Dial Your Mountain Bike Suspension
Bracketing suspension set-up involves systematically adjusting your mountain bikes suspension to find the optimal performance settings for your terrain, weight, and riding style. Below is a step-by-step guide to effectively bracket your suspension:
1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Bike
- Tools Needed:
- Shock pump
- Sag measuring tool or ruler
- Notebook or smartphone to record settings
- Allen keys or wrenches (for adjustments)
-Preparation:
- Ensure the bike is clean and in good working condition.
- Inflate tires to your desired pressure.
- Check for any suspension damage or leaks.
2. Set Baseline Sag
- What is Sag?
- Sag is the amount the suspension compresses under your weight in a neutral riding position.
- How to Measure:
1. Wear your typical riding gear.
2. Sit on the bike with your weight distributed as it would be during riding.
3. Measure sag using the markings on the suspension or a ruler (typically 20-30% of total travel for rear shock, 15-25% for forks).
- Adjust Sag:
- Add or release air pressure in air shocks.
- Adjust coil preload for coil shocks.
3. Dial in Rebound
- Purpose of Rebound:
- Controls how fast the suspension returns to its original position after compression.
- Starting Point:
- Set rebound in the middle of its range.
- Perform a bounce test: Compress the suspension and observe the return speed.
- Bracketing Rebound:
- Adjust rebound incrementally (slower or faster) and test by riding.
- Note the changes: too slow feels sluggish, too fast feels bouncy.
4. Fine-Tune Compression Damping
- Low-Speed Compression (LSC):
- Controls suspension firmness during slow, steady impacts (e.g., pedaling or berms).
- Start in the middle of the range and adjust incrementally.
- Test on smooth climbs and flowing trails.
- High-Speed Compression (HSC):
- Controls firmness during fast, hard impacts (e.g., rock gardens, drops).
- Test on rough downhill sections.
- Increase or decrease HSC to suit your terrain and preference.
5. Ride and Record Feedback
- Ride on a familiar trail that includes varied features: climbs, descents, and technical sections.
- After each run:
- Record how the bike feels (e.g. rear feels harsh,& front dives under braking).
- Note the exact suspension settings.
6. Adjust in Brackets
- Bracketing Process:
1. Make small adjustments (e.g., +/- 5 PSI in air pressure, one click of rebound or
compression).
2. Ride and compare the feel to your baseline setting.
3. Continue narrowing down until you find the optimal settings.
7. Confirm and Lock Settings
- Once the suspension feels balanced and controlled:
- Double-check sag, rebound, and compression settings.
- Write down your final settings for future reference.
8. Periodic Re-evaluation
- Reassess suspension settings regularly, especially:
- When riding different trails.
- After significant weight changes (e.g., new gear).
- At the start of a new season.
Tips for Success:
- Patience is Key: Bracketing takes time and multiple iterations.
- Work on One Adjustment at a Time: Avoid changing multiple variables
simultaneously.
-Test in Realistic Conditions: Always adjust settings on trails similar to your regular rides.
By following this methodical process, you'll achieve a suspension setup that enhances comfort, control, and overall performance.
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