Suspension Set Up?

Author	Message

ImILL

Posted: Jun 5, 2012 at 13:39	Quote
What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

gnarbar

Posted: Jun 5, 2012 at 17:16

Quote

ImILL wrote:

What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

faster = stiffer

simples

if not stiff enough, your suspension absorbs every hit, rock, root etc, actually slowing you down, taking energy out of the suspension system. you want it to be stiff enough to deflect hits so you can maintain speed by being able to react and return to normal position quickly enough without packing down. too soft and it works your body a lot more too. too soft and you dive into holes, dips too much, and won't exit berms as fast

^ this assumes it is set up not TOO stiff and your sag, preload, and spring rate are all set up correctly to start with

cons...I know of none, others may

tfl2u2

O+

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 6:51

Quote

ImILL wrote:

What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

I run my dh bike at 12%-13% so that I don't bottom out very much. It makes the bike a lot more fun to ride anyway because it feels lively and very jumpable on the trail.

gnarbar

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 8:17

Quote

tfl2u2 wrote:

ImILL wrote:

What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

I run my dh bike at 12%-13% so that I don't bottom out very much. It makes the bike a lot more fun to ride anyway because it feels lively and very jumpable on the trail.

lol...really?

I don't even know what to say to that

your suspension is way too stiff to track terrain such as roots and rocks and any undulating sections

tfl2u2

O+

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 8:28

Quote

gnarbar wrote:

tfl2u2 wrote:

ImILL wrote:

What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

I run my dh bike at 12%-13% so that I don't bottom out very much. It makes the bike a lot more fun to ride anyway because it feels lively and very jumpable on the trail.

lol...really?

I don't even know what to say to that

your suspension is way too stiff to track terrain such as roots and rocks and any undulating sections

Yeah I know. I kind jump and hop over anything in my way. If I set it up any softer I bottom out all the time due to the progressive nature of my bike (it sucks I know). I've already destroyed one bottom out bumper running my suspension at 20% sag.

gnarbar

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 8:32

Quote

tfl2u2 wrote:

gnarbar wrote:

tfl2u2 wrote:

I run my dh bike at 12%-13% so that I don't bottom out very much. It makes the bike a lot more fun to ride anyway because it feels lively and very jumpable on the trail.

lol...really?

I don't even know what to say to that

your suspension is way too stiff to track terrain such as roots and rocks and any undulating sections

you have some serious suspension/bike issues

tfl2u2

O+

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 9:07

Quote

gnarbar wrote:

tfl2u2 wrote:

gnarbar wrote:

lol...really?

I don't even know what to say to that

your suspension is way too stiff to track terrain such as roots and rocks and any undulating sections

you have some serious suspension/bike issues

Well I only run my rear like that. My fork is at 25% sag.

gnarbar

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 9:34

Quote

tfl2u2 wrote:

Well I only run my rear like that. My fork is at 25% sag.

Which is just as bad because your bike is unbalanced front to rear

Just saying....

iffy

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 9:37

Quote

ImILL wrote:

What are the pros and cons of running a stiff suspension setting? what are the pros and cons of a softer set up? what do the world cup dudes run, a little on the stiffer side?

i think stiff or soft does not really cover the suspension tuning subject very well,

have you checked this thread? suspension setups

damping is everything, and riding style/terrain can mean a perfect setup for one rider makes one setup useless for another,

write down your settings, ride - take notes,change one setting, repeat,
with time you will fine tune you setup to perfection

coloradodownhill

Posted: Jun 6, 2012 at 19:15

Quote

Hey guys whats wrong with 13% sag? On my race bike I ride 9-10% on the fork and 12% rear (my riding style is a bit more in the rear so I run that softer). It makes me feel way more comfortable and I usually use all my suspension in a race.

Rockshox Boxxer RC:
Spring: Red
Compression: 8 clicks
Rebound: 6 clicks

Fox Van RC:
Spring: 550
Compression: 6 clicks
Rebound: 4 clicks

2012 Kona Operator
I weigh 160 lbs.

bigburd

Posted: Jun 7, 2012 at 2:20	Quote
If you are running with that little sag you must be riding fairly slowly or on very smooth terrain

coloradodownhill

Posted: Jun 7, 2012 at 8:56

Quote

bigburd wrote:

If you are running with that little sag you must be riding fairly slowly or on very smooth terrain

I race all over the place, Trestle Bike Park, Sol Vista, Teluride, Angel Fire, Snowmass, Beech Mountain (For Nationals) and I am pretty quick (if I can toot my own horn). It's just what makes me feel comfortable.

anotherreece

Posted: Jun 7, 2012 at 9:34	Quote
the softer the suspension the more grip you'll have, but the slower generally be, as your bike will go further into the holes. the harder the suspension the more you'll skip over the rough chattery stuff, but the less grip you'll have. Run you're suspension harder for rough/fast tracks.

venturavin

Posted: Jun 7, 2012 at 11:12

Quote

bigburd wrote:

If you are running with that little sag you must be riding fairly slowly or on very smooth terrain

Or fairly fast I would say... it obviously depends on your riding style too. If you're a plow rider you'll want it softer if you're pop over stuff a lot and pick out smooth lines you'll want it stiff.

bigburd

Posted: Jun 7, 2012 at 12:27

Quote

ironxcross wrote:

bigburd wrote:

If you are running with that little sag you must be riding fairly slowly or on very smooth terrain

Fair point.

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