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Suspension Settings Guide for Utah Terrain

Rocky terrain requires specific settings. Sag matters. Clickers matter more. Start here.

Quick Reference - Starting Points

Rider Weight Fork Spring Shock Spring Sag (Static)
140-160 lbs 4.2 N/mm 42-45 N/mm 105-110mm
160-180 lbs 4.4 N/mm 45-48 N/mm 105-110mm
180-200 lbs 4.6 N/mm 48-52 N/mm 105-110mm
200-220 lbs 4.8 N/mm 52-54 N/mm 105-110mm
220+ lbs 5.0 N/mm 54-57 N/mm 105-110mm

Fork Settings - WP XACT

Utah Base Settings:

  • Compression: 12-15 clicks out
  • Rebound: 14-16 clicks out
  • Air Chamber: 140-150mm
  • Oil Level: Stock (280cc per leg)

Terrain-Specific Adjustments:

  • Rocky (AFC/SRS): -2 compression, +1 rebound
  • Sand (Warner): +2 compression, -1 rebound
  • Slickrock (Moab): Stock settings work well

Note: Open compression for rocks. Fork needs to move.

Shock Settings - WP XACT

Utah Base Settings:

  • High-Speed Comp: 1.5 turns out
  • Low-Speed Comp: 12-14 clicks out
  • Rebound: 14-16 clicks out
  • Preload: 5-7mm

Common Issues & Fixes:

  • Harsh on square edges: Open LS comp 2 clicks
  • Bottoming on G-outs: Close HS comp 1/4 turn
  • Kicking on ledges: Slow rebound 2 clicks

Note: PDS needs slower rebound than linkage. Prevents kick.

Setup Process

Step 1: Set Static Sag

  1. Bike on stand, measure rear axle to fixed point on fender
  2. Take bike off stand, measure again (no rider)
  3. Sit on bike in riding position, have helper measure
  4. Target: 105-110mm sag (35-40mm free sag)

Step 2: Set Fork Height

  1. Start with fork tubes 5mm above triple clamp
  2. More height = quicker steering (good for tight trails)
  3. Less height = more stability (good for speed)
  4. Utah standard: 3-5mm above clamp

Step 3: Baseline Clickers

  1. Turn all adjusters fully clockwise (gentle!)
  2. Count clicks while turning out to factory specs
  3. Write down your baseline
  4. Make adjustments 2 clicks at a time

Step 4: Test & Tune

  1. Find a test loop with varied terrain
  2. Make one change at a time
  3. Ride same section after each change
  4. Keep notes on what works

Location-Specific Settings

American Fork Canyon Setup

For rocky, technical terrain with lots of square edges

  • Fork Comp: 10-12 clicks (softer)
  • Fork Rebound: 15-16 clicks
  • Shock HS: 1.75 turns out
  • Shock LS: 14-16 clicks
  • Spring Rate: +1 rate from standard

San Rafael Swell Setup

For extreme terrain, big hits, and ledges

  • Fork Comp: 14-16 clicks
  • Fork Rebound: 12-14 clicks (faster)
  • Shock HS: 1.25 turns out
  • Shock LS: 10-12 clicks
  • Preload: +2mm from standard

Moab Slickrock Setup

For traction and control on slickrock

  • Fork Comp: 12-14 clicks
  • Fork Rebound: 16-18 clicks (slower)
  • Shock HS: 1.5 turns (standard)
  • Shock LS: 12-14 clicks
  • Tire Pressure: Critical here!

High-Speed Desert Setup

For Warner Valley and fast 2-track

  • Fork Comp: 16-18 clicks (firmer)
  • Fork Rebound: 14-15 clicks
  • Shock HS: 1.0 turn out
  • Shock LS: 10-12 clicks
  • Consider: Heavier spring rates

Suspension Troubleshooting

Problem: Front end deflects off rocks
Solution: Reduce compression 2-3 clicks, check tire pressure (lower helps)

Problem: Bottoming on big hits but harsh on small bumps
Solution: Need revalve - band-aid is less LS comp, more HS comp

Problem: Rear kicks up on ledges
Solution: Slow rebound 2-3 clicks, may need heavier spring

Problem: Arms pump up quickly
Solution: Too much compression damping - open 2-3 clicks, check riding position

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