Tech Talk - Setting Up Rebound on Mountain Bikes . VLOG 2.175

How to properly diagnose and setup Rebound on your Full Suspension or HT Mountain Bike.
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Cody Kaiser :: / thekidkaiser
LangeTwins :: / langetwins
Kinetic Cycles :: / kinetic_cycles
Website :: codykaiser.com
Music by Epidemic Sound :: epidemicsound.com

[@nickkeegan9354]

Agree with all the comments - you've just demystified about 10 years of suspension set up dilemmas. Thank you (and well shot too!)

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad this helped.

[@andycjohnston]

Dude!!! That "open hand on the bar" test... game changer!! It's been REALLY hard for me to figure out getting this right... and THIS is it in a VERY SIMPLE method. #LoveYourWork - thank you. (I'm new to MTB of course, great help)

[@dennisstempher9684]

Best explanation on this subject ever! Almost makes me regret swapping out my suspension fork for a rigid one on my MTB...

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it helped! Definitely get some suspension back on there!

[@digital2k6]

Main reason for people thinking suspension is worthless is because it's setup poorly. And/or it's old technology that was fairly worthless.

[@roadyeti3697]

Props. This whippersnapper knows his stuff. Best video I've found on setting up rebound. Got dialed in a few minutes. And I took my time. Thanks

[@thekidkaiser]

Appreciate it!

[@ABOY1978]

Great Video, very clear. Would like to ask you about the new brain. Could you make a video talking about it? I was very happy with the old one and had my settings which I was happy with but with the new one I am strugging the get it right. At some point, I have the feeling that the rear suspension "collapse", its not smooth and doesnt make feel confortable and doesnt give me confidence when downhill. I would like to know if somebody else has the same feedback. Thanks again. MA.

[@MichaelMachado2]

I've been waiting for this video for like 3 years now

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it helped explain

[@edjerome6879]

Your technique really helped setup my forks. Thanks. Rickshox pike was harsh. Dialing up the rebound did the trick. Forks work so much better now. Thanks again.

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it helped!

[@kjelddollerup5390]

Thanks for a good video 👌 Regards from DK-Skandinaivia 🇩🇰

[@thekidkaiser]

Thanks for watching!

[@tristantopambudi3186]

Easy and simplest tutorial , brilliant

[@chrisstastny2029]

This is why I love going to Kinetic. This is just way over my head! Never even thought about this aspect of suspensions. Well done!

[@thekidkaiser]

Make is squishy. That means it's working right...

[@durianriders]

Great tips CK. Looks they changed the brain for 2018. The old ones there was ZERO rider input that could activate the suspension but now it bobs up and down like the brain is half asleep if there is rider input from above.

[@kingdaniel69]

Hey man. Just discovered these super informative videos, so very helpful. Thanks very much, from Newcastle, NSW.

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad you like them! Enjoy!

[@bretb8799]

Your explanation is absolutely great, but I question the methodology of setting up unweighted and I suspect suspension behaves much differently with 150-200# rider. Might be good for initial very rough setup, but I think best settings are found only by experimenting on your trails.

[@davew9392]

This is the best explanation I have had on rebound setup. You are the “Guru”!

[@jareksominski4247]

Hello Could you write what pressure setting you use on both shock absorbers? How much you weigh? I would like to compare myself because I have inflated too hard. The eraser always stops in the middle, regardless of the hard terrain I ride. Thank you for your help :)

[@louisorduna7587]

Do you know why, when I put air according to my weight in the rear shock (Fox)of the 2017 Epic, the air doesn't seem to stay at the pressure when I go back and check. Is there a problem with the shock?

[@claussrensen7017]

If I do this test on my 2018 Epic Expert fork I will brake my wrists as the fork is completely firm - shouldn't Brain exactly prevent this when the wheel is on the ground?.

[@thekidkaiser]

Firstly, suspension should be setup with he brain switched off to allow for easier and understanding on what is happening. and second the platform on the brain isn't strong enough where you can't push through with force. It is supposed to give way under pressure to prevent anything from breaking.

[@pptyson1]

Thank you! been thinking about this lately, perfect timing!

[@ericjohnson5892]

Great explanation on suspension....why didn't I watch this years ago???

[@EpicEvolution]

Wow! Looks like the most helpful video about setup! Thank you! Have found it at the day when i dialed brain fork with fastest rebound. And was not happy about it 😀

[@PanchoShelby]

I have the 2018 Epic Expert red/gold with the RockShox/Specialized Micro Brain shock w/ Spike Valve, AUTOSAG, 51x257mm. There is always confusion when doing autosag because the shock says 300psi but sometimes the specialized bike mechanic says it’s the riders weight plus 50. With this RockShox which applies? Also the blue button must me on soft but the red button near the filling valve what setting should be? Finally after pumping the air do I jump on the bike several times before or after pressing the autosag button? You should post a video on KZbin because all specialized videos are very old. Please help! Thanks

[@ashleynicholls9526]

How long does suspension take to bed in? I have new bike with Rock Shox Recon and Monarch R combo and when I set the rebound to its fastest, it’s still no where near fast enough to get the tyre bouncing off the ground, any ideas?

[@thekidkaiser]

Well firstly we don't really want the to be bouncing other than for example. Suspension should break in after 10hrs or so of riding. If the rebound isn't getting fast enough it may be due to air pressure based on rider weight. Many times, small riders cant seem to get rebound speed quick enough.

[@alexisermel]

Simply explained, clearly understood. Thanks!

[@mohdizaniabdulmajid843]

Wow....the best video explained about rebound. Congrats.... Thx...

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad you liked it! Enjoy the trails

[@enriquetrujillo7864]

Cody awesome video on Sworks Epic suspension ... I am a lucky owner of a brand new 2021 Sworks Epic Gloss Red with the Ultimate fork and awesome new rear suspension ... I was guided to the Specialized website suspension calculator to calculate the pressure to inflate both front and rear based on my weight and height and it also provides me the rebound and fade. First off I believe my bike does not have a fade anymore and while the calculator tells me the amount of clicks to turn the dials it doesn’t not tell me the direction to start at? Do I turn the dials counter clockwise to the fastest setting and go back the amount of clicks recommended? You are the most knowledgeable person I have found and related to a simple video explanation! Thanks for your help! Enrique, San Diego, CA

[@thekidkaiser]

Congrats on the purchase! The 2021 epic still does have Brain fade. That is the black dial on the rear shock near the axle and the blue knob on top of the fork. These control the brain platform and how firm it is while climbing (think like lockout). The red knob on top of the fork and at the air valve on the rear shock control rebound. That is where you will want to watch this video and set rebound speed accordingly. Hope this helps

[@mastafu80]

Great explanation, so simple and complete!

[@rubiodrager5907]

Hi Cody, I bought a Bike Specialized Epic Expert 2021 and I am not able to properly adjust the front fork model SID Sl with the brain and the rear Shox also with the brain attached to the system. I have always used a hardtail bike in competitions and this is my first full suspension. The reason I chose to buy this model was that the brain system would offer me a very rigid front fork and rear Rhox platform for me to have the same performance as a hardtail + comfort and high efficiency of a full suspension. I would like to have my bike configuration as rigid as possible, would it be possible for you to assist me with your great technical knowledge on the subject and help me configure it correctly?

[@thekidkaiser]

Firstly, make sure the air pressure is set to you. I would not recommend bumping the air pressure up to compensate for stiffness in suspension. You will want to set the Brain Fade knob on both the front and rear to full firm in order to make this bike ride as close to a hardtail as possible. The rear is a black knob just above the axle and the front is the blue knob on top of the fork. Hope this helps.

[@garrstephenson4274]

Have a 2016 s-works camber 29er woth brain suspension. I’m getting limited response in the front these days. Any thoughts on best way to dial it back in and get a smoother overall ride?

[@thekidkaiser]

I would bet the first thing that needs to be done is a complete service. Generally as suspension degrade you will lose functionality. it unfortunately comes a such a slow progression that you don't really notice it until its too late.

[@wiljaq2773]

That was very good info dude. I’ve been getting thrown over the bars recently as I get more aggressive with my full suspension Evil Following. I think it might be a combo of rebound, too much PSI in my tires, and stupid lines and decisions.

[@thekidkaiser]

When it doubt, slow the rebound down a bit!

[@nicholasvanzyl8683]

Thanks now i understand, best simple explanation on rebound

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it helped!

[@rbjstudio]

Awsome, thanks I was getting realy bumpy rides,

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad to help

[@metalichoy9571]

Big two thumbs up bro! Nice one

[@rayrose7851]

I have a 2019 Epic Sworks and when the rear is set to firm, it sometimes bottoms out-I can feel the metal to metal. This happens on small bumps. It doesn't happen as much when going downhill. I've had my mechanic put more and more air-all the way to 210 and I am 175 lbs. I have been told (By two bike shops) that this is a common issue and that I just need to live with it. Not very happy after spending over $10k for this bike and having it in the shop 3 times in 2 weeks.

[@chrisblanchard4938]

That was very helpful. Thank you for that. 2 thumbs up!

[@diehlleonardo06]

Should end with all vibration or just jumpes (front shock)?

[@rsmarshall]

Can you explain the brain 2.0 ? Are the brain settings only for when it opens up on smooth ground? I read so much about setting it to soft or firm for the downhill runs. Isn’t the brain setting only for how it behaves in smooth terrain? It will always open on big hits no matter what correct? Confused rider.

[@EpicEvolution]

Generally brain is activated when you get hit from bottom. But it has level adjustment from firm to off position. So you can switch it off and use as regular suspension. Rebound and pressure also play big role

[@gunterbrettschneider9244]

Excellent explanation!

[@pjhoneycut]

Great video , thank you!

[@One_mole_worth]

You sir sound like you worked with Luke at sbcu! Great video, keep killing it

[@thekidkaiser]

I have not but great minds think alike. haha

[@foxhound143]

while you were setting up the sag, what was the position of the rear brain frade knob?

[@thekidkaiser]

When setting sag you need the brain fade to be full open or "soft"

[@MaglorMusic]

Excellent video man! Thank you! :)

[@coderedex]

Thanyou, you certainly did help.

[@marccarney7]

Entertaining and helpful, thanks..

[@PanchoShelby]

I'm having problems with my 2018 Specialized Epic Expert brain. The shock was changed already because it was defective and now it looks like it's defective again. It won't accept air and it leaks it. I'm planning on making my bike brainless with this kit www.bikeyoke.de/en/Specialized-Epic-2018-2019.html What are you're thoughts? I'm tired of the bouncing my bike has even with the shock locked.

[@tgleckler]

Thanks this was much needed 🙏🏼

[@WoutervandeGiessen]

That tyre looks quite soft... that will impact your rebound. So its always important to ensure the tyre is inflated to ride pressure to ensure the rebound can be set accurately.

[@durianriders]

just get a hard tail. The brain 2.0 is a disaster. Read all the forums. Ive got one on my 2018 SW Epic and its going back to the shop for the 4th time...bike has only done a few hundred km on gravel. Even riding home from the shop on day 1 the shock was leaking air lol.

[@Stalkerfiveo]

1000 miles on my Epic Expert and it is amazing. "Read the forums"......people enjoy complaining on forums FAR more than they enjoy talking about how great something is. Forums aren't exactly gospel. ;)

[@thekidkaiser]

Misery Loves company on the forums. Less time typing and more time pedaling in the fresh air!

[@rmartinlim]

Please do a comparison for the Specialized Brain fade Technology for Epics.

[@kylehamilton3644]

Thanks Cody!

[@thekidkaiser]

You got it!

[@owenpreece4508]

Great video

[@sattyasuon6672]

great tips thank you

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

What about low and high speed rebound

[@davidmmmc]

Thanks , it helped!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

I had my 1st z1 marzocchi forks and guru mechanic . Said start rebound open then work click by click. If rebound is to slow it wrecks fork plushness and becomes sluggish. Open ride is more poppy. Comes with rider riding technique Open is best and custom valving 😂

[@Fluterra]

shouldn't the Brain system prevent shock compression from you pushing down?

[@thekidkaiser]

In theory yes the brain prevents compression under rider load, however there is a maximum "load pressure" before the brain opens to prevent any damage. And there will be some give in the platform when riding under normal conditions.

[@lytleric]

Looks like he had the Brain dialed open to full soft, which means it really isn't coming into play.

[@Fluterra]

Great!

[@upsidedown260]

Hello, if it was so simple to adjust rebound, why this is not set directly from Factory. I think it is not simple as that but maybe I am wrong, but the rider weight must be taken in consideration for adjustment

[@thekidkaiser]

Rider weight does play a factor but it only shifts the window of operational rebound speed. Lower pressure means the rebound speed window will be in the faster range. Higher pressure means it will be in the slower end of the rebound window. It more or less does come from the factory like this, there is no internal adjusts to be made. It's strictly looking at the terrain you ride on and adjusting accordingly.

[@nathan42694]

Suspension is allways personal. It is allways personal to the trail your riding

[@niccopolo]

Interesting video, It helped me

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it helped

[@quincee3376]

thx for this!

[@thekidkaiser]

Glad it could help

[@enyaspeed]

thank you nice video

[@Fluterra]

What was the Brain set to here, Soft, I’m guessing?

[@thekidkaiser]

Yes, the brain is open in this video. The premise here is to explain suspension for all designs, not exclusively the Epic.

[@Fluterra]

@@thekidkaiser Ok thanks, and I'm guessing you had a smaller than normal amount of psi in the shocks, as they are compressing more easily than mine (or you are very strong!).

[@Fluterra]

You have 24, not 10 clicks on this Brain fork.

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

What a cheap fork, lol