Originally Posted by Jameson
I just recieved a new fork and am a little lost. I really don't understand what the adjustments are for. I can not tell a difference. I set the sag for my given weight so now I should be able to snap off the adjusters right? Kidding, but when do I need to change these? I've ridden on and off for the past 20 years and ever since they came out I've never really understood why. Once the weight of the rider is factored in what needs adjusting? Carring more stuff? Terrain never really influenced my settings. They feel similar. Maybe it is because I am not a large person weighing in at around 160 or so. Any help? Thoughts? Feelings?
Once initial sag is set, if you like the way the bike rides then adjust nothing. If you are new to the sport or to suspension I would say ride it the way it is untill you get some more expieriance. Makes things easier
Rebound will affect how fast the for returns to it extended position
Compression will affect how fast it compresses
Big hits with time in between you will want a slower compression and a bit slower rebound (rebound here is not as important as in other situations but you will want it to rebound fast enough that you have full travel by the next hit but to fast could bounce you off the bike on a hard hit or bad landing.
Jumping multiple jumpe you will want compression set at a medium rate and agin a bit slower rebound (if rebound is to fast it will want to toss your front over your head.
If you ride a lot of stutter bumps a faster rebound with a midium rate compression, must set the fork properly here because if the rebound is to slow you will compress the fork and have no suspension, if it is to fast it will feel like a ridged fork.
There is more to it but that will give you an idea what to do. It is somewhat a science and you must be able to tell what your bike is doing under you when riding, ie sliding, fork moving to fast or slow etc. etc. etc
