All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

The discussion on shock settings has me thinking to try different settings. Although, currently I think what it’s set at is fine, but I’m new to FS and having that type of adjustability. Someone posted earlier, trying two clicks either way to see what that feels like. I’m headed out later for a ride and will try that I suppose. But not sure if I start with the rear shock or fork with that adjustability?

Everything is currently set at the recommended specs for my weight, as this is what the LBS did when I purchased in August. Any thoughts? Or…do I go with if it ain’t broke method

 

Starting with the recommended settings is always a good idea -- that is why they are "recommended," lol. My experience is that the recommended settings for air forks/shocks have you "oversprung" to begin with so you don't bottom things out and damage the fork/shock or yourself. If they provided you a table of settings for different rider weights, use that as a guide for the proper starting mix of air pressure and compression/rebound clicks. I'd say most important is getting your spring rate (proper air pressure or coil spring) in the proper range first, then adjusting the other knobs one way or another from the recommended settings for that air pressure.

One thing to keep in mind is that different people have different riding styles. I tend to ride "lighter" than my weight, so I use my unloaded weight as a starting point, and the settings I end up on are usually for someone 10 lbs. lighter than I am. However, I have known some lighter riders that tend to really mash into things.

 

Thanks for the reply! Based on this, I think I’ll stick with where I am at. I don’t have a shock pump yet, so can’t make the adjustments for that. And, based on the 400 miles I’ve put on the bike in the few months, I haven’t bottomed out on either shock. I seem to have a nice buffer zone left based on what I’m seeing from the sag ring. I have a Spec StumpJumper Comp Alloy, so Fox Float 34 front and Fox Float DPS rear. Once I get a shock pump, I’ll start looking at adjustments. Specialized also has a Suspension Calculator on their website I refer back to that helps understand what does what.

Thanks again for the reply @TenBeers and nice color on that truck!

 

DLX. the standard covered too much of my backup cam

 

Highly recommend getting the shock pump. If you do want to play with your settings I recommend the “bracketing” method. Essentially, instead of adjusting by 2 clicks you go up to 6. Then if you don’t like it you back off by 3. Or if you do like it go up another 6 then adjust from there.

 

I have a Leer HF650M and an older Dakine pad. The cover is nice because when folded most of the way open two bikes can be in back of the 5' bed. The bikes have to at a slight angle though. The cover also flips up all the way (parallel to the rear class) which is nice if you need to carry more bikes.

When I want to close it up, I found that I can loosen the straps on the tailgate pad and just kind of slip it down into the bed and the cover closes. That way I don't have to undo the tailgate pad straps. The Leer cover doesn't have any locks so I just lock the bed and I'm off. Super easy.

 

BTW this is an excellent comprehensive list and I appreciate you taking the time to author. I'm referencing it today in my hunt for winter pedaling stuff

 

EDIT too bad I can't afford any of them. Anybody got old 32 riding pants I can buy?

 

Haha, thanks, Cav Blue is the best!

I second what @levie125 mentioned, get yourself a shock pump (I like the Topeak PocketShock DXG). As temps change, you'll want to verify your pressure is still what you think it is. I've had shocks/forks that hold air consistently, others that do slowly leak -- typically the rear shock that has higher pressures. Some adjustments are a bit counter-intuitive at first (at least they were for me). As your air pressure goes up, so should your rebound damping (I thought it was opposite, but after thinking about it more deeply it makes sense). I personally just leave compression damping wide open for the most part, but I only have that one knob. No more than a couple of clicks for most people unless you need to lock out.

There is occasionally some old-school thinking that gets thrown around, that if you are not using all of your travel on your local trails, you are not adjusted correctly. This is old thinking, don't fall for it. Your sag is the most important thing to start with, 15-20% on the front, 25-35% on the rear, depending on the shock and frame kinematics and personal preference. If I set my bike up to use all the travel, I'd probably be at 50% sag front and rear and it would handle like shit.

 

FIFY

On a serious note. BC.com has a 20% off coupon, and if you go though active junky you can get an additional 12% cash back (for now). Might still be more than you wanna spend, but just putting that out there in the universe.

 

Good sales happening at zoinc and ketl too.
Just picked up some ketl shorts to try out. they look nice.

https://zoic.com/mens/all

https://ketlmtn.com/

 

Sweet! A new trail just opened 1/4 mile away from my front door.

 

Lolol u rite. I've been spoiled with my gear acquisitions lately and now I'm being whiney. I'll look into that though, thanks for the lead!

 

I do not buy anything without first checking this website.. www.cashbackmonitor.com

I use these few different sites; Rakuten, Befrugal, TopCashBack, and ActiveJunky. If anyone wants a referral link to one of these it does help both of us.
A lot of websites can usually get 10% cashback, plus whatever bonuses my CC is running stacks on top of that.

 

You signed up on hookit.com?

 

Great ride today out on my local trails. Rode longer than normal so was able to explore some new trails. One area, was like Moab based on the name of the trail. I’m still fairly new to this MTB stuff, I had to walk a few areas on the slick rock but I did make one of the runs down, which is pictured. Damn that stuff is crazy! But fun ride out today!

 

Primo weather up in the Northeast. Hitting 800 miles on these Vittoria Mazza/Martello rubbers. I have a new set I’m itching to throw on but these refuse to die!

 

Nice build!
I've got a switchblade on order in that exact color

 

Hell yeah! What’re you riding now?

 

Yes I do. It's a little scammy though. I prefer organic sponsorship programs