HOW TO SET YOUR SUSPENSION
HOW TO SET YOUR SUSPENSION
Our kinematics are the result of advanced engineering for optimal working harmony of front and rear suspension with our bikes. This guide is aimed to help understand exactly how things work and set everything up so that your COMMENCAL functions in the best way.
Be sure to follow these steps and don't hesitate to work empirically to understand the effects on the ground. Work on one setting at a time.
SAG
SAG
PROGRESSIVITY
PROGRESSIVITY
REBOUND
REBOUND
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSION
STEP 1
STEP 1
THE SAG
THE SAG
The SAG is the most important setting. It allows the control of the suspension compression and is the base for a successful suspension dynamic. It is modified by changing the spring rate of the fork and/or shock absorber.
We measure the static compression of the suspension on a flat surface with the rider dressed as they would be when they ride and when standing on the pedals in the riding position. The SAG is then adjusted by increasing or reducing the value (rate) of the spring so that this static compression corresponds to the start values put in place by the manufacturer. You can then adjust them further if required and according to your needs.
With pneumatic AIR suspension this involves removing or adding air using a high-pressure pump. With a COIL set-up the spring can be changed for a different stiffness depending on various factors.
shock absorber
recommended
recommended
AIR VS COIL
AIR VS COIL
The behaviour of suspension is different depending on the type of spring fitted to any given shock absorber.
AIR SPRING
AIR SPRING
The AIR shock has a pneumatic spring where the stiffness increases progressively. The initial sensitivity threshold (the force required to make it work) is higher than that of a COIL spring while offering less stiffness over the first two thirds of the travel for more comfort. During the last third of the travel it ramps up and benefits from an anti-bottom out effect thanks to the progressiveness. The initial stiffness can be adjusted very precisely.
COIL SPRING
COIL SPRING
As the name suggests, a COIL shock has a coil spring, where stiffness increases constantly. Sensitive to the initial feel, it offers more mid-stroke support than its AIR counterpart but is less progressive at the end of the travel. Bottoming out is more complicated to manage on shocks that do not have a hydraulic stop adjustment. Sensitivity of the initial feel can be adjusted for a more firm or less firm feel with the ground thanks to the spring preload spacer. To modify the stiffness the setting must be changed. Heavier than AIR shocks by several hundred grams, it heats up less for more constant/consistent behaviour.
STEP 2
STEP 2
PROGRESSIVITY
PROGRESSIVITY
The progressiveness adjustment is specific to AIR suspension. It allows modification of the behaviour. With the help of volume spacers (FOX volume spacers/RockShox tokens) or via the ÖHLINS ramp-up chamber, it is possible to adapt the final stiffness depending on the terrain, for example, a spring which requires more or less force to reach the end of the travel.
LESS SPACERS
LESS SPACERS
At equal pressure, you will need less force to use the entire travel. This is an interesting choice if using all the travel is difficult or uncomfortable, or if there is a stiffer point in the travel. By removing one or more spacers while increasing the pressure, you will gain liveliness and have a firmer feel with the ground without losing comfort in the travel.
MORE SPACERS
MORE SPACERS
At equal pressure, the rider will need more force to use the entire stroke. This is a choice to consider if you bottom out too often. By adding one or more spacers while lowering the pressure by a few PSI, you will have a slightly more settled bike, which filters out small impacts while limiting the risk of bottoming out.
Repeat the SAG and Progressivity steps until you obtain a satisfactory balance between the use of the full length of the stroke (your suspension must use the full travel, firm at the end of the stroke and comfortable at the start of stroke), and the correct balance between the front and rear (the shock and the fork work equally) before moving on to the hydraulic adjustments.
STEP 3
STEP 3
HYDRAULIC ADJUSTMENTS
HYDRAULIC ADJUSTMENTS
We always start with the adjustment of the (HSR/LSR) rebound. The (HSC/LSC) compression settings are to be adjusted after having adjusted the rebound.
Rebound (HSR/LSR) and compression (HSC/LSC) adjustments are always made from the closed position (turned to the maximum value) to the open position. When it feels like the limit of the setting is being reached, go back a click or two to get to the ideal position. In the first instance, we advise you to open your settings to mid-range.
Whether for rebound or compression damping, the high and low speed values rarely work independently. Excessive locking of the low speed values (LSR or LSC) can therefore restrict the corresponding high speed values (HSR or HSC).
REBOUND
REBOUND
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSION
LOW SPEED
(LSR)
LOW SPEED
(LSR)
This setting controls the speed at which the suspension returns to its initial position after slow or moderate impacts. It depends on the stiffness of the spring. Low speed rebound allows adjustment of the responsiveness of the suspension so that the wheels remain in contact with the ground to find the balance between grip and stability.
TOO CLOSED
Feels like it knocks on or hits successive impacts because the wheel is too slow to return to its initial position and absorb the next impact.
TOO OPEN
Feels like loss of grip and control of the front wheel (fork) and/or feeling that the bike is pushing you forward on the slope (shock) due to a return of the travel that is too quick and which unbalances the bike.
HIGH SPEED
(HSR)
HIGH SPEED
(HSR)
This setting controls the speed of the return of the suspension after fast and big impacts, such as a sharp bottom out or braking bumps. It is usually an internal adjustment although FOX DHX2/Float X2 Factory Series shocks plus GRIP2 and GRIPX2 cartridge forks offer this adjustment externally.
TOO CLOSED
Feels like the suspension is too firm and working too high in the stroke, destabilizing on successive big shocks because it is unable to return to its initial position quickly enough.
TOO OPEN
Feels like the suspension is uncontrolled (pogo stick effect) on big impacts, kicks/take-offs, and when landing jumps which leads to a lack of control due an overly rapid return of the travel to the original position.
LOW SPEED
(LSC)
LOW SPEED
(LSC)
This setting mainly manages the bike's dynamic balance, frame movements, and weight transfers, such as during braking or acceleration. It plays a role in grip and comfort.
TOO CLOSED
Feels like loss of grip through turns, lack of sensitivity, and firmness in the feet and hands. It feels harsh on rough terrain, and there’s a feeling of too much support when pushing with the legs or arms. Your bike doesn't settle on the terrain and stays too high.
TOO OPEN
The travel compresses too quickly on small bumps, and a lack of support on rougher terrain. Excessive movement of the frame, your bike compresses even at the slightest movement.
HIGH SPEED
(HSC)
HIGH SPEED
(HSC)
This setting controls the compression speed when hitting medium to big impacts such as jump landings, braking bumps, rock gardens or root sections.
TOO CLOSED
Feeling of really taking the hit, impacts feel more offensive. Lack of grip, control and stability in rough terrain can therefore bring on muscle fatigue.
TOO OPEN
Feels like a lack of support with less grip. Tendency to bottom out excessively on harsh impacts. Lack of handling/steering precision.
AIR VS COIL
AIR VS COIL
You will find here all the suspension settings for your COMMENCAL so it performs as it was designed.
SUPREME DH V5
META POWER SX 800
META POWER SX 400
T.E.M.P.O. POWER
