How to set sag on a mountain bike
How to set sag on a mountain bike
Setting sag is Step one in setting up your mountain bikes suspension for your body weight. It is also one of the easiest things you can do to improve performance on your bike. In the video below there is everything you need to know about setting and measuring sag on your mountain bike.
Why set sag?
Setting sag is the first step in bike setup. It also establishes a starting point for future suspension adjustments.
Mountain bike sag settings
Always start with manufacturer recommended settings. Most of the time for a fork 15 - 20% sag is ideal, with 20% - 30% for the shock.
How to set sag on a MTB
It’s best to have someone help you, but if that isn’t available you can use a wall or table to balance on your bike. Below are the steps to setting sag:
Adjust all rebound and compression settings open
Hands off the breaks
Bounce on the bike to free up suspension stiction
Set the sag o ring or bump stop to wiper seal
Measure sag
Measuring sag on a mountain bike
Once you have set the sag o ring or bump stop and you are now off the bike you can measure the distance between the sag o ring (or bump stop) to the wiper. Doing that will give you, your sag number. This is best done using a pair of calipers and can also be done with as ruler.
note: if using a ruler be sure that it has millimeters on it!
Calculating mountain bike sag
example:
Mountain bike shock sag
55mm shock (shaft) x 30% (.3) = 16.5 mm of sag.
That is 16.5 mm between the sag ring and the wiper of the shock.
Mountain bike fork sag
160mm (stanchions) x 20% (.2) = 32 mm of sag.
That is 32 mm between the sag o ring and wiper of the fork.
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