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Everything You Wanted to Know About Suspension Settings (But Were Too Afraid to Ask What All the Knobs Do!)

  • Writer: Flow State Suspension
    Flow State Suspension
  • Sep 10, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Fork and Shock dials and controls
Mtb Suspension Settings Guide

Mountain bike suspension can look intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Forks, shocks, rebound, compression… what does it all mean, and which way do you turn the dials? This guide explains Fox and RockShox suspension settings in plain English — so you can set up your bike for UK trails with confidence.


Fork Suspension Settings Explained

Your fork takes the first hit every time you ride over roots, rocks, and drops. Getting it dialled in makes a huge difference to grip and control.


Fork Rebound (Low-Speed & High-Speed)

Rebound controls how quickly the fork returns after being compressed.

  • Low-speed rebound (LSR): Governs recovery after slower inputs like braking or cornering. Too fast = front wheel bounces. Too slow = fork feels glued down and loses grip.

  • High-speed rebound (HSR): Governs recovery after bigger hits like roots, rocks, and drops. Too fast = harsh kickback; too slow = fork packs down.

Examples:

  • Fox 36/38 Factory Grip2 – separate LSR & HSR.

  • RockShox Lyrik Ultimate / ZEB Ultimate – separate LSR & HSR.

  • Fox 36 Performance / RockShox Pike Select+ – single rebound dial balancing both speeds.


Fork Compression (Low-Speed & High-Speed)

Compression determines how much the fork resists being pushed down.

  • Low-speed compression (LSC): Affects braking, weight shifts, and small bumps. More LSC = less fork dive; less LSC = smoother ride.

  • High-speed compression (HSC): Deals with big impacts. More HSC = less bottoming out; less HSC = plusher but riskier on big hits.

Examples:

  • Fox 38 Factory Grip2 – separate HSC & LSC.

  • RockShox ZEB Ultimate – separate HSC & LSC.


Fork Air Pressure / Coil Preload

Air pressure (or coil preload) sets sag — how much your fork sinks under your body weight.

  • Too much air = harsh, skittish ride.

  • Too little air = bottoms out easily, vague steering.

Rule of thumb: Aim for 25–30% sag on most trail/enduro forks.


Rear Shock Suspension Settings Explained

Your shock balances rider weight and terrain, keeping the back wheel gripping the trail.


Shock Rebound (Low-Speed & High-Speed)

Like forks, shocks use rebound to control return speed.

  • Low-speed rebound (LSR): Governs pedalling movements and small bumps. Too fast = bouncy pedalling; too slow = sluggish and unstable.

  • High-speed rebound (HSR): Governs recovery after drops and rough terrain. Too fast = harsh; too slow = packs down on repeated hits.

Examples:

  • Fox Float X2 Factory – separate LSR & HSR.

  • RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate – separate LSR & HSR.


Shock Compression (Low-Speed & High-Speed)

Compression controls how the shock absorbs impacts.

  • Low-speed compression (LSC): Affects efficiency and body movements. Softer = more comfort, stiffer = less bobbing.

  • High-speed compression (HSC): Controls big-hit absorption. Softer = plusher, stiffer = more bottom-out resistance.

Examples:

  • Fox Float X2 Factory – fully adjustable HSC & LSC.

  • RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate – HSC & LSC tuning available.


Shock Air Pressure / Coil Preload

Sets sag for the rear.

  • Too much pressure = harsh, reduced traction.

  • Too little = bottoms out on bigger hits.

Target: 25–30% sag on most trail/enduro shocks.


Step-by-Step MTB Suspension Setup Guide

  1. Set sag first – use air pressure or coil preload.

  2. Adjust rebound – start in the middle or with the manufacturers recommended settings, then fine-tune (too fast = bouncy, too slow = harsh).

  3. Dial in low-speed compression – for stability when braking and cornering.

  4. Tweak high-speed compression – for drops, roots, and rocky sections.


FAQs – MTB Suspension Setup

Q: What does high-speed rebound do on a mountain bike fork?A: It controls how fast your fork returns after hard, fast impacts like rocks, roots, and drops.

Q: How much sag should I run on my MTB?A: Most riders should aim for 25–30% sag, both front and rear, for balanced suspension.

Q: Do Fox and RockShox dials work the same way?A: The principles are the same (rebound = return speed, compression = resistance), but the dials and labelling differ slightly between brands.


Key Takeaway

Whether you’ve got a Fox 38 Factory or a RockShox Super Deluxe, the dials aren’t there to confuse you — they’re there to help you ride better. Learn what each one does, take notes, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The result? More grip, more confidence, and more flow on the trail.

 
 
 

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