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"mountain bike suspension"

In this picture the front and rear shocks are clearly visible on this dual suspension rig. This thing can eat bumps like cookie monster eats cookies!

Bike Suspension 101

Suspension forks and shocks allow you to ride your bike over rough terrain with more comfort, safety and stability.

Rough singletrack & choppy roads become much easier to manage due to your bike's suspension absorbing the hits.

Having suspension on your bike greatly adds to your enjoyment level while riding on rough or uneven ground.

In this guide we'll go into the basics of bike suspension for new bike shoppers or anyone looking to upgrade their current bike to a suspension bike.

We will also get into how suspension works and finally get into setup & suggested suspension maintenance.

Matt Donovan,	3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike

By: Matt Donovan,
3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike
Last updated: 2/21/24

MTB Suspension Essentials: Optimizing Your Ride for Performance

Mountain bike suspension technology has revolutionized off-road cycling by providing riders with increased control, comfort, and traction. The suspension system of a mountain bike, which may include both a front fork and a rear shock, absorbs the impact from rough terrain, allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground for better handling. Deciding between full suspension and hardtail bikes, as well as understanding the various types of suspension travel and adjustability are critical for riders who want to optimize their riding experience for different terrains and styles.

A vast array of suspension products are available on the market, from high-performance components designed for professional racers to more affordable options suitable for casual enthusiasts. Manufacturers continually push the envelope, refining suspension systems to be lighter, more durable, and more adjustable. Expert advice and guidance can help riders select the right suspension setup for their specific needs, ensuring a tailor-made riding experience. With proper tuning and maintenance, mountain bike suspension can greatly enhance the ride quality and performance on trails.

Key Takeaways

  • Mountain bike suspension improves control and comfort on rough trails.
  • Choosing the right suspension setup is essential for optimal performance.
  • Regular tuning and maintenance are crucial for sustained suspension effectiveness.

Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Vs. Front Suspension?

Generally speaking, bikes either have front suspension or dual suspension (shocks front and rear). 

Usually it's a mountain bike that has suspension but in today's world there are other types of bikes with suspension on them as well. 

Dual sport hybrids and even some road bikes are coming with some type of suspension added to them to smooth out the the ride these days.

So, when shopping for a new bike with suspension you will have the option of one shock or two depending on your usage and budget.

Bikes with shocks on the front only are generally referred to as hardtails while bikes with suspension shocks front and rear are referred to as dual suspension bikes.

Hardtails have a lower upfront cost and may be a bit lighter than dual suspension bikes.

Dual suspension bikes are more at home on rougher trails than their hardtail brethren but come with a higher entry cost and a slight weight penalty due to their extra moving parts. However, the added weight and cost are welcomed side effects due to a dually's added trail chops when things get rough.

                                         This video will help explain the differences between dual suspension mountain bikes and hardtails. (video courtesy of Trek Bikes) 

                                                                   

Looking To Upgrade Your Suspension Fork Or Rear Shock?

  1. If you are looking to upgrade your current suspension fork there are a few things you'll need to know.
  2. What type of axle does your current front wheel have? Is it thru axle or standard quick release?
  3. What diameter is the headtube of your bike that you are looking to upgrade? Some of the newer suspension forks may not be compatible with slightly older bikes due to changes in headtube diameters in recent years. Most older bikes ran an 1 1/8" steerer diameter while even older bike were built with a 1" diameter steerer tube in mind. Many newer bikes are now running a tapered headtube and steerer set up, 1.5" diameter on the bottom and 1 1/8" up top for more stiffness while steering. Your local shop can help determine what setup you need for your bike.
  4. How much travel are you looking to get out of your new fork? Most bike manufaturers limit how much travel their frames can handle before it becomes unsafe or becomes a detriment to the bike's handling characteristics. If you put too much travel on a frame that wasn't meant to handle it, the frame may even break!
  5. What type of brake does your bike currently have on it? If you don't currently have a disc brake on your bike this may be a great chance to upgrade your brake as well and gain more stopping power. However, be aware that when you do upgrade to disc brakes you very well may need a new wheel to allow you to mount the brake rotor to your wheel as well as the new disc brake caliper of course.
  6. If your're upgrading your rear suspension you'll need to know your bike's factory specs, including eye to eye length of the shock, spacing for your mounting hardware and the suggested stroke of the shock itself so as not alter your bike's geometry in a negative way.

More Money Equals More Performance

When shopping for new bike suspension there's a few things to keep in mind when coming up with a budget for what you want to spend on a new set up.

  • Overall Quality : Higher end suspension is better made, using better materials and as a result will need less upkeep and generally will last longer than lower end models.
  • Weight : Generally speaking, the more you spend the lighter you get. Of course weight is also tied to the amount of travel you're looking for and the type of riding you'll be doing.
  • Adjustments : More pricey suspension forks & shocks give you the option of more adjustments. Most higher priced options now give you a "lock out" option that allows you to turn your suspension rigid or "locked out" with the press of a button or flip of a lever.
  • Ride Quality : Higher priced suspension just works better due to it's lighter weight, better materials and more adjustments to really dial in your preferred ride characteristics.

Suspension Fork Parts Diagram

- When talking suspension there are several terms that you will run across quite often.

#1 - The term "Fork" or "Suspension Fork" refers to the front suspension of a bike.                

#2 - Steerer Tube : Holds the fork in the bike at the headtube. "Suspension Fork Diagram"

#3 - Crown : Upper cross piece of the fork, it holds the stanchions in place.

#4 - Stanchions : These travel in and out of the lowers of the fork and house the fork's intrenals.

#5 - Lowers/Sliders : The lower section of the fork into which the stantions attach, also is where your brakes are mounted.

#6 - Drop Outs : Where your wheel attaches via a quick release or thru axle.

#7 - Brake Mount : Where you brakes attach to the fork, style varies form brand to brand.

What Is Suspension Travel?

  • "Travel" is how far a fork can compress to absorb a hit or when it is fully compressed.
  • The amount of travel varies depending on the fork's intended use.
  • A rider looking to ride down mountains would look for the most travel available while a rider who is riding more tame and generally less aggressive terrain would opt for a lesser travel suspension setup.
  • Generally speaking, bikes will come stock with suspension best adapted to a bike's intended use.
  • Hybrid style bikes with suspension will generally come with 2-3" of travel.
  • Cross country or short travel mountain bikes come with 4-5" of travel.
  • All mountain or aggressive long travel trail bikes come with 5-6" travel.
  • Downhill or freeride/enduro bikes can come with over 7" of travel!

Suspension Maintenance & Service

Your bike's suspension does a ton of moving and like all things that move, suspension needs periodic upkeep!

Some Suspension Maintenance Tips:

1 - Keep things clean!

2 - Clean your stanchions regularly. Wipe them down with a clean cloth and remove any excess buildup of dirt and grime from atop your fork seals where the stanchions meet the lowers.

3 - Inspect your stanchions for any scratches or gouges. These will wear at your seals and eventually will lead to a fluid leak.

4 - Check for excess movement fore and aft in the fork where stanchions meets lowers. If there is excess rocking your seals/bushings are getting worn and need to be replaced. (apply front brake and rock the bike)

5 - If your fork will not hold air or has excess oil rings on your stanchions it is time to do some upkeep.

Need Suspension Service? We Can help!  

If you feel you are in need of suspension service on your bike we will gladly handle whatever service or repairs you may need. If it's something that can't be handled in-house we work with multiple outside suspension service centers.

Make A Service Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to mountain biking, the right suspension setup can enhance control, comfort, and overall performance. Each rider may have unique requirements depending on their riding style, terrain, and personal preferences.

How does one choose the best suspension for a mountain bike?

Choosing the best suspension for a mountain bike depends on the type of riding one plans to do. Cross-country riders might prefer lighter weight and more efficient systems, while downhill enthusiasts may prioritize robustness and high impact absorption.

What are the key differences between air and coil forks for mountain bikes?

Air forks offer adjustability and are generally lighter, which is beneficial for climbing and endurance riding. Coil forks, on the other hand, are known for their plushness and consistent performance, which is suited for aggressive downhill riding.

Can bottoming out shocks cause damage to a mountain bike?

Repeatedly bottoming out shocks can lead to damage not only to the suspension components but also to the frame of the mountain bike. It's a sign that the suspension setup needs to be adjusted for the rider's weight and riding conditions.

What are the advantages of upgrading the suspension on a mountain bike?

Upgrading the suspension on a mountain bike can lead to improved handling, reduced fatigue, and better traction across uneven terrain. Riders also have the opportunity to tailor the bike to their riding style and the specific demands of the tracks they frequent.

How often should mountain bike suspension be replaced or serviced?

Mountain bike suspension should be serviced regularly to maintain peak performance and longevity. The frequency can vary based on usage intensity, but a rule of thumb is to service forks and shocks at least once a season or after a prescribed number of riding hours.

Basic servicing is suggested by most brands after 30-50 hours of riding as a general rule of thumb to prevent loss of performane and to help detect issues that could lead to more expensive repairs.

What should be considered when comparing different mountain bike suspension fork brands?

When comparing mountain bike suspension fork brands, it's important to consider the brand's reputation for quality and reliability, as well as the availability of spare parts and serviceability. Compatibility with one's bike and the type of technology used in the suspension system are also crucial factors.