Adjusting fork compression involves controlling how quickly your fork moves through its travel when encountering bumps or load. The provided reference outlines a fundamental process for finding the adjustment range and setting a baseline.
Compression damping is a crucial suspension adjustment that affects how your fork reacts to impacts. It controls the speed at which the fork compresses. More compression damping makes the fork feel stiffer under impacts and less likely to bottom out quickly, while less compression damping makes it feel softer and more reactive to small bumps.
Adjusters are typically small dials or knobs, often found on the top of the fork leg. They usually operate via "clicks" or turns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Fork Compression
The reference provides a clear method to understand your fork's adjustment range and set a starting point. This process helps you feel the full effect of the adjustment.
Finding Your Fork's Compression Range and Setting a Baseline
Follow these steps, derived from the reference, to get started:
- Find the Stiffest Setting: Locate your fork's compression adjuster. Gently turn the adjuster all the way in (usually clockwise). As you turn, carefully count the clicks or turns. This will tell you the total number of clicks available for adjustment and signifies the stiffest compression setting. Make note of this total count.
- Test the Stiffest Setting: With the compression set to its stiffest, stand over your bike. Grab the handlebars firmly and apply a little bit of front brake. Now, push down sharply and quickly on the front of the bike, allowing the fork to compress. Pay attention to how the fork feels – it should feel quite resistant and move slowly compared to softer settings.
- Find the Softest Setting: Now, turn the compression adjuster all the way back out (usually counter-clockwise). As you turn, count the clicks or turns again. This should match the number you counted in step 1 and brings you to the softest compression setting.
- Test the Softest Setting: Repeat the push-down test described in step 2 with the compression set to its softest. Push down on the handlebars with the front brake applied. The fork should now feel much less resistant and compress more easily and quickly than it did at the stiffest setting.
This process, as outlined in the reference (see https://lifeatlean.com/teach-me-suspension-how-to-make-compression-damping-adjustments/), helps you understand the full spectrum of adjustment available on your specific fork.
Fine-Tuning Compression
After finding the range and feeling the difference between the stiffest and softest settings, you typically start tuning from the softest setting.
- Add clicks: Turn the adjuster in (clockwise) from the softest setting, adding a few clicks at a time. Each click increases the compression damping, making the fork stiffer under load.
- Test riding: The best way to tune compression is by riding on familiar terrain and making small adjustments (1-3 clicks) based on how the fork feels. If the fork dives too much or bottoms out easily, add more compression damping (clicks). If it feels harsh or doesn't use enough travel on bumps, reduce compression damping (clicks).
Remember to keep track of your clicks from the softest setting, as this is your repeatable baseline.
