Setup guide

Measure it right, and the numbers will hold up on the trail.

SAG is how much your suspension compresses under your own weight in a neutral riding position. It sets the ride height, the grip and how the bike feels in the first part of the travel.

Fork SAG

  1. Fully open compression and rebound (knobs counterclockwise) to avoid hydraulic hysteresis.
  2. Stand on the pedals in a neutral position, with no weight on the handlebar.
  3. Release the brakes and push on the pedals to move the bike up and down two or three times.
  4. Move your body up and let the bike settle into its travel.
  5. Push the O-ring against the fork dust seal.
  6. Step off the bike backwards and gently lift the front wheel in the air.
  7. Measure the distance from the dust seal to the O-ring.

Air shock SAG

  1. Fully open compression and rebound.
  2. Sit on the saddle, with no weight on the handlebar.
  3. Release the brakes, bounce two or three times on the pedals and let the bike settle.
  4. Push the O-ring against the shock dust seal.
  5. Step off the bike forwards and gently lift the rear wheel.
  6. Measure the distance from the dust seal to the O-ring.

Coil shock SAG

  1. Fully open compression and rebound.
  2. Sit on the saddle, with no weight on the handlebar, and let the bike settle.
  3. Measure the spring length while seated.
  4. Step off the bike forwards and measure the spring again with the wheel in the air.
  5. The difference between both lengths is your SAG in millimetres.

What is a volume spacer?

A volume spacer, or token, is a small plastic part that clips inside the positive air chamber of your fork. It takes up space, so there is less air to compress.

With less air, the pressure rises faster at the end of the travel. The start of the travel barely changes, but the fork becomes much harder to bottom out on big hits. Each token here is 10 ml.

Inflate and read the pressure properly

  • Equalize the chambers. With the pump on the valve, push the suspension slowly into its travel until you feel a release (usually 0 to 10 mm on a fork, 10 to 20% on a shock). Hold it until the hiss stops, then lift the wheel and read the value.
  • Expect a small drop when you connect. The pump hose fills with air from the chamber, so it reads a bit lower than what was inside.
  • Always use the same gauge. Every gauge has its own error. If it is always the same one, your setups stay consistent. Analog pump gauges are often far off.
  • Mind the temperature. Air pressure follows temperature, so a setup made in a warm workshop rides firmer or softer on a cold or hot day.