! The bike is awesome, but what is equally inspiring are channels like yours and GMBN, et al. I like the way you simplify the techno-babble, and also pick apart the nitty gritty, plus give it to the viewer in layman' terms. I also enjoy watching your projects. Great channel. Keep up the good work dude 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@astro54541]

You never cease to amaze me with these videos.. Simplicity is key. You my friend have an art form for explaining things easily. Thanks from a Noob 😬

[@PuddleAH]

Seth that was perfect timing today I bought a downhill bike, and I needed to adjust the forks haha :)

[@mikuramsay]

I have a coil fork and the only thing I can control on it is the preload!

[@jeronesamari3443]

Cavan Goh you can also replace the spring in your fork to a different thickness, if that helps with anything

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Sounds like you might have a lower end fork if all you have is pre load. On the nicer coil forks you can replace the spring as well as adjust your rebound and some of them even allowed you to add a small amount of air. You could replace the spring but you might have a pretty tough time finding one for that fork.

[@jaakko200987654321]

i cant even do that, the knob doesnt even fucking turn

[@usahd7745]

jaakko200987654321 I have a Manitou fork. It's let's me change compression and rebound, on the manuel it says that it is also air assisted, but I cannot find where to add or remove air(I guess it is fixed), anyways it rides to firm so I'm ordering a new spring. Any suggestions, I weigh 140lbs. I don't want it too soft as I like to bunny hop and jump gaps. Thanks.

[@frankiedunne2396]

jaakko200987654321 same I might get a pliers at it

[@HardtailContent]

Hi Seth, when figuring out my rebound I find it best to set it by turning very hard several times back and forth in a parking lot. I find the place where the wheel tracks me perfectly rather then leading or falling behind me. This setting works very well for all terrain within one turn either way. Food for thought

[@Quevallyn]

Finally, a suspension set up video that actually makes sense. I'm no longer too scared to fiddle with the forks and probably add some spacers. I'm running the fork at 30% sag but it bottoms out on bigger hits and compresses just a bit too much to preload into jump transitions. Looking forward to the vid on the rear shock.

[@braxton_lynn]

I was your 51st subscriber 😂😂 great videos by the way.

[@trevorgayron613]

Thank you so helpful. I can't understand the preload until now. Btw I live on li and go to still well and bethpage state park

[@AndyBeal1]

Love this channel, and this was the video that I needed for fine-tuning my fork. Seeing how the different settings affected Clint (another great channel) was super helpful!

[@jamespafford9094]

Finally a good and basic description of the suspension! It seems so logical it’s embarrassing to ask questions with other riders or bike shop mxs. It’s nice to be able to come here and get some clarification to start playing around. Thanks for the vid!

[@v1d300]

I have a coil fork and I have no idea what the settings knob do.

[@ashtonbeckett6962]

7Tech coil forks like that are easy the adjuster is preload, it changes the progression of your fork

[@Toastybear1]

i cant remember if its + or - preload (look it up) but it winds the spring inside in or out, making it stiffer or softer (set it for your weight)

[@TheLightMyFire]

I have no suspension at all. It looks so complicated.

[@EliteTester]

if it's a cheap coil fork set it to the lowest possible setting (turn towards the minus)

[@jacquedearing3465]

v1d300 what kind of fork is it

[@Delano777]

you should do a water bottle holder video like which one is the best or comparison video please.

[@mesk412]

Clint's channel is great too. He's very meticulous and knowledgeable. Great stuff on bike repair and maintenance.

[@kevinrtres]

Thanks for the intro to the suspension settings. Gives a nice big picture all at once so one can begin to understand what is going on and what the possibilities are.

[@gill_rides7618]

I like to have my suspension a little bit softer, and have my rebound higher, it makes a really nice feel but if you don’t let it get soft enough it feels like a pogo stick with wheels.

[@matsadriaenssen2825]

I have a pike 140mm and i like the rebound more to the faster side, but on my shock i like the rebound a little bit slower than on my fork

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+The Pro Show same here

[@Carecovzki]

Seth this is one of the most simple and comprehensive videos I've seen from basic suspension settings. Nice work ;)

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Great over view! Looking forward to your rear suspension video. I would say that typically people set their rebound a little bit slower on the rear to avoid getting kicked over the bars on take off but I run my fork pretty much the same as you.

[@robwasnj]

Just curious what trail clint did in 2:58, it looks like the Vortex trail but was it the entire thing or just from the qualifier back to the freeride area? I'm down here now and want to see how fast I can ride the same trail, lol.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+robwas it's the little qualifier trail next to the wooden jumps!

[@lock_estunts5685]

The tokens would be a good thing to be 3D printed

[@coen8323]

Lachlan McNair wel no because 3d printed shit is pretty weak

[@cleyey]

Mr Cow no its not you just need the right filament and setting for your machine

[@Zach-qs2bw]

Mr Cow the problem with 3dprinting the part wouldn't be it breaking it'd be the cost im pretty sure it's be cheaper to buy the part

[@prestostudios128]

Lord Reginald Peterson the parts cost alot

[@jaakko200987654321]

Lord Reginald Peterson 3 tokens cost over 15€... what a ripoff

[@sumantkanala]

Best overall explanation of how, what all the parts related to a shock absorber are explained. Kudos!

[@billiewright3577]

I’ve been watching vids all night and this one, for some reason, just made it all make sense. Thanks for the outstanding video.

[@michaelwrigley5438]

some guy came in to the bike shop I work at last year. Told me how he kept getting Peddle strikes while climbing. After discussing I found that as he didn't have a lockout he would just turn his rebound all the way open so his fork and rear shock would just sit at the bottum of their travel all the way up. I tried not to laugh so hard. he could benifit from this video for sure.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Mike XT that's a perfect example of "packing up". His bike must have been riding like garbage!

[@dsvoetball9653]

Mike XT omg

[@antoineg639]

wouldn't full open provide fast rebound, which is the opposite of packing down (closed rebound)?

[@MajorMou]

Hi Seth. Are these spacers reducing the travel of the fork? For example reduce a 140mm fork to 120mm, if using a 20mm spacer? greetings from Germany, Heidelberg;) Great Videos by the way!

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Mo Weinhart No, they do not reduce the travel. They take up space inside the chamber, so there is less volume. So when you pump up the fork it takes less air to do it. Less air means less compressible gas, which means the fork will get firm quickly as it travels.

[@MajorMou]

Thanks, Seth.

[@matiasn.matusjaramillo9181]

are spacers recommended to more aggressive styles?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Yes, it's probably more aggressive riders who are bottoming out their suspension and need it to ramp up more

[@scottmiller9084]

Hi

[@JustinCaseWages]

Perfect! The visuals combined with the dialog made it the best fork how to I've ever seen.

[@jareddavis5782]

Awesome information! The visuals you added were a huge help. Also really cool that Clint helped you demonstrate too.Thanks again for the great content! I ride pretty lively myself, not that I encounter a lot of consecutive drops or jumps, I just like the feeling of a fork ready to react.

[@MalKediler]

i see some guys say "I have a coil fork but im watching it" guys i dont have a fucking fork on my bike -_-

[@v1d300]

Guys, we have a winner here.

[@noahboostmaster2149]

Wait, you don't have a fork on your bike?!?!

[@koko-lores]

you must be good at wheelies

[@ThisGuyRides]

so.... are you using sporks?

[@mesk412]

He rides a unicycle

[@davidly9716]

I like my suspension semi squishy and fast rebound :)

[@maheysshsagar5182]

NinjaGamer 443 me too I like it a little squishy

[@brennendye8104]

Thanks, Seth. That was some really helpful stuff! I never really understood how the volume spacers worked til now.

[@mattlaufer7637]

Awesome. Thanks for this explanation. I like my suspension pretty middle of the road and rarely use the lockout anymore even on big climbs. The beauty of efficient suspension!

[@DouglasGardnerTV]

faster fork, slower shock works good for me on downhill. That way I dont get bucked as easily, and on steep stuff it slackens the angle.

[@Wizler71]

vouch

[@YSM-MINECRAFTVLOGSANDMORE]

I have a coil fork and want to upgrade to an air one, but I don't have 8 gazillion dollars. What do I do?

[@kinslayergaming3159]

Y.S.M.2004 -MINECRAFT VLOGS AND MORE find one second hand that is well maintained

[@MondisCrow]

Great explanation of how it all works. Best I've seen yet. I have done the same test you ran in this video, and found that I like my rebound to be right around the mid point. I don't have low speed compression, only the Pedal, Trail, Climb. I run with 25% front and back as it seems to give me enough platform for pedaling, good small bump compliance and great on bigger hits.

[@moekyawphoto]

Thank you Seth and Clint for simple explanation of how suspension settings work on MTB.

[@charlieseymour3403]

lol i don't even have suspension i just like your videos

[@lucasvasconcelos9156]

Hey Seth what's your opinion about rigid forks?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Lucas Nogueira by far, the most reliable forks out there

[@skorpionz1]

nice video thank you

[@skorpionz1]

i love it when its return slowly

[@onilovni1234]

True, I've never heard anyone saying their rigid fork had issues with air leaks and other stuff like that.

[@lucianonarno1408]

Awesome video, man! I am a roadie and always saw all this crazy adjustments on MTB forks which to me were a can of worms. Thanks for explaining it so well. I really liked the part about linear and progressive travel, and also volume spacers. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@kiranmuthappa5009]

Seth you are killing it on the youtube views.. I would of never thought so many people are interested in tuning their fork

[@igorka9354]

I don't have that rubber band for the Sag. What can I do?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+iGorka 935 zip tie!

[@v1d300]

Zip Ties - 'Ultimate Seth's Multi Functional Item'

[@igorka9354]

v1d300 loool😂😂

[@igorka9354]

Seth's Bike Hacks Thanks!

[@lukasarvidsson3186]

iGorka 935 just remember to not leave The zip tie on since it can scratch your fork

[@fort8670]

I ride bmx so I'm like so confused rn lmao

[@jeffneidhardt2030]

Just got my first air shock. Nice quick overview so now I know how to go out and play with it a bit to see what suits me best. Well done.

[@Fire-dk4pi]

From age 7 to 25, i've been riding all types bicycles. I had a certain amount of knowledge about repairing and unmounting but your videos made me discover more on todays bicycles, functions and hacks. Thank you!

[@chimmychaunga8443]

My rockshox have next to none of this

[@xtubgt3397]

Chimmy Chaunga same, rockshox recon?

[@chimmychaunga8443]

XTUB gt Nope, rockshox argyle

[@xtubgt3397]

Chimmy Chaunga I have recons and I have none of the things he has except remote lockout

[@chimmychaunga8443]

My shocks are dirtjump shock so i can't lock mine, all i have is rebound damping and a dial with 7 options which are soft as crap, softish, soft, good, hard, hardish, and hard as crap

[@MaxStevenson-ih5ji]

the rebound adjustment on my 2006ish recon fork is located on the bottom of the right fork.

[@creamycoconutt]

Lol, why am I watching this video..... My MTB dont even have suspension fork settings

[@lionelibarra9011]

Movie

[@iime2828]

@Lionel Ibarra what?

[@backenfn]

Oh yeah yeah

[@jonathandenhaan2365]

I ride with the rebound on the faster side as well. I find that it keeps the fork up in the travel in the "plush zone" as you mentioned, which means that it does better with small bump absorption. I use medium compression dampening (the T setting on my fox CTD shocks) mostly to prevent brake dive on tight trails I ride where I'm constantly speeding up and slowing down.

[@ziting5756]

This is the best explanation of fork settings ive found so far. Just got a new fork with these knobs had no idea, I know understand them thank you so much.

[@darknessfallen9681]

1dislike=1hater xd

[@mrmurphy7796]

darkness fallen dabbin on dem haters lol

[@andrewrowinski4306]

Love your channel man. Was a mtb biker in late 2000’s. Lost it after then. Very informative and educational. I judge a lot of my purchases on your review’s.

[@GlenSify]

Great video. Such clear and helpful explanations. The best bit is the guide for how to find the right settings.

[@31acruz]

Good job, one of the best and thorough videos on the subject I have seen.

[@Cheatingforfun]

As i always say to anybody who ask me about suspension; playing with them is something really important thing if you're looking to grow like a rider for real. Excellent video Seth.

[@jlpowell8432]

Wow Seth, amazing video and extremely well polished and produced! Your graphics, voice all of it is very well done and helped me immensely as I am learning about suspension theory and setup for my Enduro with a Lyrik and Monarch Plus RC3. I am thinking about trying out two tokens it came with and compression and rebound near your suggestions. Mainly right now though I need to get basic skills down...Thanks!

[@theted1601]

Seth - loves these videos. Every one I watch is like school in session. Keep up the great work.

[@ChrisCXK]

This is extremely helpful. I'm about to buy a full suspension and I knew almost none of this. I knew it had the different settings for climbing descending etc and knew I'd need to have to adjusted for my weight. But I didnt know you could dial it in like this.

[@boltgunmetal]

Nice one Seth, best explanation I've found on suspension settings. I just botched mine until it rode how I liked (running 2004 marzocchi drop offs with air pump adjustment) which basically means I only ever bottom out on the heaviest of hits. I Didn't realise how unorthodox that was until someone I rode with commented on how 'pingy' it was. Barely any sag with fast compression/rebound, resulting in a very lively front end. I love popping random nollies all over the place and hit stair gaps/wall rides on my way back through the city, so find with the 'correct' amount of sag/rebound compression, the front is a little too slow and wallowy to ride aggressively.

[@bryanmurphy26]

Great video. I'm getting mine dialed in now. My high pressure suspension pump just arrived in the mail. Setting the sag was easy, and think I've found a pretty good balance on the rebound.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Great vid. Your explanation is the most clear and concise I have heard.

[@IanRamon]

the practical test with XC is very good to understand the settings. good explanation! thanks!

[@Indomitable_Imperative]

Thank you for this thorough, informative, descriptive, and entertaining video.

[@livelongexploreoften6163]

It’s fun to see your older videos. Still helpful!

[@BuckeyeMCS]

One of the keys for me to understand things that cause me to shut down (because they feel overly technical) is to have it explained to me like I am a 5 year old. Thank you Seth! I really do appreciate this video

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

Best suspension explanation on KZbin? Loved it!

[@kentvonseverin1257]

Well done Seth. Super cool that you are linking up with Clint a Brian to do some of the viseos. Good job.

[@raceteamgui871]

Thank you for making such a clear, concise and easy to follow video!

[@1trucxhondamov589]

100% THANKS!!!! For years, many years, I thought assumed fork settings was a marketing ploy, I have a set of Rock Sox SID that almost never move, but I never tripped, I love MTB's but I mainly ride on bike trails and ride in the city. I just think mountain bikes look so cool, so do many of my friends but I can't see them actually see many of them going out to the mountain outback to ride either. Thanks, I learned something here!😃

[@keithpearson1552]

Seth, great video and graphics... one of the best explanations I have seen

[@johnnyfu509]

1st thing, love your channel Seth. Layman's bike explanation to the the typical. Been riding a rigid single speed for the last 3 years. Only made a jump to suspension last month. Still working on the dialing in though. I do miss my rigid sometimes, but definitely get to do some more technical sections. Still got my single speed though, don't think I'll change it. Thanks for the explanation, demonstration and comparison all in one quick videos.

[@carlosadorno1544]

Great video Seth...complex things made easy!!! Totally agree with you... I like the sag in the plushier side and rebound in the faster side (just enough to avoid bounciness) for improved grip and smoother ride. I also like compression damping in the open side (maybe a few clicks in just enough to avoid diving too much into travel while braking) because too much compression damping makes the ride feel harsher (too slow compressing) and the wheel doesn't read the terrain very well. I don't use much volume spacers since I don't do jumps nor your kind of aggressive riding. People need to understand their suspension, use manufacturer's guidelines based on weight as a starting point, and then fine tune for their riding style and personal preference. I have seen skilled riders with great bikes but don't understand suspension setup which is a waste of money because they never use their full travel and have a messed setup. Looking forward for the next video on the shock tuning to share with some friends of mine who need a little bit of help on understanding these settings.

[@rolaro100]

Great vid Seth, you cover all the basics and I feel I can now play more with my settings knowing a bit more about that magic! :)

[@Trihannes]

Finally a video which explains it easily and perfectly! Thanks Seth!

[@radred512]

Thanks for the video Seth. I'm running a newer Pike RCT3 140 29/27.5+ on an Ibis Ripley LS. I'm 150lbs and run it at 50 lbs (30% sag) and 3 tokens. I have tried many combinations of air/tokens and this setting seems to be best for my style which is fairly aggressive trail riding in Pisgah. Rebound is set to 3-6 clicks in (more for really rocky/rooty XC , less rebound for down hill). Low speed compression is right in the middle (6 clicks).

[@colinmp1]

Perfectly timed video as I have just ordered my first set of air filled forks👍

[@dereklchung]

Great video - one of the very few that explain a complex topic well

[@trkoo]

Best suspension video! Always keep coming back to this one.

[@okidoke4822]

Thx mate. I’m almost 54 and just getting into off road riding my bike. Your info is invaluable to me.

[@Bjoggi308]

Excellent explanation of front suspension Seth. Well stated and good diagrams. Nicely done.

[@jackomahoney75]

Thanks Seth, just got a new bike for christmas and this video really helped me setup my bike. :)

[@MTBdropIN]

Wow I like to learn simple short and sweet and find out more advanced details later. This really satisfied my needs!!!