How does everyone set up their full suspention travel?

[SLOTriGuy]

Hey everyone, I am new to the mountain scene and looking to learn from everyone. My question pertains to front and rear travel, and how they should be set up. Rather then asking everyone to suggest setups to me, I would like to hear how you guys have your full suspension bikes set up in terms of travel length, and the type of riding it is ideal for. Thanks

 

[foofighter]

what kind of bike? how much do you weigh? that's what they asked me when they were setting up my rear suspension

 

[mtnbikerdude87]

Pretty much depends on how much you weigh and the shock mfg. So check their website and see what they recommend. Usually they will have a SAG that you will have to set the suspension in order for it to work correctly. After that take the bike for a ride and fine tune it on your ride to suit your riding style.

 

[Dino Brown]

You asked a question that can not be easily answered! There are way too many variables to consider. XC bike, FR bike, DH bike- they are all set-up differently. A 25 pound bike will handle differently from a 45 pound bike. Even bikes with identical travel may have potential differences in geometry that will make them handle differently.

My XC hardtail is light!!! Maybe 4 inches of travel up front. I love it.
The bike I most ride is a 5+ inch full suspension bike. Coil fork.... Air shock... 29 pounds... By changing the tires I could easily drop another 1Lb.+... Like the bike just the way it is!

Are you looking for a new bike?

 

[guero]

more details please. like mi carnal dino brown said, that question cannot be easily answered...

 

[dstepper]

Hey everyone, I am new to the mountain scene and looking to learn from everyone. My question pertains to front and rear travel, and how they should be set up. Rather then asking everyone to suggest setups to me, I would like to hear how you guys have your full suspension bikes set up in terms of travel length, and the type of riding it is ideal for. Thanks

Have you got a bike, buying a bike, bought a used bike? If you bought or are buying a bike, the shop should set the suspension up for your weight and riding style.

I just call the bike manufacture and ask what they recomend. That is easy when you deal with small companies like Niner or Turner. Much harder when you try to call Trek...Kona...ect.
Dean

 

[J_Sims]

To answer what it sounds like you are asking for which in no way is a suggestion but how my bikes are set up here you go...
NINER ONE9 SS Rigid/No Suspension at all:bang::bang:
NINER RIP9 4.5 inches rear with a FOX RP23 I think with Propedal running 130 PSI... FT Shock 5 inches care of a Maverick DUC 32 Air/oil/Spring double crown which I have tweeked so many times that I have no idea of the specifics accept that it sags just under an inch and is very soft/Supple and active. I ride just about anywhere on either of these bikes and probably spend 80% of my time on my rigid SS. I hope that this is helpful as you actually did ask for info regarding what we are running.... It sounds like you are attempting to figure out either what to buy or how to set up what you have already bought, in either case as Dino said your question can not be answered with the info that you have provided, we need more, but are more then happy to help:wave:

 

[soul rider]

first...what type of suspension are you running? budget, little or no adjustments or high end, you need a physics degree to set it up.
what kind of bike? imo an "all mountain" set up might be a good base line to start.

coil fork and coil over shocks...on my rides, i try to keep the front and rear balanced, meaning when the suspension compresses, both front and rear compress, at the same rate and the same with the rebound adjustment, both ends will return at almost the same rate. if the either end is undersprung i set different compression or pre load settings or install stiffer springs raise the oil level a bit (for the fork). when hitting bigger drops i give the rear shock a click or two of rebound dampening and may be a click on the fork so i don't get bucked.

the question covers so much, like asking "which bike is best for me?"
if you give us more info it will serve your needs better.
ride free

 

[J_Sims]

! i ride an HT Niner AM)

That's cuz you the MAN:bang::bang:

 

[SLOTriGuy]

So it looks like I need to give a little more info for everyone to work with. I have jsut build a rocky mountain etxs 70 with a fox talas up from and a fox rp3 in the rear. I weigh in at 145lbs and vary my riding between cross country and light all mountain. Thanks for the responses so far, and they have helped me start to dial in the suspension.

 

[ericfoltz]

My bike is set up for long technical trail rides. 5.5" Front/5.75" Rear. I can lock out both if I need to.

 

[RacinJason]

Take your bike to the Bike co I will check it out. If I am not there tell them you talked to Jason on STR . It will not take long to set it up.

 

[genusmtbkr5]

Since you are in Lake Forest, you've probably been to Bike Co before. Those guys are great. Mike, Joe, Kevin, Terry, Tony G and Jason. Terry always sets my bike up right before events and always comes through.