Do You Know What Should Your Sag Number Be?

It’s a common and simple question: “What should my sag be?”. However, the answer isn’t a simple 106 across the board. It’s not that sag is complicated, it’s just that, to be honest, nobody should actually be telling you what sag you’re supposed to be running. It’s a subjective feel (like all things suspension and bike handling). A sag measurement of 106 might feel perfect for you, but to your buddy, it may feel low in the rear, like he’s dragging a boat anchor around. 

Now, there is a common range for a sag measurement to fall between—usually somewhere between 102 and 108. And this is by no means meant to over-complicate the situation for you. However, if you have the ability and the curiosity, it’s worth testing with different ride-height measurements to see if there’s a balance that, for your unique riding style, on your particular bike, can give you the most comfort and confidence while riding.

So what does this look like? It’s actually pretty straightforward. With your bike on the stand, simply loosen the shock spanner and adjust the preload on the spring around a half a turn one way or the other. As you’re looking down from the top of the shock, twisting the spanner clockwise will raise the ride-height of the rear (the sag), and counter-clockwise will lower it. Then, lock down the spanner and test out the difference (don’t worry about the measurement yet). If you don’t feel any difference, you can try adjusting the preload a little further, another half-turn or so, in the same direction you just went and see if you feel that. 

Try adjusting the preload in both directions and see where you find a sweet spot in the balance of the bike while you’re riding it. Learn what you like and don’t like going in both directions. What is that sweet spot in the balance? The best way to describe it is that the bike doesn’t feel overly nose-low, like you’re chasing it into corners (with the rear having a corresponding feeling of being tall, especially under braking); and conversely, the rear of the bike doesn’t feel too low, with the front end feeling tall and unsettled; it’s the happy medium where the bike feels like it pitches back-and-forth just about right, evenly and predictably for how you ride. 

And once you find that sweet spot where your bike feels balanced to you, let the shock cool some and then get that measurement. Now you have your own sag measurement that you can replicate after you have your suspension worked on. And whether that’s 106, or 102, the important thing is that it feels just right for you.

And this also isn’t to say that you ‘need’ to be testing your sag height, if you’re happy with your bike and don’t feel confident in doing so. No stress.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your next ride!

P.s., this isn’t to say that you ‘need’ to be testing your sag height. If you’re happy with your bike and don’t feel confident in doing so, no stress! And if you would like more info on setting and measuring sag, feel free to call or email us at Precision Concepts. And reach out today to schedule your next suspension service or revalve!