Setting Sag (Air Fork)

Procedure

1. Locate the air valve

   on top of one fork leg (usually under a small cap on the left leg).

2. Remove the cap

   and thread the shock pump onto the valve. The pump's gauge will show current pressure — ignore initially.

3. Note current pressure

   as a starting reference.

4. Push the rubber sag indicator O-ring

   (on the fork stanchion) all the way down against the seal.

5. Get on the bike in normal riding gear and posture

   — both feet on pedals, hands on bars, weight evenly distributed. Bounce gently to settle the suspension, then hold a static position for a moment.

6. Carefully dismount

   without compressing the fork further (lean the bike, swing a leg over without bouncing).

7. Measure the position of the O-ring

   on the stanchion. The distance from the fork seal to the O-ring = sag in mm.

8. Calculate sag percentage

   (sag mm) / (total travel mm) × 100.

9. If sag is too high (too soft)

   add 5–10 PSI, repeat from step 4.

10. If sag is too low (too firm)

    release 5–10 PSI (a quick press of the shock pump's release valve), repeat.

11. Set rebound and compression

    • Rebound: the red knob (usually at the bottom of the right fork leg). Start at the manufacturer's recommended setting (often a count of clicks from full-fast). Faster rebound = more lively but potentially bouncy; slower = more controlled but can pack down in fast hits.
    • Compression: if your fork has it (high-speed and low-speed adjusters), start at recommended open settings and adjust as you ride.