Whether you race World Cup–level downhill, or are an average local rider, “feel” isn’t enough—you need numbers you can trust. In this video, pro DH racer Dakotah Norton walks through the tiny setup details that make a big difference, focusing on sag and why seeing it in real time with Slacker helps him build a bike that’s comfortable, confidence-inspiring, and consistently fast.
Why Dak cares about sag (and you should too)
Sag is your suspension’s starting point. Miss it by a few millimeters and your bike can feel harsh in chatter, wallowy in corners, or unpredictable on big compressions. Dak’s approach is simple: lock in a precise, repeatable sag number so the bike behaves the same way—no matter the track, weather, or warm-up routine.
Real-time feedback on the bars
Dak uses the Slacker Digital Sag Scale with the Virtual Remote Display to so you can see the percentage of sag right on the handlebars. As he shifts into a riding stance, he can literally watch the number stabilize. That live feedback shows how body position and weight changes affect sag—something you can’t see with the static snapshot you get with a cheap o-ring.
Why it matters:
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Accuracy you can feel: Live, axle-based readings help you hit the true percentage of travel, not a rough guess at the shock.
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Consistency over time: Once you know “your” number, you can return to it every ride, even after service, travel, or weather swings.
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Confidence at speed: A repeatable baseline frees you to focus on line choice and braking, not second-guessing your setup.
The repeatability advantage
Fast is consistent, and consistent starts with repeatable measurements. Dak’s process eliminates the little variables—how hard you bounce the bike, where the o-ring ends up, or how evenly you’re weighted. Slacker gives a stable, digital readout, so if he wants 28% rear sag, he gets it every single time.
Comfort → confidence → speed
Dak’s mindset is straightforward: dial comfort first, because comfort builds confidence—and confident riders are fast riders. Sag sets the bike’s posture and support, which in turn influences grip, cornering attitude, and how you float through rough sections. When the baseline is perfect, he can make tiny, intentional tweaks to rebound and compression knowing the foundation is solid.
Tools shown in the video
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Slacker Digital Sag Scale + Virtual Remote (real-time handlebar display)
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Slacker MTB Virtual Fender Mount (accurate, axle-based attachment)
Who this helps
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Racers chasing tenths and needing a reliable baseline at every venue
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Mechanics who want quick, repeatable numbers the rider can feel immediately
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Riders who are done guessing and want a bike that feels the same—every ride
Key takeaways
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Small changes = big gains. A few millimeters of sag can unlock traction, comfort, and speed.
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Live data beats guesswork. Seeing sag on the bars shows exactly how weight and stance affect the reading.
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Repeatability is king. A consistent number is the fastest path to a consistent-handling bike.
Ready to try it?
Set your target sag, watch it stabilize on the bars, and save the number. The next time you ride, you’ll be back at that exact baseline in minutes—just like Dak.
