How Does a Suspension Fork Work on a Mountain Bike?
Basics Mountain bike suspension forks, or front shocks, are designed to absorb the impact that is common on rough mountain bike trails. They provide a more comfortable, stable ride over rough terrain that includes larger obstacles like rocks and logs. Forks utilize different construction, but all seek to activate when the front tire rolls over a bump. The main types of mountain bike forks are air and coil. Compression and Rebound When the front tire rolls over a bump, the spring mechanism, whether it be air or metal coil, is activated and the shock compresses. Adjusting the preload of a fork alters how much pressure it will take to initiate compression. Add air or tighten the spring to make the fork more rigid. After compressing, the fork will rebound back into position. This compression rebound process absorbs the impact of trail obstacles, which would otherwise be felt in the cyclist’s arms. Damping When the fork compresses, a damping mechanism generates oil or air to control the mov
