how to adjust air shocks on mountain bike

Last Updated on August 23, 2025 by Jaxon Mike

As an avid mountain biker, I know the crucial role that well-adjusted air shocks play in ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and responsive ride. Your bike’s suspension is the unsung hero that keeps you glued to the trail, soaking up bumps and allowing you to tackle even the gnarliest terrain with confidence. But, like any high-performance component, air shocks require a bit of dialing in to reach their full potential.

Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or new to the sport, learning how to properly adjust your air shocks can mean the difference between a day of blissful, flow-state riding and one filled with awkward handling, fatigue, and even potential crashes. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of tuning your air shocks like a pro, so you can get the most out of your mountain bike and truly dominate the trails.

Understanding Air Shock Basics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of adjustment, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how air shocks work. Unlike coil-spring shocks, which use a steel or titanium spring to provide suspension, air shocks use a pneumatic (air-based) system to absorb impacts and smooth out the ride.

At the heart of an air shock is an air spring, which is essentially a sealed chamber filled with compressed air. As you ride and the shock compresses, the air inside the chamber is forced to expand, providing the resistance and damping that gives your suspension its characteristic “give” and responsiveness.

Air shocks offer several advantages over coil springs, including the ability to fine-tune the spring rate by adjusting the air pressure, as well as lower overall weight. However, properly setting up and tuning an air shock requires a bit more finesse and attention to detail.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before we get started, you’ll need to gather a few essential tools to ensure a successful air shock adjustment:

• High-quality shock pump (with a pressure gauge accurate to at least 0.5 PSI)
• Torque wrench (to properly tighten any bolts or fittings)
• Rubber mallet (for seating air chambers and valves, if needed)
• Clean rags and bike-specific degreaser

With these tools in hand, you’ll be well on your way to dialing in your air shocks and maximizing the performance of your mountain bike.

Step 1: Clean and Inspect the Shocks

The first step in properly adjusting your air shocks is to make sure they’re in good working order. Start by giving your bike a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to the suspension components. Use a bike-specific degreaser and clean rags to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that may have accumulated.

Once the shocks are clean, closely inspect them for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Look for things like dents, scratches, or cracks in the stanchions (the outer tubes), as well as any oil or air leaks around the seals and fittings. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have your shocks serviced by a professional before proceeding with the adjustment.

Step 2: Determine Your Optimal Sag

Sag is the amount of suspension travel that’s used when you’re sitting on the bike in your normal riding position. Getting the right sag is crucial for achieving optimal suspension performance and handling.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want about 25-30% of your shock’s total travel used for sag. To measure this, start by ensuring your bike is on a level surface, then sit on the bike in your normal riding position, with your hands on the handlebars and feet on the pedals. Have a friend or use a measuring device to determine how much of the shock’s travel is being used.

If the sag is too little, you’ll need to decrease the air pressure in the shock. If the sag is too much, you’ll need to increase the air pressure. Make adjustments in small increments (2-3 PSI at a time) and recheck the sag until you achieve your desired setting.

Step 3: Fine-Tune the Rebound Damping

Rebound damping is the shock’s resistance to extending (rebounding) after it has been compressed. Getting the right rebound setting is crucial for maintaining traction and stability, especially when tackling technical terrain or descending at high speeds.

Most air shocks will have a rebound adjustment knob or dial that you can use to fine-tune the rebound setting. Start by turning the adjustment all the way in (clockwise) to the slowest rebound setting, then slowly turn it out (counterclockwise) until you find the sweet spot that provides a smooth, controlled rebound without feeling overly harsh or “bouncy.”

As a general guideline, you’ll want the rebound to be just slow enough to prevent the shock from extending too quickly and causing the rear wheel to lose traction. Experiment with different settings and pay attention to how the bike feels as you ride, making adjustments as needed.

Step 4: Optimize the Compression Damping

Compression damping is the shock’s resistance to being compressed, and it plays a crucial role in how your bike handles bumps and impacts. Too much compression damping can make the suspension feel harsh and unresponsive, while too little can result in excessive bob and a vague, unpredictable feel.

Most air shocks will have a compression adjustment knob or dial that you can use to fine-tune the compression setting. Start by turning the adjustment all the way out (counterclockwise) to the lightest compression setting, then slowly turn it in (clockwise) until you find the sweet spot that provides a smooth, controlled feel without sacrificing too much small-bump compliance.

As with the rebound adjustment, pay close attention to how the bike handles as you make changes to the compression damping. Look for a setting that provides a good balance of support and responsiveness, allowing the suspension to absorb impacts without feeling overly rigid or harsh.

Step 5: Repeat and Refine

Adjusting your air shocks is an iterative process, and it may take some time and experimentation to find the perfect setup for your riding style and local terrain. Don’t be afraid to make small adjustments and go for test rides, gradually fine-tuning the settings until you achieve the desired performance.

Remember, every bike and rider is different, so what works best for one person may not be the ideal setup for another. Trust your instincts and pay close attention to how the bike feels and handles – that’s the best way to dial in your air shocks and get the most out of your mountain bike.

Conclusion

Properly adjusting your air shocks may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can fine-tune your mountain bike’s suspension to perfection. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of your bike and enjoying a smoother, more responsive, and more confidence-inspiring ride on the trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I adjust my air shocks?

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check and adjust your air shocks at the start of each riding season, or any time you notice a significant change in the bike’s handling or performance. Additionally, if you’ve made any major changes to your setup (such as swapping out tires or components), it’s a good idea to re-check and fine-tune your air shock settings.

What’s the best way to check for air leaks in my shocks?

To check for air leaks, start by pumping up your shocks to the recommended pressure, then let the bike sit for a few minutes. Come back and check the pressure again – if it’s dropped significantly, you likely have an air leak that will need to be addressed. You can also try spraying a soapy water solution around the seals and fittings to look for bubbles, which would indicate a leak.

How do I know if my air shocks need servicing?

There are a few signs that your air shocks may need servicing:

• Excessive stiction or “stickiness” when compressing the shocks
• Visible oil or grease leaks around the seals or bushings
• Significant loss of travel or inability to achieve the desired sag
• Noticeable changes in the shock’s performance or feel

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have your shocks serviced by a qualified suspension technician to ensure they’re in proper working order.

Can I adjust my air shocks on the trail?

Yes, you can make minor adjustments to your air shocks while out on the trail, but it’s generally best to do any major tuning or servicing at home in a clean, well-lit workspace. Bring your shock pump with you on rides so you can quickly make small pressure adjustments if needed, but anything more involved should be saved for when you have the proper tools and time to do it right.

What’s the best way to store my bike during the off-season?

If you’re storing your bike for an extended period, it’s a good idea to first fully service your air shocks, including cleaning, inspecting, and re-greasing any necessary components. Then, make sure to release all the air pressure from the shocks before putting the bike away. This will help prevent any potential damage or degradation to the seals and internal components during storage.