[Josh Headley]

This past weekend i attended a harescramble for a different series and it was clear that i had not had the bike properly setup for the conditions the trail was covered in baseball to volleyball sized rocks!!!

my bike dodged all over as i struggled to keep the bike on two wheels

If anyone has any tips for bike setup on these conditions id much appreciate it!!
Thank you in advance!!!

[Mike Soudas]

our series doesn't have those rocks, so ride here and problem solved.. LOL

Kidding.....

suspension set up starts with proper springs and sag setup, THAT IS KEY for a base setup..

Once done.. it is ability and skill in riding and then suspension set up.. some guys run the same in the roc ks and sand because their speed and momentum carries them with ease over the bumps.

Best advice is to find the same terrain area, and get a screw driver and note book. go out to that area and start changing clicker 4-5 clicks in each direction, ride the section, note the changes.. One it feels better, then maybe you have it dialed, if not tell a real tuner what it does at your various settings and spend some tuning money.

good luck.;.

[Devin Kellar]

I would see what the experts on that series' forum recommend.

[Andrew Tsakanikas]

What an inviting group we have here......

Bike setup is key, there are alot of good articles on Thumpertalk about suspension set-up. If you do not have much experience with suspension set up I would recommend finding a local suspension tuner (WER, BUD) and have your suspension valved for your weight and ability. The suspension tuner will give you a baseline setting for the clickers when riding rocks and roots or sand and whoops. These baseline settings will be good for the average rider. You now also have a local suspenion tuner that knows the terrain you ride and can help you over the phone if you have any questions on set-up or fine tuning the suspenion.

Andrew

[Mike Blair]

Josh, along with Andrew and Mike's advice, don't overlook your part. Practice, practice practice. While a properly set up bike is important, developing the proper skills for the different terrain is essential in taking advantage of that set up. Have fun and hope to see you out there.

[Will Rosenberry]

It's easy! New rock rider suspension settings (for stock suspensions).

First: Set your sag correct.

Second: if you ride in NJ, just swap your compression and rebound settings.

NJ woops are like holes in the trail: you use a lot of compression with little rebound so the wheel will follow the hole.

Rocks stick up out of the trail: Use just enough compression to stop bottoming out, then crank the rebound up until the suspension kicks you after you cross a log, then relax the rebound a little.


Well maybe that over simplifies it, but try it and you will see your definitely going the correct direction.

[Frank Weaver]

What kind of bike is it? Has anything been done to it, suspension-wise?

The goat looks like its having fun. That won't last, he's take out dinner.

[Mike Soudas]

again, your skills are key.. swapping settings can hurt if rebound is too fast in a rock garden... it is a balance, learn what the clickers to by testing them so you have a clue of what suspension should do...

[Tammy Redstone]

I can't help much but I will say rocks are a lot of fun once you get used to them.. Oh get on the gas and don't let go that much I do know works...

[Brett Mutschler]

Josh,

First, welcome to the boards.

I don't really have much advice as my suspension knowledge is limited. However, I do ride with guys that have been doing this for 20+ years. I typically talk to them before, during and after rides (races). They have been the biggest help for me. Next time you go out and ride or race look for some of the vet/senior riders and ask for some advice. Most racers I have run into are glad to help you even if you are in the same class.

Good luck.

Brett

[Josh Headley]

I just had the suspension set up for my weight and had a woods set up by pro action

This race was my first time riding it in the woods

i weigh 200lbs and the bike is a ktm 250sxf 2007 model
i kno the fork settings off the top of my head 20 out on compression and 14 out on rebound my sag and everything is set the bike just was all over the place everytime i hit a rock or root still im guessing and key word here is guessing i need to slow the rebound down more??





.....and where can i find more info on location of south penn oxbo harescrambel?? id like to attend

[Brad Rawlins]

Speed it up, rebound that is.
Most guys are almost totally soft on compression vs jersey.

[Josh Headley]

Brad Rawlins, on 01 May 2012 - 06:04 PM, said:

Speed it up, rebound that is.
Most guys are almost totally soft on compression vs jersey.

speed it up??? i thought slow it down if the bike was all over?? or am i wrong??

[Brad Rawlins]

Little bumps need the legs to move faster.
Big bumps need the legs to move slower and absorb more.
You'll figure it out, I know I havent

[norm harris jr]

Air pressure is another item, if your not real fast 12-13 psi should be good with extra heavy tubes. Drew Smith from
WER knows what works, he has a tuning guide on his website that can help with adjustments also.