Biggest Bike Setup Myths.

Two of the biggest myths about race sag for off-road bikes are that you only measure sag on a new bike and that it doesn’t matter where you measure it. You should check sag regularly and even adjust it for different tracks and conditions and you should always measure it using good reference points. The key to getting the correct measurement is to take the measurement across the arc of the axle. Many people measure vertically causing them to run their spring too tight and the bike becomes busy and unstable at speed. Both manufacturers and suspension companies measure at an angle to account for the arc of the axle. If you set your sag at 105mm measuring vertically, you are actually setting it to around 95mm according to the manufacturer. Honestly, 80% of the bikes I setup have too much preload on the spring because of this. Once adjusted correctly the bike will calm down and do everything better. Always use the method in your owner’s manual or use a purpose built tool like the Slacker digital sag scale that takes this into account. The only exceptions to this rule are the 2016 KTMs which provide a mark on the fender which is almost vertical by design. Enjoy Your Ride!