RULE NUMBER 1!
SORT YOUR TYRES FIRST - There's no point trying to get more feeling from the front and more grip on corner exit if the cords are starting to show....
Download our FREE suspension tuning guide below to give you a direction when you're at the track and considering different suspension setups!
Suspension basics....
On 90% of road bikes you're able to change the following on both the front and rear:
- Preload - This doesn't alter the stiffness of the spring. Increasing the preload (winding in) raises the ride height, reducing preload lowers the ride height.
- Re-bound (Upward movement) - This controls how quickly the fork returns to its normal position after its compressed.
- Compression (Downward movement) - This controls how quickly or slowly the fork compresses over bumps and when braking hard to stop/scrub speed.
Some bikes have high and low speed compression adjustability which allows you to control how the suspension behaves when you hit a bump, compared to entering a corner. You want stability in corners and the suspension to quickly recover after hitting a bump at speed.
Fork Service
Linear Rate Springs
Linear Rate Springs
Take your forks to bits & replace oil, bushes and seals. I once serviced some forks & found one legs internals were different to the other!
Linear Rate Springs
Linear Rate Springs
Linear Rate Springs
Road springs are good but made for all riders. Most road springs are "progressive" too so the spring rate changes as it's compressed. Linear rate springs (to your weight) will transform the handling!
Grease Rear Linkage
Linear Rate Springs
Grease Rear Linkage
Remove any corrosion, fully clean all the bolts & grease all bearings & pivot points. The shock will only perform as it should with full & easy movement of the linkage.
Set your Sag
Front Ride Height
Grease Rear Linkage
Check out our guide on SAG. Its basically making sure that your suspension when riding is at its optimum position & you have full use of the stroke.
Front Ride Height
Front Ride Height
Front Ride Height
Adjusted by raising or lowering the fork tubes in the yoke (I start with 5mm). Raising ride height improves stability & slows the steering. Lowering it does the opposite.
Rear Ride Height
Front Ride Height
Front Ride Height
Increasing rear height speeds up the steering but reduces rear grip. Some standard shocks might not have this adjustability on the rear.