Tune rebound and compression

Skill level 2 of 4 · Tune-upAdjustBasic20 minSuspension fork

A fork with a spring (coil or air) and damper so the front wheel can move up over bumps. Stanchions (upper tubes) slide into lowers on bushings. A spring holds you up; a damper controls how fast it rebounds. Wiper seals keep dirt out. Air forks are tuned with a shock pump; coil forks with a preload knob.

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Tools

Shock pump: RockShox High Pressure Shock Pump ($$)

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Steps

Set sag first.
Rebound (red knob, bottom of a leg): start in the middle. Push down hard and let go: the fork should return quickly without the wheel jumping off the ground.
Too bouncy/kicks back = add rebound damping (turn toward the turtle). Packs down over repeated bumps = less damping (toward the rabbit).
Compression (top of a leg, if present): open for trails, firmer or lockout for smooth climbs and pavement.
Change one thing at a time, two clicks per test ride.

Diagram

Side view, chain side toward youFork

Suspension sag (fork shown)

Signs it needs doing

Fork bottoms out with a clunk
Oil ring on the stanchions
Sticky, notchy movement
Fork tops out with a clunk (rebound too fast)

Problems this fixes

Suspension fork feels harsh, sticky or bottoms out