How to Set Sag on Your EMTB Suspension: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting the sag on your EMTB (Electric Mountain Bike) suspension is an essential step to ensure that your ride is as smooth and efficient as possible. Proper sag adjustments will improve handling, comfort, and overall bike performance. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, so you can enjoy your ride with confidence.

What is Sag on EMTB?

Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight when you're on the EMTB. It is crucial because it helps your bike maintain traction and respond to terrain changes effectively. In general, you should aim for 20-30% sag in the rear shock and 15-25% in the front fork. These recommended sag ranges ensure optimal performance for most riders and conditions.

Tools You'll Need

To set the sag on your EMTB suspension, gather the following tools:

• A shock pump
• A ruler or tape measure

• A friend to assist you (optional, but helpful)

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Sag

Step 1: Prepare Your Electric Mountain Bike

Before adjusting the sag, make sure your EMTB is ready. Begin by inflating the tires to the recommended pressure, as this affects suspension performance. Next, inspect the suspension for wear or damage and address any issues.

Finally, clean the suspension by wiping down the fork and shock to remove dirt or debris. This ensures a more accurate sag measurement and avoids interference during the process.

Step 2: Set Your Initial Suspension Pressure

Locate the air valve on both the front fork and rear shock. Attach the shock pump securely to each valve. Inflate the fork and rear shock to the manufacturer’s recommended starting pressure.

This starting pressure is usually found in your EMTB’s manual or on the manufacturer's website. Setting the correct pressure now will help with more precise adjustments later.

Step 3: Measure Your Sag

Once your EMTB is prepared, wear your usual riding gear and carefully mount the electric mountain bike. Stand on the pedals and assume your normal riding position. If you can, have a friend stabilize the EMTB while you get ready.

Gently bounce on the EMTB a few times to settle the suspension, then stop. Use a ruler or tape measure to check how much the suspension has compressed.

For the rear shock, measure from the center of the shock bolt to the center of the eyelet. For the front fork, measure from the top of the dust seal to the bottom of the stanchion.

Step 4: Adjust the Suspension

To adjust the suspension, first calculate your desired sag. For example, if the rear shock has a total stroke of 50mm, aim for 10-15mm of sag (20-30%). For a 100mm front fork, aim for 15-25mm of sag (15-25%).

If the sag is too high, increase the air pressure; if it’s too low, decrease it. Use the shock pump to make the necessary adjustments. Afterward, repeat the measurement process to ensure the sag is within the recommended range.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Your Setup

Once your sag is set, fine-tune your suspension further. Start by adjusting the rebound and compression damping settings, referring to your EMTB’s manual for guidance. After making these adjustments, take an electric mountain bike for sale for a test ride.

Pay attention to how it handles bumps, corners, and other trail features. Based on the test ride, make any additional tweaks to your suspension for the best performance.

Tips for Success

Record Your Settings: Log your suspension settings, such as 30 psi for the rear shock and 25 psi for the front fork on a rocky trail. Adjust these based on conditions—for example, increase to 28 psi on dry terrain for optimal performance.

Regular Maintenance: Check seals for wear and oil leaks regularly. If you notice oil seepage, replace the seals. Clean and service your suspension every 100 riding hours; if you ride 3 hours a week, plan for maintenance every 33 weeks.

Tailor to Riding Style: Adjust your suspension based on your riding style. Increase rear shock pressure to 30 psi for climbing to enhance efficiency or lower it to 25 psi for downhill riding to improve comfort and traction.