Setting Up Bicycle Suspension: High Speed and Low Speed

Bike suspension is an essential component that helps to improve the overall ride quality, traction, and control of your bike. But, many riders are not familiar with how to set it up correctly to suit their riding style and preferences. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between high speed and low speed regulation on a bicycle suspension and how to set it up for optimal performance.

High speed regulation refers to how the suspension reacts to bigger impacts and high-speed bumps, such as big rocks or jumps. Low speed regulation refers to how the suspension reacts to small bumps and pedaling inputs, such as roots or small rocks.

To set up the high-speed regulation, you will need to adjust the compression damping. Compression damping controls how fast the suspension compresses during a high-speed impact. If the compression damping is set too low, the suspension will compress too quickly and can cause the bike to bottom out. If the compression damping is set too high, the suspension will not compress enough and can cause the bike to feel harsh and unforgiving.

On the other hand, low speed regulation is controlled by the rebound damping. Rebound damping controls how fast the suspension extends after a high-speed impact. If the rebound damping is set too low, the suspension will extend too quickly and can cause the bike to feel bouncy and unstable. If the rebound damping is set too high, the suspension will extend too slowly and can cause the bike to feel sluggish and unresponsive.

When setting up your suspension, it's important to start with the recommended settings for your weight and riding style, and then make adjustments based on your personal preferences and the specific bike and suspension setup. Experiment with different high speed and low speed regulation settings and find what works best for you.

In summary, high speed and low speed regulation are two important aspects of setting up your bicycle suspension correctly. Understanding the difference and how to adjust them can help you improve your overall ride quality, traction, and control. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect settings for your riding style.