Make your first suspension setup a baseline, not a guessing game
By ELEV8 Editorial19 Oct 2026◷ 2 min readMTB
Suspension adjustments are easier to understand when you know where you started. Identify your exact fork and shock, find their current setup instructions and separate basic adjustment from service work.
1. Find the right instructions
RockShox provides a Suspension Welcome Guide and model-specific support. Use the instructions for your actual equipment; settings from a similar-looking model may not apply. Record the model, relevant manufacturer recommendations and the adjustments available. If a control or procedure is unclear, ask a qualified shop before proceeding.
2. Write the baseline down
Keep a note of the initial settings using the terminology in the manual. Include the riding equipment or load used during setup. Treat this record as a reference you can return to, rather than a claim that the bike is now perfectly tuned. Never exceed the manufacturer’s limits or open pressurized equipment as part of casual experimentation.
3. Evaluate in a familiar setting
After following the setup guidance, use a suitable familiar route to gather observations. Describe specific behavior instead of writing only “good” or “bad.” Consult the manufacturer’s tuning guide before a further adjustment. Internal service, component changes and unresolved mechanical issues belong with the correct service instructions and appropriate expertise. This article intentionally supplies no universal pressure, sag percentage or rebound-click count.
