Rockshox Suspension Calculator

An expert tool for mountain bikers.

Instantly find the recommended starting air pressure and rebound settings for your RockShox fork and rear shock. This {primary_keyword} provides baseline tuning advice based on your weight and bike setup to optimize traction, control, and comfort.

Your Custom Suspension Settings Summary

Parameter	Recommended Setting	Notes
Fork Air Pressure	— PSI	Primary setting for correct sag and support.
Rear Shock Air Pressure	— PSI	Set for 25-35% sag; varies by frame design.
Fork Rebound (from closed)	— Clicks	Controls how fast the fork extends after a hit.
Calculated Sag	— mm	The physical distance your suspension should compress.

Summary of your personalized RockShox suspension starting points.

What is a {primary_keyword}?

A {primary_keyword} is a specialized tool designed to simplify one of the most critical aspects of mountain bike setup: suspension tuning. Instead of relying on guesswork, this calculator uses your specific inputs—primarily your body weight—to provide a highly accurate starting point for your fork and rear shock’s air pressure and rebound settings. Proper suspension setup is the key to unlocking your bike’s full potential, directly impacting traction, control, and comfort on the trail.

Who Should Use This Tool?

Any mountain biker with a RockShox air-sprung fork or rear shock can benefit from using a {primary_keyword}. Whether you’re a beginner setting up a new bike or an experienced rider looking to fine-tune your setup for a specific trail, this calculator removes the confusion and provides a reliable baseline. It is especially useful after servicing your suspension or when adjusting for changes in your riding weight.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the pressure numbers printed on the fork’s lower leg are the absolute final settings. In reality, those are just generic starting points. A dedicated {primary_keyword} like this one offers a more personalized recommendation by factoring in your specific weight. Another myth is that suspension settings are “set and forget.” Your ideal settings can change based on terrain, riding style, and even temperature, so it’s wise to re-evaluate them periodically.

{primary_keyword} Formula and Mathematical Explanation

Unlike a simple mathematical equation, a {primary_keyword} relies on a set of empirical guidelines and data models derived from extensive testing by RockShox. The core principle is balancing the rider’s weight with the force of the air spring to achieve a target ‘sag’ percentage. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your static weight.

The key relationships are:

• Air Pressure vs. Rider Weight: This is a roughly linear relationship. As rider weight increases, the required air pressure to support that weight and achieve the correct sag also increases. Forks and rear shocks have different characteristics; rear shocks typically require much higher pressure for the same rider weight due to the bike’s frame leverage ratio.
• Rebound Damping vs. Rider Weight: Rebound controls the speed at which the suspension extends after being compressed. Heavier riders require more air pressure, which creates a stronger spring force. To control this stronger force, they need more rebound damping (slower rebound), which corresponds to fewer ‘clicks out’ from the fully closed (slowest) position.

Variables Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Rider Weight	Total weight of the rider with all gear.	Pounds (lbs)	100 – 300
Air Pressure	The pneumatic pressure inside the fork/shock air spring.	PSI	50 – 250+
Rebound Clicks	Damping setting counted from the fully closed/slowest position.	Clicks	0 – 20
Sag	Percentage of total travel the suspension compresses under rider weight.	%	15% – 35%

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Trail Rider

• Inputs: Rider weight 165 lbs, Fork Travel 140mm, Desired Sag 20%.
• Outputs from Calculator:
  • Fork Pressure: ~88 PSI
  • Rear Shock Pressure: ~165 PSI
  • Fork Rebound: ~7 clicks from closed
  • Sag Measurement: 28 mm
• Interpretation: This setup provides a balanced feel for general trail riding. The 20% sag gives good support for pedaling and pumping through terrain, while the rebound setting is quick enough to recover from successive hits without feeling uncontrolled. Check out our {related_keywords} guide for more on trail setup.

Example 2: Enduro Racer

• Inputs: Rider weight 195 lbs, Fork Travel 170mm, Desired Sag 25%.
• Outputs from Calculator:
  • Fork Pressure: ~108 PSI
  • Rear Shock Pressure: ~205 PSI
  • Fork Rebound: ~5 clicks from closed
  • Sag Measurement: 42.5 mm
• Interpretation: An enduro racer needs a plusher setup for steep, rough descents. The higher 25% sag allows the wheels to track the ground better. The slower rebound (fewer clicks out) prevents the bike from bucking on big impacts and jump faces. This aggressive setup prioritizes downhill control. Our {related_keywords} article dives deeper into this.

How to Use This {primary_keyword} Calculator

Follow these steps to get your personalized baseline settings:

1. Enter Your Weight: Put on all your typical riding gear (helmet, shoes, pack with water) and weigh yourself. Enter this value into the “Your Fully Kitted Weight” field. This is the most critical input for an accurate {primary_keyword} result.
2. Enter Fork Travel: Find the travel of your fork, usually listed in the bike’s specifications, and enter it in millimeters.
3. Set Desired Sag: Input your target sag percentage. A good starting point is 20% for XC/Trail and 25-30% for Enduro/Downhill.
4. Review Your Results: The calculator will instantly display your starting pressures and rebound setting. Note the “Primary Result” for your fork, as this is the first thing you should set.
5. Apply and Refine: Use a shock pump to set the air pressure in your fork and shock. Set the rebound adjuster fully clockwise (closed), then count the clicks back counter-clockwise to your recommended setting. Go for a ride and fine-tune based on feel. For more tips, see our guide on {related_keywords}.

Key Factors That Affect {primary_keyword} Results

While this {primary_keyword} provides an excellent starting point, several factors can influence your final, perfect setup.

• Riding Style: Aggressive riders hitting jumps and drops need more pressure and slower rebound than smoother, more ground-based riders.
• Terrain Type: Fast, flowy trails might feel better with slightly higher pressure, while slow, technical, rooty trails often benefit from lower pressure for more grip. Our {related_keywords} page has more details.
• Frame Leverage Ratio: This is a design characteristic of your bike’s rear suspension. Different frames will require different shock pressures to achieve the same sag percentage, even with the same shock and rider.
• Volume Spacers (Tokens): Adding volume spacers inside your fork or shock makes the end of the stroke more progressive (harder to bottom out). If you frequently bottom out, adding a token is better than just adding more pressure.
• Temperature: Air pressure changes with temperature. A 10°F change can alter your pressure by a few PSI. On a very hot or cold day, you may need to adjust your settings slightly.
• Stiction and Seal Condition: ‘Stiction’ is static friction in the suspension seals. Freshly serviced suspension with new, lubricated seals will be more sensitive and may require slightly different settings than suspension that hasn’t been serviced in a while. Using a quality {related_keywords} can help maintain performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my pressure from the calculator different from the chart on my fork?

The chart on your fork is a very generic guideline. Our {primary_keyword} provides a more refined starting point based on an averaged model. Always trust setting sag correctly over a printed chart.

2. What is rebound damping and why is it important?

Rebound damping controls the speed at which your suspension extends after compressing. Too fast (too many clicks out), and the bike will feel like a pogo stick. Too slow (too few clicks out), and the suspension won’t recover between hits, “packing down” and feeling harsh. Fine-tuning it is key for control. Explore our {related_keywords} for a full breakdown.

3. What if I set the pressure correctly but still bottom out?

If your sag is correct but you’re using all your travel too easily, you need to add a volume spacer (token) to your air spring. This increases progression, providing more support at the end of the stroke without making the initial travel feel harsh.

4. How do I measure sag accurately?

Get in your full riding gear. With your bike on level ground, gently sit or stand on it in your riding position. Without bouncing, have a friend push the rubber o-ring on your fork/shock stanchion down to the seal. Gently get off. The distance the o-ring moved is your sag. Many RockShox products have sag gradients printed on them to make this easy.

5. Should fork and rear shock sag be the same?

No. Typically, rear shock sag is higher (e.g., 25-35%) than fork sag (15-25%). This helps the bike handle correctly and maintain its intended geometry.

6. How often should I check my air pressure?

It’s good practice to check your pressure before every ride. Air can slowly leak over time, and temperature changes also affect it. A quick check ensures consistent performance.

7. What does “clicks from closed” mean for rebound?

This is the standard way to measure rebound. First, turn the rebound knob fully clockwise until it stops (this is the “closed” or slowest setting). Then, turn it counter-clockwise and count the audible “clicks” to reach your desired setting.

8. Can this {primary_keyword} be used for other brands like Fox or DVO?

No, this calculator is specifically tuned for RockShox products. Other brands have different air spring designs and damping characteristics, so their pressure and rebound settings will not be the same.