Mastering Suspension Tuning for the Biggest Jumps: The Ultimate Setup for Matt Jones' Hardline Run

Unlocking the Secrets of Suspension Tuning for Elite-Level Riding

As mountain bikers, we all know that the right suspension setup can make or break our ride. Whether you're tackling the most technical trails or sending it off the biggest jumps, having a suspension system that's dialed in to your specific needs is crucial. In this in-depth blog post, we're going to dive deep into the process of suspension tuning, using the setup for professional rider Matt Jones' run at the legendary Hardline event as a case study.

Hardline is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring mountain bike events in the world. With massive jumps, technical rock gardens, and high-speed sections, it's a true test of both rider skill and equipment. That's why getting the suspension setup right is so critical for Matt Jones as he prepares to take on this daunting course.

In this article, we'll explore the key principles of suspension tuning, the specific adjustments made to Matt's setup, and how you can apply these techniques to your own bike. By the end, you'll have a deep understanding of the science behind suspension performance and the ability to fine-tune your own setup for maximum control and confidence on the trail.

Analyzing the Data: Understanding the Force-Velocity Curves

The first step in dialing in Matt's suspension setup is to analyze the data. We've got access to some detailed dyno data from Öhlins, the suspension manufacturer, that shows the force-velocity curves for their various compression and rebound tuning options.

These force-velocity curves are crucial for understanding how the suspension will behave under different riding conditions. The steep, low-speed portion of the curve represents the suspension's response to small, frequent impacts, while the "shoulder" of the curve indicates the transition to high-speed compression and rebound.

By carefully examining these curves, we can select the right shim arrangement and valving to match Matt's riding style and the demands of the Hardline course. The Öhlins team has done extensive testing to develop their pre-set tuning options, so we can trust their recommendations as a starting point.

Compression Tuning: Finding the Sweet Spot

One of the key aspects of Matt's suspension setup is the compression tuning. Given the massive jumps and high-speed nature of the Hardline course, we need to find the right balance between support and sensitivity.

• For the compression circuit, we're going with the DHC 40 tune from Öhlins. This provides a relatively smooth low-speed curve, which will help the suspension stay supple and responsive to small bumps and chatter.
• At the same time, the middle-to-high speed compression is tuned to provide a good amount of support, helping to prevent the suspension from bottoming out on those massive landings.
• By avoiding the even stiffer C80 and DHC 70 tunes, we're ensuring that Matt can still get the wheels to move out of the way and react to the terrain, especially when he's still learning the track.

The ability to fine-tune the low-speed and high-speed compression is crucial, as it allows Matt to dial in the perfect balance of support and sensitivity for the specific demands of the Hardline course. As he becomes more familiar with the track, he can make adjustments to the compression settings to add more support and stability as needed.

Rebound Tuning: Keeping the Wheels Tracking

Just as important as the compression tuning is the rebound adjustment. On a course like Hardline, with its massive jumps and high-speed sections, we need to ensure that the suspension is able to recover quickly and keep the wheels tracking the terrain.

After analyzing the Öhlins data, we've opted for the R80 rebound tune, which features a nice, smooth, progressive rebound force curve. This will help the suspension recover quickly after those big impacts, without feeling harsh or unpredictable.

By selecting a rebound tune that's well-suited to the speeds and forces Matt will be encountering, we can help ensure that the suspension is able to maintain traction and control, even in the most demanding sections of the Hardline course.

Adjustability: Unlocking the Full Potential

One of the key aspects of Matt's suspension setup is the ability to make adjustments on the fly. As he's learning the Hardline track, it's important that he has the flexibility to fine-tune the compression and rebound settings to suit the changing conditions and his evolving riding style.

• The low-speed compression adjuster allows Matt to add more support and stability as he becomes more familiar with the track and starts pushing harder into the terrain.
• The high-speed compression adjuster gives him the ability to further tune the suspension's response to those massive impacts, helping to prevent bottoming out and maintain control.
• And the rebound adjuster lets him dial in the suspension's recovery rate, ensuring that the wheels stay glued to the ground and tracking the terrain.

By giving Matt the tools to make these adjustments, we're empowering him to unlock the full potential of his suspension setup and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the Hardline course.

Preparing the Suspension Components

With the tuning principles in place, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of preparing the suspension components for Matt's bike. This is where the real suspension geekery comes into play.

First, we'll take a close look at the compression and rebound shim stacks, carefully selecting the right arrangement to match the desired force-velocity curves. This is a delicate process that requires a deep understanding of suspension dynamics and the nuances of shim-based damping systems.

Once the shim stacks are dialed in, we'll move on to sizing the glide ring to ensure a super smooth, consistent feel throughout the suspension's travel. This attention to detail helps eliminate any unwanted stiction or binding, which can have a significant impact on the suspension's performance.

Finally, we'll turn our attention to the air spring in the fork. By adjusting the volume spacers and removing the negative air spring, we can fine-tune the ramp-up characteristics to provide the perfect balance of suppleness off the top and progressive support deeper into the travel.

All of these preparation steps are crucial for ensuring that Matt's suspension is operating at its absolute best, ready to tackle the demands of the Hardline course.

Putting it All Together: The Final Setup

With the suspension components prepped and tuned, it's time to install the setup on Matt's bike and dial in the final adjustments. This is where the collaboration between the technician and the rider becomes crucial.

We'll be working closely with Matt to ensure that he fully understands how to use the adjustability of the suspension system. This includes walking him through the process of making changes to the low-speed and high-speed compression, as well as the rebound settings.

By empowering Matt with this knowledge, we're giving him the tools to fine-tune the suspension to his specific needs and the evolving demands of the Hardline track. Whether he needs more support for the massive jumps or a more supple feel for the technical sections, he'll be able to make the necessary adjustments on the fly.

Of course, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Once the final setup is dialed in, Matt will have the opportunity to test the suspension on the Hardline course, providing valuable feedback that will allow us to make any final tweaks or adjustments.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Suspension

While the suspension setup we've developed for Matt Jones is tailored specifically to the demands of the Hardline event, the principles and techniques we've explored can be applied to any rider, on any trail.

Whether you're a seasoned pro like Matt or a weekend warrior, getting your suspension dialed in can make a huge difference in your riding experience. That's why we encourage you to book a suspension service with the experts at Plush Suspension.

Our team of suspension technicians has the knowledge and experience to help you unlock the full potential of your bike's suspension system. From analyzing your riding style and terrain to meticulously tuning and adjusting the components, we'll work with you to create a setup that's tailored to your specific needs.

So why settle for a suspension system that's just "good enough"? Take your riding to the next level by booking your suspension service with Plush Suspension today. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more suspension tuning tips and insights from the experts.