Suspension Setup

[traaidmark]

Can anyone shed some light on how I should set up my suspension on my bike. I have been out of cycling for quite a while, and my new bike (dual suspension) has quite a lot of "stuff" you can change.

 

 

 

Front suspension: Manitou Rseven. Air on one side, with another dial on the other side

 

 

 

Rear Manitou LRS (Merida Mission) Also air with another dial.

 

 

 

What are all these for, how hard should they be pumped up, what are the other dials for? Am I being an idiot?

 

 

 

My other issue is my brakes which just never seem to hold, but i see theres already a thread this morning on that topic.

[droo]

Have a read of the manuals on the manitou site, they'll tell you what all the knobs and twiddly bits are for. As for pressures, set for 20 - 25% sag on both ends as a starting point. Make sure any lockouts or platforms are off before you measure.

 

 

 

To measure sag, tie zip ties around the fork stanchion and shock piston, push them up against the seals, sit on the bike gently, get off again, and measure movement.

 

 

 

Hope this helps...