September 11 2026
Saracen rider setting up mountain bike suspension before riding
A good suspension setup can completely change the way your mountain bike feels on the trail.
Get it right and you’ll have more grip, better control and a bike that feels composed through corners, rough sections and bigger hits. Get it wrong and even the best suspension can feel harsh, unpredictable or difficult to control.
To help you get your bike dialled, we’ve teamed up with Jono Jones, Dan Bateson and Lucy Downs to talk through some simple suspension setup tips you can try on your own bike.
Whether you’re setting up a new bike or simply looking to improve how your current setup feels, here are a few of the key things to focus on.
Start With Sag
Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your body weight when you’re on the bike.
It gives your fork and shock room to move both into and out of their travel, helping your wheels follow the terrain and maintain grip.
As a general starting point, aim for around 25-30% sag at the fork and roughly 30% at the rear shock.
Make sure you check it while wearing your normal riding kit, including anything you usually carry on the trail.
These figures are only a starting point. Your bike, suspension, riding style and the terrain you ride can all affect the setup that feels best.
Get Your Rebound Dialled
Rebound controls how quickly your suspension returns after it has been compressed.
If your rebound is too fast, the bike can feel bouncy or unsettled as the suspension springs back. Too slow and the suspension may not recover quickly enough before the next impact.
A good way to test it is through corners and repeated sections of trail.
You want the bike to recover in a controlled way as you exit a corner without feeling like it is pushing you out of position.
Make small adjustments, usually one or two clicks at a time, and ride the same section again so you can feel the difference.
Think About the Terrain
Your ideal suspension setup can also change depending on where you’re riding.
On rougher trails with repeated roots, rocks or braking bumps, your suspension needs enough rebound speed to recover between each impact.
If it is too slow, the suspension can gradually sit deeper into its travel as the hits add up, making the bike feel harsh and reducing the amount of usable travel available.
Speeding the rebound up slightly can help the suspension recover between impacts and allow the wheels to track the ground more effectively.
On smoother trails, you may prefer a slightly more controlled setup.
The key is experimenting and finding what works for you.
Jono, Dan and Lucy's Key Suspension Tips
In our latest How To video, Jono, Dan and Lucy run through some of the fundamentals of getting your suspension set up:
- Sag: Start with the correct amount of suspension sag for your bike and riding style.
- Rebound: Adjust how quickly your fork and shock return after an impact.
- Corners: Pay attention to how the bike recovers as you load and release the suspension through turns.
- Rough terrain: Make sure your suspension can recover quickly enough between repeated impacts.
- Small adjustments: Change one setting at a time so you can clearly feel what each adjustment does.
There isn’t one perfect suspension setting that works for every rider or every trail.
The aim is to find a setup that gives you confidence, grip and control on the terrain you ride most often.
Test, Adjust and Repeat
The best place to fine-tune your suspension is out on the trail.
Find a short section you know well and ride it several times. Make one small adjustment, ride the section again and pay attention to how the bike feels.
If it feels better, keep moving in that direction. If it feels worse, go back to your previous setting.
It can also help to make a note of your air pressures and rebound settings once you find something you like, giving you a reliable base setup to return to.
Watch the full video to see Jono, Dan and Lucy explain how they approach suspension setup and how small adjustments can make a big difference on the trail.
Get Your Suspension Dialled
Suspension setup doesn’t need to be complicated. For More Info, Click here
Start with your sag, get your rebound in the right range and then make small changes based on how the bike feels beneath you.
The more time you spend experimenting with your setup, the easier it becomes to recognise what works and what doesn’t.
Then it’s time to hit the trails and put it into practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is suspension sag on a mountain bike?
Sag is the amount your fork or rear shock compresses under your weight when you are on the bike in your normal riding position. It helps the suspension move both into and out of its travel so the wheels can follow the terrain.
How much sag should I run?
As a general starting point, around 25-30% sag at the fork and approximately 30% at the rear shock can work well, although the ideal setup depends on your bike, suspension and riding style.
What does rebound do?
Rebound controls how quickly your suspension returns after being compressed. Faster rebound allows the suspension to recover more quickly, while slower rebound creates a more controlled return.
How do I know if my rebound is too slow?
If the suspension does not recover quickly enough between repeated hits, it can begin to sit deeper into its travel. The bike may start to feel harsh, low or difficult to control through rough terrain.
How do I know if my rebound is too fast?
If the suspension returns too quickly, the bike can feel bouncy or unsettled and may push back against you after impacts or when exiting corners.
Should I change my suspension setup for different trails?
You can. Different terrain can suit slightly different settings. Rough trails with lots of repeated impacts may benefit from faster rebound, while smoother trails may allow you to run a more controlled setup. Make small changes and test them before making further adjustments.
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