Why does my suspension keep bottoming out?

Question

i have an 07 Specialized Enduro SL with the AFR rear shock and e150 future shock fork. the recommended pressure for my weight is 130psi rear, 85 front. i have it set to 150/95 and when i am ready to do a drop i turn the compression k***s to their max firm setting, but i am still bottoming out.

this is from going off a 4 ft drop.

am i doing something wrong? can someone explain whats going on?

Answer 1

Good luck with your question lol I dont think anyone will understand all that technical stuff :P

Answer 2

You're not doing anything wrong other than using a long leg all-mountain bike for things that are better suited for a freeride setup.  You have 5-1/2" of travel, but it's not heavy duty stuff.  It's meant for soaking up larger bumps and rocks....not for hucks.  I know 4' doesn't seem all that big, but it's big enough that it will stress (and bottom out) most suspension that isn't built for drops.  

Go ahead and ramp up the air pressures in your fork and shock....10# isn't much of a difference except for trail compliance.  I'm afraid you're just going to have to live with a stiff setting to handle the drops you want to do, sacrificing the xc plushness on the trail.  Or, you can stop before long sections and adjust your pressures if you bring a pump with you.

I don't know about the Future Shocks, but with many forks, maxing your rebound setting either to full-fast or full-slow will tend to stiffen up the compression just a bit....you might try that, but I doubt it'll be enough to keep you from bottoming out.  

One thing to remember is that it isn't a horrible thing to bottom out your fork.  If you're doing it all the time, then you want to get a different fork, but if it's only occasionally you won't be doing any real harm.

If you want to look into a different fork, check out the Rockshox Pike or Lyric, or a Marz 55 coil/air.  The Fox 36 air is sweet, too.   Just remember what your frame is designed for and don't go overkill with a new fork, or with the type of riding you do with the bike.  

Hope this helps.....ramp up your pressures and go try it out again to see how it feels.    :o)

Answer 3

How much do you weigh?

Answer 4

Look at the last answer I gave you when you asked about your proposed setup.

All I can say is "I told you".

The only thing you can do now is improve technique. Before doing a drop lower your saddle all the way. When you land, take some of the shock off with your knees and elbows- don't lock them. As you make contact your kness should be flexing before the suspension, with the suspension taking up the final bit.

Answer 5

Most suspension with bottom out with a 4ft drop, if you increase the pressure you sacrifice small bump compression and smoothness of your ride. If you have 4-6 inch travel in the shock, then you take away compression from the weight of your body then think of your mass and impact upon landing you will always hit full travel. In my opinion you can never beat a coil spring shock with oil damper and bottom out elatomer bumper.