If you are a small rider – this is for you! Being small brings different challenges when it comes to bike setup
Most new bikes are sprung from the factory for 170-180lbs. So it is definitely not a one size fits all! I am 5’2 and 130lbs and over the years I have learned how important it is to set up a bike FOR YOU and your needs! Especially coming off of a TTR 125 to a full size bike 10 years ago. When you ride a bike not sprung for your weight, it does not handle well, wears you out, and isn’t exactly safe.
The first thing I always do is get it sprung for my weight. I then get valving done if necessary. After doing that, it is time to fine tune. Setting sag and adjusting clickers can make a world of a difference. The biggest thing to remember when messing with clickers is to know where you started and understanding you can’t “mess it up”, you can always go back to where you started. Keeping a suspension diary is helpful to gather data and know what worked where and get a better understanding to suspension. There’s a lot to it and can be overwhelming to even the very experienced rider.
When it comes to bike setup and suspension, it is not always about your weight. The riders height, skill, and riding terrain make a difference on how the suspension is set up. I race GNCC’s and have my bike setup for that. When I come home and ride Missouri’s tight rocky terrain, I have to soften up my bike. Take a look at when you ride primarily and focus your setup on that. I want my bike to be able to handle hard hits especially when I mess up. I rather it save me then kill me haha.
Over the years, I have wasted a lot of money on suspension but also spent money well on it. It is a learning game and finding a good tuner that listens to your needs and doesn’t put you in the “oh she’s just a girl category”. This year I am very fortunate to work with JDP Suspension. He has my set up really good. My bike is the best handling bike I have ever had. It stays straight and does not do anything unpredictable.
Things to remember:
- Suspension that is not set up for you can be dangerous. I can relate some of my injuries over the years to a poor bike setup. Being a smaller rider means, we do not have the extra weight or leverage as some other riders have to be able to man-handle a bike.
- If you suspension is not set up well, it can wear you out. If you are fighting the bike all day, you are wasting energy.
- Having a bike set up for you will make you overall more confident and comfortable which also means more fun!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Over the years, I have noticed there are far more people willing to help than not.