Setting up rear suspension?

[SloMoJo]

I was in Landry's today just to have the mechanic look at the rear disc brake. Just the brake pad clip was bent. No biggie.

Anyway, I got talking with the mechanic about setting up the rear shock properly. Showed me about the sag measurement. Turns out I had my Fox Float R set too stiff. I was missing out on about an inch of travel. Don't ya hate being caught too stiff?...ah nevermind.

I looked closer at the Titus site and they have specific info for rear shock setup, which I missed before.

I took about 25lbs of air out and the ride feels more plush and I expect to use all the shock range now.

I share this for anyone like me new to full suspension life.

Also to give you vets a chance to share how you go about setting your rear shock to get the best ride.
Thx
-SloJo

[Adam]

It's really up to documentation that comes with the shock and/or frame. I've seen varying sag amounts recommended for the same bike & shock based on different rider weights & riding styles.
My Fox air shock sags much less than my Progressive coil shock-measuring is always tricky either way. It's best done with a friend who can measure accurately while you sit on your bike in a neutral riding position. Then there are the other settings like adjustable chamber volume, begging & end stroke compression, spring pre-load, etc. Tweaking ones suspension can take a lot of trial & error. But that all means more riding, so it's a good thing:)
-Adam

I just pumped mine up till it was the same as my weight and jumped down a 7 riser stair reducing air pressure each time untill i was near to bottoming out. Then i went to the LBS and had the blown out bottom brackett replaced with a stronger one, and straightend out the bent pedals and had the spokes retentioned. Perhaps i should have held out for the Heckler after all, but the Klein is(was) just sooooo pretty.

[Jisch]

I'm a long time HT rider. Its taken me since October (ok not much riding this winter) to get the rear suspension figured out. I started with the sag settings from the Titus site, but I am now much lower. Also don't underestimate how much the pressure in the front shock affects the feel of the rear shock. I was amazed at how much plusher the rear felt when I added air to the front. Its a balancing act.

Speaking of balance, you keep your weight in a lot different place on a full suspension. On my HT I keep a lot more weight on the front. On the FS its more balanced. I've noticed the biggest difference is when climbing. The rear suspension really keeps the rear wheel planted, just keep pedaling...

John