Dialing In Your Suspension: Sag, Rebound, and What They Actually Do

Suspension setup dramatically affects how your mountain bike handles trails. Proper configuration transforms rough terrain from jarring to flowing, making trails more fun and safe.

Understanding Sag

Sag is how much your suspension compresses under your weight when sitting on the bike. Most trail bikes target 25-30% sag. Too little sag makes the ride harsh; too much reduces travel for bigger impacts.

Setting Up Your Suspension

Start by setting sag using air pressure (on air shocks) or spring preload. Measure suspension travel—most forks have indicator rings. Adjust rebound damping so the suspension returns quickly but doesn’t bounce.

Fine-Tuning for Terrain

Firmer compression damping prevents diving on steep terrain. Softer settings improve small bump sensitivity. Some riders adjust settings for specific trails. Keep notes on what works for different conditions.

Suspension setup is personal—experiment to find what feels best for your weight, riding style, and local terrain.