Bicycles are a popular form of transportation, and for good reason – they’re affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly. But even the best bike can be improved with the right adjustments. One such adjustment is your suspension.
In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to adjust bike suspension for maximum performance. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Tools Needed
- Socket set/ratchet
- Torque wrench
- Mallet or hammer
- Soft cloth or rag
How To Adjust Bike Suspension (Step By Step)
There are a few simple steps to follow to adjust your bike’s suspension. Here are the basics:
Step1: Loosen the bolts on the top of the suspension fork.
Step2: Slide the fork up or down to adjust the height.
Step3: Tighten the bolts to hold the fork in place.
Step4: Repeat the process on the rear shock absorber if your bike has one.
Types of Suspension
There are many different types of suspension, but most mountain bikes have one of two:
Hardtail
A hardtail bike has a suspension fork in the front, but no rear suspension. This makes for a lighter bike that’s easier to pedal uphill, but it can be less comfortable on rough terrain.
Full-suspension
A full-suspension bike has both a front and rear suspension fork. This makes for a heavier bike that’s more difficult to pedal uphill, but it’s more comfortable on rough terrain.
Common Mistakes When Adjusting Their Bike’s Suspension
- Not knowing their bike’s suspension travel. This is important to know so you can adjust the preload accordingly.
- Not checking and/or adjusting their sag regularly. This will ensure that your settings are still optimal for your riding style and weight.
- Failing to check for and address any binding in the suspension. This can cause premature wear and tear on your fork and shock, as well as affect how they perform.
- Not using the correct tools for the job. Make sure you have the right size Allen key or torque wrench before making any adjustments!
Safety Precautions
- When making any adjustments to your bike’s suspension, it is important to take certain safety precautions.
- Make sure the bike is properly supported before you start working on it, and be especially careful when adjusting the spring preload. Keep in mind that incorrect adjustment can lead to loss of control or even serious injury.
Tips To Adjust Your Bike Suspension
Here are some steps to adjust your bike suspension which include:
- Start by checking your owner’s manual to see what the proper settings should be for your weight, riding style, and terrain
- Next, use a tape measure to check the sag on your front and rear shocks- this will tell you how much preload to add or remove
- If you’re still having trouble, take your bike to a local shop or suspension specialist for help
Conclusion
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, please share it with your fellow cyclists, or leave a comment below. We love hearing from our readers and we’re always happy to help out if we can. Happy cycling!
FAQs
How do you adjust the front suspension on a bike?
To adjust the front suspension on a bike, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the fork in place. Once the bolts are loose, you can use the adjusting screws to change the height of the suspension. Be sure to tighten the bolts when you are finished adjusting the suspension.
How can I make my bike suspension smoother?
There are a few things you can do to make your bike suspension smoother. First, you can try using softer springs. You can also try adding more oil to the forks. Finally, you can try adjusting the preload on the forks.
Can bike shocks be adjusted?
Yes, bike shocks can be adjusted. You will need to loosen the bolts that hold the shock in place and then use the adjusting screws to change the settings. Be sure to tighten the bolts when you are finished adjusting the shock.
How do you adjust a mountain bike suspension?
To adjust a mountain bike suspension, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the forks in place. Once the bolts are loose, you can use the adjusting screws to change the height of the suspension. Be sure to tighten the bolts when you are finished adjusting the suspension.
What is preload?
Preload is the adjustment that can be made to the suspension on a bike to change how much pressure is put on the springs. Preload can be adjusted to make the suspension harder or softer.