Suspension Rundown
Ebikes come with a variety of suspension options, ranging from a completely rigid frame to those equipped with fully adjustable rear and front suspension systems. So, why does suspension matter, you ask? If you’re not already in the know, you'll definitely understand as soon as you hit a pesky pothole or leap off a sidewalk curb. Having a real shock in the rear and air forks in the front like on our ebikes means those bumps and jumps won't even faze you. Try tackling those same obstacles on a rigid frame, and you’ll feel the jarring impact through your whole body. Check out the video below for a quick walkthrough, and then keep reading for how to fine-tune the suspension on your Speedwell bike.
Now that you know why it matters, we’ll explain how it works in a little more detail and how to make it work for your unique riding style. First, let's dive into a little bit about compression and rebound. Suspension compression refers to the rate at which a bicycle's fork or shock absorbs impacts and compresses when it encounters an obstacle. Rebound, on the other hand, is the speed at which the fork or rear shock springs back to its fully extended position after being compressed. So, when you hit a rough patch, land a jump, or roll over a bump, your suspension will naturally compress and then rebound.
Compression damping is essential because it helps control how much a fork or shock compresses. Finding the appropriate compression settings really comes down to personal rider preference. To adjust the compression on your forks, you simply turn the red knob that's marked “compression” located on the top right fork while seated on the bike. For the shock, you can adjust it by twisting the blue knob at the top of the shock under your seat.
To find the ride settings that feel most comfortable, we suggest turning the compression knobs on the shock and fork all the way to either the fully locked or open position, then take the bike out for a spin. Make gradual adjustments by clicking one notch at a time until you find the perfect setting that works for you. Keep in mind that you may want to make adjustments again if you’re riding on different terrain.
Without proper rebound damping, the suspension can spring back too quickly, leading to unwanted bouncing that can make it challenging to maintain control over the bike. The rebound on your rear shock is already set to the ideal configuration for the most common usage, such as street riding, bike paths, parks, and smooth trails. To adjust the rebound damping, use the red knob on the lower end of the shock. More damping means slower rebound speed and is marked as “slower” on the knob.
That’s our suspension rundown, thanks for reading and feel free to drop any comments or questions below.