Have you ever fallen down when you hit a bumpy section of the road? It's time to consider the importance of suspension. Choosing the right suspension for you is the key to resisting rough terrain.
All about Suspension
There are generally three types of suspension systems: front suspension, rear suspension and full suspension. Different suspension types usually correspond to different riding styles and riding preferences. Let us take a closer look at their differences and scope of application.
Front shock absorber
The front suspension is the most common suspension system, usually in front of the electric bicycle. The tire part is usually composed of two cylinders and a connecting rod in the middle, shaped like a door.
The cylinder part of the front suspension usually contains springs, which will expand and contract to adapt to the changes in terrain when the rider passes through rough roads. When you pass rocks and other irregular terrain, the springs are compressed to adapt to the changes, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
Generally speaking, the lower part of the front fork is connected to the brake, and the upper connection will feed back the impact caused by the terrain to the spring. This is an adjustable front fork. There is also a non-adjustable front fork that cannot be extended or retracted according to the real-time situation. It is generally called a hard tail.
The front suspension is generally used in commuting and leisure riding styles because of its excellent adaptability and comfortable riding experience.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension, also called the rear shock absorber, is located behind the seat and usually has springs to absorb shock.
The front suspension is generally responsible for the vibration generated by the front wheel, and the rear suspension is generally responsible for absorbing the vibration generated by the rear suspension to improve the impact generated after the tire contacts the ground, improve riding comfort, and reduce riding fatigue.
This type of suspension is very useful for riders who like adventure and challenges, and can effectively reduce the huge impact caused by the terrain.
Full Suspension
Full suspension combines the advantages of front suspension and rear suspension. Full suspension provides great comfort and control.
Mountain bikers and adventure bikers prefer this configuration, and this configuration is often more expensive. It is the ultimate configuration of mountain electric bicycle suspension.
At the same time, because it contains two accessories, this configuration will be heavier than the previous two configurations.
How Suspension Works
You can imagine the suspension as a shock absorber or a sponge. When riding over bumpy roads, the bicycle will vibrate, and this vibration will be transmitted to the suspension system. The spring will absorb moisture like a sponge, thereby alleviating the impact force on the suspension. The shock absorber will also expand and contract to a certain extent based on your force feedback. This expansion and contraction is regular and controllable.
Importance of Properly Adjusted Suspension
Suspension improvement is far more than just a matter of comfort, it also involves issues of control and operability, which are usually more evident on bumpy terrain. After adjustment, it can generally extend the service life and reduce wear caused by vibration and bouncing, achieving the best state of the electric bicycle.
How to Adjust the Suspension
Now that we know how suspension works, let’s learn how to adjust the suspension of an electric bike for a comfortable riding experience.
Step 1: Check Existing Air Pressure
Use a pressure gauge to check the original air pressure of the front and rear suspension. If it is not suitable for this air pressure range, you can refer to the label on the component and choose the appropriate air pressure according to your weight.
Step 2: Adjust Air Pressure as Needed
Adjust the air pressure. If you need to increase comfort, you can reduce the air pressure appropriately. If you need stronger support, you can increase the air pressure. You can use an air pump to set the air pressure.
Usually the air pressure of the front suspension is 50-100PSI, and the air pressure of the rear suspension is usually 80-150PSI. It is adjusted according to the rider's weight and riding style.
Step 3: Recheck the Air Pressure
After adjustment, use a barometer to confirm whether the air pressure has reached the ideal value to ensure consistent pressure.
Step 4: Find Spring Suspension Knob
Adjust the spring suspension preload. Find the preload adjustment knob on the spring suspension, usually located on the top of the fork.
Step 5: Adjusting Spring Suspension Preload
Increase preload: If you want a stiffer suspension, turn the knob clockwise. Decrease preload: If you want a softer suspension, turn the knob counterclockwise.
Inspection and Maintenance the Suspension In Regular
- Regular cleaning: Wipe the suspension parts with a damp cloth to remove dirt and keep the suspension clean.
- Check the air pressure and spring condition: Check the air pressure of the air suspension regularly to ensure it is within the comfortable range; check the springs for damage or wear.
- Lubricate moving parts: Regularly apply lubricating oil to the bearings and moving parts of the front fork and shock absorber to avoid excessive friction loss and extend the life of the suspension.
- Check and tighten screw connections: Make sure the fixing screws and connectors of the suspension are not loose to ensure stability
- Professional inspection: Regularly send your e-bike to a professional repair shop for inspection and maintenance of the suspension system to detect potential problems in a timely manner.
Summarize
From front suspension to rear suspension to full suspension, after understanding the principles of suspension and analyzing all the options of suspension, you can enjoy a more stable and controllable ride and extend the service life of your riding tool.
