The proper spring rate will allow for the appropriate amount of sag. Sag is the amount the suspension compresses when supporting the rider, riding gear, and a portion of the bicycle. It is measured as a percentage, with the ideal percentage range being between 10-30% of the total available travel (less for shorter travel, more for longer travel). Setting up the suspension to achieve this will allow for maximum traction and an ideal suspension feel.
The proper Rebound speed is one that allows the suspension to return to sag quickly enough to be ready for the next trail feature, but not so quickly that the suspension causes the bike and rider to bounce and lose traction.
Record your Rebound speed by counting the number of clicks or turns from the slowest setting.
Compression adjustment allows the rider to control the amount of compression damping applied to the suspension during compression, typically when encountering bumps, jumps, or other obstacles on the trail. Less compression damping will allow the suspension to compress more easily, for a softer feel. More compression damping will provide more support for a firmer feel.
Threshold (T) mode prevents the suspension from compressing until moderate bump impact or downward force occurs. Threshold mode increases efficiency on smoother terrain. Use the Threshold setting to increase pedaling efficiency on flat, rolling, smooth, or moderately bumpy terrain. When in Threshold mode, increased bicycle speed will increase bump impact force causing the suspension to compress and absorb the bump.
