How to Adjust Stock MTB Forks

Mountain bike suspension forks are easy to adjust; they are made that way. There are several types of forks. Some have simple rubber inserts, some have oil, some have air and some have a combination of all three, but they all have one thing in common: a knob or set-screw on top that when tightened, applies pressure to the shock resulting in a stiffer ride and when loosened, provides you with a softer ride.

Things You'll Need

  • 5mm hex wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your hands on the handlebars and bounce the front end of your bike with your hands. Pry the small rubber cap off the top of both shocks with your fingers, if your shocks have one. Insert a 5 mm hex wrench into the opening and locate the 5 mm set-screw.

    • 2

      Turn the set-screw one turn clockwise on both forks if the front end feels too soft when you bounce it. If it feels too stiff, turn the hex screw counterclockwise one turn at a time until the fork feels just right. Replace the rubber caps.

    • 3

      Bounce the front end of your bike. Turn the big knobs at the top of the forks one turn clockwise if the front end is too soft. Turn the knobs counterclockwise one turn at a time if the front end feels too stiff.

    • 4

      Ride the bike. Stand up on the pedals and bounce the bike with your body as you coast. Evaluate how you like your fork to feel. If your bike has knobs on the forks you can reach down and turn them as you coast, check your ride and adjust again if you want.