How MTB Suspension Works Explained For Dummies

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  • Опубликовано: 5 авг 2019
  • Ever wondered what the knobs on MTB Shocks actually do? Maybe you want to know what Compression and Rebound Damping mean? What the difference between the High and Low Speed Compression Adjustments. Today we're looking at how MTB shocks and suspension work, and explaining them in very simple terms. *This video is not intended for engineers. Many of the concepts have been oversimplified to help make sense of these adjustments. It's also worth noting that every shock is different and how these adjustments actually work will vary greatly between different make and models.*
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    #MTBsuspension #mountainbikes #techtuesday
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Комментарии • 576

  • @goozzz666
    @goozzz666 5 лет назад +405

    EDUCATIONAL VIDEO ON RUclips?! NO CRASHES NO CLICKBAIT NO STUPID THINGS??? ARE YOU CRAZY?!
    GOD BLESS YOU PHIL, THE LAST WARRIOR OF KNOWLEDGE!

    • @gabrielleute9911
      @gabrielleute9911 5 лет назад +2

      Yeah but it’s still something you have to buy

    • @maplic
      @maplic 5 лет назад +2

      Gabriel Leute what do you HAVE to buy here? I just watched it for free

    • @gabrielleute9911
      @gabrielleute9911 5 лет назад +3

      @@maplica fork or shock

    • @HKgaming86
      @HKgaming86 5 лет назад +13

      @@gabrielleute9911 some skills with phil stickers

    • @gabrielleute9911
      @gabrielleute9911 5 лет назад

      @@HKgaming86 haha

  • @newttella1043
    @newttella1043 5 лет назад +169

    If you taught science in high school, kids would never drop out.

    • @SkillsWithPhil
      @SkillsWithPhil  5 лет назад +41

      I've always enjoyed teachers who took complicated topics and made them simple instead of trying to brute force the learning of information.

  • @FatGuyBiking
    @FatGuyBiking 5 лет назад +383

    Probably one of the best explanations of different suspension systems this will definitely be a go to video I will recommend to people wondering how suspension adjustments work and generally just how suspension works. This is a wonderfully informative video and even though you think your animations skills are lacking I thought they were great!! Awesome video!!

    • @Wizler71
      @Wizler71 5 лет назад +6

      I agree. I admit that I wasn't terribly interested but I watched anyway. The examples and illustrations are well done, they explain the mechanics clearly and I learned some things. In the end, I found this quite interesting!

    • @pierrebroccoli.9396
      @pierrebroccoli.9396 5 лет назад

      Second. A very to the point and well explained video for explaining what the shock does including High and Low Speed Compression which would also apply to Damping. Thanks.

    • @GlitchyPics
      @GlitchyPics 5 лет назад

      Couldn’t agree more.

  • @sbw1980
    @sbw1980 5 лет назад +133

    I'd love to see a continuation of this where you're out on the trail and adjusting things and marking the differences and referencing this video (which is an awesome explanation). Great job on this explanation. I love the "how stuff works" approach. I learned something from this.

    • @laneherrlinger7478
      @laneherrlinger7478 4 года назад +3

      Please

    • @MTBMOR
      @MTBMOR 4 года назад +1

      This is a great idea...I would love to see this while you are prepping for a race

  • @peibikeguy
    @peibikeguy 5 лет назад +67

    I think your "Limited" animation skills actually work better here to explain this in a simple manner. This is a great explanation! Thanks Phil.

  • @skardi1
    @skardi1 5 лет назад +103

    Wow Phil thats the clearest explanation i have seen. Keep up the good work.

  • @FDB77
    @FDB77 5 лет назад +219

    The “S H O C K I N G” truth. Jesus Phil... 😂

    • @SkillsWithPhil
      @SkillsWithPhil  5 лет назад +48

      Hopefully the suspense didn't kill you... I'll see myself out.

    • @FDB77
      @FDB77 5 лет назад +6

      Why Phil why?! 😂😂

    • @dummkompf
      @dummkompf 5 лет назад +1

      somehow I missed the puns and just saw clickbait. lol it was actually a great video though

    • @leanasf821
      @leanasf821 5 лет назад

      I almost break down in tears

    • @angelikult
      @angelikult 5 лет назад +3

      I think he prefers just Phil

  • @patrolshreddin5609
    @patrolshreddin5609 5 лет назад +48

    You look as bored as me when watching those types of videos. Thanks for all that you do for the MTB community.Great breakdown and easy to follow, just what the Dr. ordered !

    • @SkillsWithPhil
      @SkillsWithPhil  5 лет назад +7

      I personally find them interesting, but a lot of times they cab be really hard to follow. Lots of jargon is thrown around which makes them very hard to follow.

  • @ThisIsGoingDownhill
    @ThisIsGoingDownhill 5 лет назад +18

    You are like a "moron whisperer". I never really understood the way the adjustments worked before. I knew what they were for, but understanding how they work goes a lot further into being able to use them properly. I have experienced this a few times watching your videos. Your knowledge is pure. The ability to explain fairly complex things in a simple and concise manner is a bit of an art. You sir are an artist. Thank you.

  • @mtbmike
    @mtbmike 5 лет назад +6

    i am a mechanical engineer and let me tell you that is one great explanation on how bike suspensions work, there are a lot more details on designs and fluid mechanics but your video goes straight to point. Great job

  • @BenNemec
    @BenNemec 5 лет назад +6

    That demonstration with the spring-loaded plunger might be the best visualization of how a suspension works that I've seen yet!

  • @cliffsangelsphotography
    @cliffsangelsphotography 5 лет назад +10

    Holy crap! Phil just sent it... with science!🤟
    Your explanation was the best I've ever seen. It was simple and easy to understand. Keep up the great work!

  • @slappdaddy8
    @slappdaddy8 5 лет назад

    Brilliant! Thanks for bringing this stuff back to earth for us common folk to understand!!! Several months after buying my bike - Santa Cruz 5010 - I realize that I left the shop without knowing the language I needed to dial-in my ride. Thanks to great RUclipsrs, like yourself - I FINALLY feel as if I have dialed-in a great ride!!! Thanks!

  • @churnstyle
    @churnstyle 5 лет назад +29

    Jesus Christ, this is a great video. Nice animations dude

  • @tyleryoung8994
    @tyleryoung8994 5 лет назад +9

    Love your vids Phil, big fan. Keep up the great work!

  • @rupedog
    @rupedog 5 лет назад +2

    Great and as always super clear explanation...whether its teaching jumping or explaining rebound, u are simply the best at explaining it. Period. 👏👏👏👏

  • @benridesbikes6975
    @benridesbikes6975 5 лет назад

    Seriously one of the most concise and clear explanations on RUclips. The animations were on point too!

  • @ross_rusher0243
    @ross_rusher0243 5 лет назад

    Great job Phil with explaining how suspension works! You're pretty much spot on! All you need to cover is the high and low speed rebound and you're pretty much covered most of it.

  • @wadepratt9654
    @wadepratt9654 5 лет назад +2

    Good to know your still making videos phill. I was gettin worried cuz i needed my skills with phill fix. Its been a couple months and i didnt know what to do lol. Love your videos man. I still have a couple stickers left, but will be ordering more after i find a place for the ones i still have. Keep up the great work man🤘

  • @onehelewaguy
    @onehelewaguy 5 лет назад +1

    This was a GREAT video on suspension- the syringes with and without the damper was great- awesome to see it in action. I still think LSC is alchemy, but I know something happens when I turn that dial! Anyway, it helped to SEE what happens, not just say it happens. Well done Phil! Keep it up!

  • @Modern_Family
    @Modern_Family 5 лет назад +3

    🤯 Thank you for the detailed video on forks! Love the videos my dude!

  • @sdoobzfishing2308
    @sdoobzfishing2308 5 лет назад

    I love how you go so in depth with the explanation but do it in a way everyone can understand, Great video!

  • @TheBreaded
    @TheBreaded 5 лет назад +2

    This is actually a really good explanation of how shocks work for anything. Good job!

  • @CanIHasThisName
    @CanIHasThisName 5 лет назад

    Wow! Hands down, probably the best explanation video for laymen I've seen to date. So simple, straightforward, yet very informative at.

  • @crrico83
    @crrico83 5 лет назад +2

    I'm a bike mechanic and have tried thousands of times to explain this to people. Brilliant job man. Question though. Who's idea was syringe thing? I’m kind of jealous I didn’t think of it. It’s a perfect way to help people visualize what’s going on.

    • @SkillsWithPhil
      @SkillsWithPhil  5 лет назад +2

      Mine :) I've been had this video idea brewing for a while. And Hailey works in a biology lab. The hardest part was figuring out how to visually demonstrate these things.

    • @crrico83
      @crrico83 5 лет назад

      Skills With Phil absolutely brilliant. I might even set something like this up at the shop for demonstration. Credit for the idea will go directly to you😁

  • @dieseldavedick
    @dieseldavedick 3 года назад

    Appreciate the straight forward explanation, the diagrams make this sooo much easier to understand. Thanks you

  • @ghustavus
    @ghustavus 5 лет назад +1

    Awesome video man! Finally, I understand how the adjustment works properly. Tnx!

  • @maxkeppel3234
    @maxkeppel3234 5 лет назад

    I wish I could hit like on this video more than once. Loved it. I tend to geek out on learning how stuff like this works, and honestly, I'm surprised I never looked all this stuff up until now (I'm an engineering student). Keep up the great work Phil. Would LOVE to see more stuff like this!

  • @Bayplaces
    @Bayplaces 5 лет назад +2

    I've heard a handful of lifelong bike mechanics explain suspension both in person and online. Two of them are at the top in terms of industry recognition. None of them explained it as concisely. Well done Phil. I hope they all just reference your video in the future.

  • @garyblenkinsopp2394
    @garyblenkinsopp2394 4 года назад

    Thought that you did a great job of explaining it Phil. Animation more than adequate to explain a properly nuanced subject. I feel that I will understand suspension for AT LEAST the next hour. I made need to rewatch to consolidate my knowledge (and tweak my suspension adjustments) .Thanks man, good job

  • @JayBirdPhotos
    @JayBirdPhotos 5 лет назад

    Great explanation and animations. Out of all the video's regarding suspension compression and dampening I finally understand it a lot better. Thanks Phil.

  • @brian_simmons_
    @brian_simmons_ 5 лет назад +3

    That was really good Phil, really helps understand it better.

  • @ivzednem
    @ivzednem 5 лет назад

    Just started MTB and I am happy to see a good explanation on how the suspension works! Awesome!

  • @ClintGriffin1
    @ClintGriffin1 5 лет назад +5

    Phil, you continue to amaze me with your awesome ability to explain complex things in easy to understand videos!👨‍🎓📜🧠💥

  • @mtbshredder5719
    @mtbshredder5719 Год назад +1

    one of the best illustrations of how it actually works. Awesome work!

  • @eejjjj82
    @eejjjj82 5 лет назад +3

    Seriously great video man. You should make this a recurring segment, Science with Phil

  • @SPFhealthy
    @SPFhealthy 5 лет назад

    The best suspension video I've seen so far for helping me to understand it. Thank you for all the work you put into this video

  • @eagle3906
    @eagle3906 5 лет назад

    You said on your podcast what you wanted to do regarding these tutorials and you absolutely nailed it. Best suspension video ever.

  • @Cubenga
    @Cubenga 5 лет назад

    Great video! The explanation was really great and easy to understand. Would love to see more of these. And/or more indepth etc

  • @mattmiller5673
    @mattmiller5673 5 лет назад

    Best explanation I have heard and seen. Now I can adjust my suspension and know what I am actually doing, thank you Phil!!!

  • @zanetaylor7
    @zanetaylor7 5 лет назад +1

    Yes Phil! Really really well done. It’s amazing nobody has taken the time to simplify suspension like this. This will get a ton of views over the years, and I hope you get back into making more skills and informative videos. You’re really really good at them.
    And I know you’ve watched a good video on the negative air chamber by... I forgot who. But you commented on it and said it was really good.
    What if you two teamed up on the deeper science behind air chamber tuning? I think I commented this same suggestion on that video.

  • @patdrumm3770
    @patdrumm3770 5 лет назад

    Hey nice job with the animations! I think that simplified it very nicely without being condescending. Thanks Phil!

  • @sapinva
    @sapinva 5 лет назад

    Great explanation, full coverage and yet concise.

  • @MTBTrailRider
    @MTBTrailRider 5 лет назад +28

    I love your explanation on the suspension... but can you help with understanding WHY you would want volume spacers and why you would want to adjust your damper/rebound settings and how they effect your riding? If I have higher PSI in my rear shock, I should have my rebound settings slower... but that's just what I hear. How does that benefit my riding vs having higher psi and faster rebound? How does that effect my riding when I have volume spacers? I suppose I just dont understand what I should be feeling when I am on the trails.

    • @SkillsWithPhil
      @SkillsWithPhil  5 лет назад +47

      Yeah, that something I wanted to put in this video, but it honestly took me forever to do this so I had to scale the scope of the video back a bit.
      The first step of suspension is dialing in your spring rate.
      You do this before adding any compression daping
      Your spring rate basically determines how rebound damping to run.
      So ideally you want ~20-25% sag
      Scenario 1)
      You're a heavy rider and you need 90psi in your fork to get ~25% sag
      You like to send it off big drops, and at 90psi you are constantly bottoming out really harsh many times a run.
      To solve this you'd add a volume reducer and go ride.
      Let's say now, riding the same terrain you're still bottoming out quite a bit.
      Add a 2nd volume reducer and go ride.
      This time, riding the same terrain you're still bottoming out but only 2-3 times per run.
      Now you can add a few clicks of High Speed Rebound.
      Compression Damping is used for fine tuning
      Scenario 2)
      You're a light rider and you need 60psi in your fork to get ~25% sag
      You like to send it off big drops, but even at 60psi but completely unable to bottom your suspension out.
      Check to see if you have any volume reducers installed, if yes remove 1 volume reducer.
      Let's say now, riding the same terrain you're still not bottoming out.
      If you have another volume reducer to remove, do it.
      By this point you should be able to bottom your fork out
      If you still can't bottom your suspension out running the correct sag and no volume reducers,
      Try running a less PSI and little more sag ~30%.
      If you still can bottom out your suspension something is wrong; call Fox, Rockshox, Cane Creek support
      Hopefully this helped a little?

    • @benjaminmarquez7246
      @benjaminmarquez7246 5 лет назад

      @@SkillsWithPhil thanks man you solve me all the doubts I had... great video....

    • @clarkpark
      @clarkpark 5 лет назад +2

      Skills With Phil what about low speed compression? Can you give me a scenario for that.

    • @MTBTrailRider
      @MTBTrailRider 5 лет назад

      Skills With Phil wow! That’s awesome. So much good info. I weigh 185 lbs and when I was bottoming our my forks or shock I was just adding more air... #fail or would just increase the damper. We just had a new jump line built in Chattanooga that’s comparable to the trails in Knoxville - baker creek area - and learning to adjust my suspension settings for jumps too... so much to learn!

    • @muddygirl111
      @muddygirl111 5 лет назад +3

      ​@@clarkpark Phil here (I'm borrowing Hailey's Computer for a second to reply) Low Speed compression is for things that will compress your fork/shock slowly. For example, you're coming to a stop in the parking lot and you pull your front brake. That's going to cause your weight to shift forward and your front end is going to want to dive. That's where low speed compression comes in. If you don't have enough LSC, your front end will dive. If you have your LSC completely maxed out, it'll resist the forces and your front end shouldn't dive nearly as much.

  • @Kejsh22
    @Kejsh22 2 года назад

    This is really a fantastic video. Simple animations are easy to understand so it really helped me. Thanks!

  • @ToshJucker
    @ToshJucker 5 лет назад

    Thanks for the video, and good PUN 😉very informative and easy to understand! Nice job Phil 👍🏻

  • @jakegoss547
    @jakegoss547 Год назад

    Just seeing this now for the first time after a google search for the topic out of curiosity and I gotta say Phil, that is one of the best explanations of sus ever! Always crushing the MTB content dude!

  • @niklask.7333
    @niklask.7333 5 лет назад +3

    Even my english skills are limited, I understood everything. Love the video. Thank you for explanation!

  • @WERTYBD
    @WERTYBD 5 лет назад

    Bro, this is the best suspension video I’ve ever seen. I work in a shop and literally until this video I could not wrap my head around low and high speed compression adjustments.

  • @css2538
    @css2538 4 года назад

    The video I've been looking for. It clearly explained the things that should be explained. Thanks man

  • @mountainman7025
    @mountainman7025 Год назад

    Perfect! Simple explanations + used layman's terms + simplified diagrams = VERY UNDERSTANDABLE.

  • @garykidson
    @garykidson 5 лет назад

    Very clear and concise explanation. Thanks Phil

  • @profesam8457
    @profesam8457 5 лет назад +1

    Don’t depricate your animations. They were terrific. I thought I understood it before but. No. Now I really do. Thanks Phil!

  • @artoutlawphoto
    @artoutlawphoto 5 лет назад +1

    i was thinking about the syringe explanation for a long time. Good work phil. Not even rockshox or fox can explained better

  • @JamesStoup
    @JamesStoup 5 лет назад

    This was a really great video. Definitely the best ELI5 for what the knobs do and control.

  • @bbens999
    @bbens999 4 года назад

    Great video. Thank you! The animation was perfectly sufficient!

  • @Daniel-hh2kh
    @Daniel-hh2kh 5 лет назад

    I have been trying to understand this for ages and this just worked perfectly thanks for all the excellent video's, especially this one

  • @MountainBikePete
    @MountainBikePete 5 лет назад

    Clear and precise! I actually understood that! Made total sense. Thanks Phil!

  • @marcbrigham8569
    @marcbrigham8569 5 лет назад

    I love the animations, it makes its a lot more clearer how it all works...keep up the good work!

  • @danielemperado2492
    @danielemperado2492 5 лет назад

    Awesome video mate! Ive always wondered what making a suspension more progressive meant. Your visuals and explanations helped massively!

  • @totofx
    @totofx 5 лет назад

    Great video like always my favorite mtb channel!!! Keep up the good work!

  • @mattgies
    @mattgies 5 лет назад

    Just started the video and I'm already stoked that you called out the "damper" vs "dampener" issue. Your shock has adjustable damping; if you want to adjust your dampening you should get a fender.
    Edit: Start to finish, an excellent video with great demonstrations and illustrations. Quite possibly the best short primer on how suspension works.

  • @nickrogers6441
    @nickrogers6441 5 лет назад

    Fantastic explanation, knowing what the adjustment actually does, will help you (me) get the shock to do what you want it to. Thanks.

  • @affinitystablepeanuts
    @affinitystablepeanuts 5 лет назад

    Your animation skills are amazing!
    Exactly enough to explain things.
    Thank you for this video.

  • @mattdickey2454
    @mattdickey2454 5 лет назад

    Excellent video, thanks. I would love to see a follow up with you explaining how you like your suspension to feel and how to get it how you like it. I am trying different ways and feel as I am not knowing what to look for.

  • @ChrisCXK
    @ChrisCXK 5 лет назад

    Thanks for the simple explanation! I'm impressed you did the animation, thats awesome!

  • @SaleenS351R
    @SaleenS351R 5 лет назад

    Dude, nice video! Entertaining and gives you a general explanation on how this stuff works.

  • @brianfurtaw7893
    @brianfurtaw7893 5 лет назад

    I like the anvils makes the concept really easy to understand, great job!

  • @jonathanyoung3684
    @jonathanyoung3684 5 лет назад

    Amazing video I learned so much. As an up in coming Bike mechanic. This Really help me understand more about what all of the parts on the suspension do. Thanks again Phil.

  • @robieosborne7369
    @robieosborne7369 5 лет назад

    Dude. This was awesome! It's always felt like trying to figure out the machinations of forbidden magic. Now i get mechanical basics of it all. Im legit pumped rn after watching this!

  • @ZionistInfidel
    @ZionistInfidel 5 лет назад

    Excellent video and production quality here Phil, did a great job of explaining and I feel like I learned something.

  • @hansiwurst7492
    @hansiwurst7492 5 лет назад

    One of the best sus explanations so far! Keep up the good work!

  • @sethjennings1045
    @sethjennings1045 5 лет назад +1

    Great explanation on the different adjustments, I think a good follow up would be going through the processes of dialing each setting. Like when to adjust low speed vs when to adjust high speed

  • @pwduce
    @pwduce 5 лет назад

    Hi Phil, succinct and highly informative. Loads must have gone into that video explanation, big thanks!

  • @alexunlv
    @alexunlv 5 лет назад

    Great video! Very helpful and informative!

  • @garethluke9146
    @garethluke9146 Год назад +1

    After pouring through countless, well the first 90 seconds, of videos on suspension I finally see your clear as glass explanation and application. I second the comment “If you only taught high school science….”
    “Well played sir”.

  • @jinda8897
    @jinda8897 3 года назад

    Been watching a lot of suspension videos and still cannot get how it works but this is so far the best I've seen. I don't know why I'm only seeing this now.

  • @jeffsaraiva7099
    @jeffsaraiva7099 2 года назад

    Well done Phil! I liked your animations and illustrations with syringes. It helped me a lot !!

  • @DavidQuin
    @DavidQuin 5 лет назад

    Awesome work Phil that is the best description of how suspension works I have ever seen, btw love your videos

  • @dominickhillwig8544
    @dominickhillwig8544 5 лет назад +1

    As I slowly learn how to do some of my own bike work suspension is 1 thing I have no idea about, and to avoid being "that guy" who tears my bike apart and messes it up more I don't even consider anything shock related. Thanks for picking this topic Phil

  • @leonchouinard4931
    @leonchouinard4931 Год назад

    Thanks for the video. Very comprehensive 👍🏾

  • @Holotype
    @Holotype 4 года назад

    Phil, this is *really* well done. Hits the fundamentals, clear, concise, doesn't distort facts in an effort to simplify. The only thing I can suggest is slightly lower levels for the background track!

  • @goddielconde
    @goddielconde 4 года назад

    This is so educational! Your animations are on point and relatable.

  • @lrvz7187
    @lrvz7187 5 лет назад

    Those animations are key for an easy understanding for everyone, thanks for the work 👍👍🤘

  • @bacala0
    @bacala0 5 лет назад

    Excellent content Phil! Better explanation than the one I got at engineering school years ago; seriously.

  • @heymaldwyn
    @heymaldwyn 5 лет назад +1

    That was really good actually - makes complete since.
    Can you make a video on the difference between Air/Coil based on the same brand and type like the Fox DPX

  • @thesmf1210
    @thesmf1210 5 лет назад

    pretty much spot on, nice description of things and visual aids, nice one

  • @GeddyRC
    @GeddyRC 5 лет назад

    Really cool video, always wondered what these knobs did!

  • @heymcfly85
    @heymcfly85 5 лет назад

    This video was amazing! Now could you make a video going over the basics of tuning? Like when do I want more or less rebound? What are the symptoms of having too much / too little?

  • @jasonmonk7645
    @jasonmonk7645 4 года назад

    Man, you killed it with this video. The visuals really help. I think a good follow up would be why you'd want to make changes and how does it apply to the trail.

  • @jonoc08
    @jonoc08 5 лет назад

    brilliant video. That was perfect timing as I'm just looking at a DHx2

  • @islandman6427
    @islandman6427 5 лет назад

    Very good explanation. Thank Phil!!

  • @project4funner
    @project4funner 5 лет назад

    By FAR the best suspension video I’ve ever seen!

  • @freendeed8410
    @freendeed8410 5 лет назад

    Great, simple breakdown of the mechanics of suspension control. 💯🤙

  • @chrisfoster3772
    @chrisfoster3772 2 года назад

    Hi I am building up my first full suspension bike. My frame is supposed to arrive vis USPS this afternoon. I just got both of my tubeless tires seated this morning. I will adjust suspension using this video. I love you

  • @m.perfekt3055
    @m.perfekt3055 5 лет назад

    This was awesome! Great content idea and and very well explained, thanks!

  • @lauriemrdjan
    @lauriemrdjan 5 лет назад

    This is an excellent explanation! Thank you!

  • @leonlasic860
    @leonlasic860 5 лет назад

    Just an amazing video and ez to understand. Thx Phil

  • @judylee3031
    @judylee3031 5 лет назад

    This was a pretty sick video Phil! Very informative! 👊👌👍👍👍

  • @mtnerb
    @mtnerb 5 лет назад

    mate that is the best explanations of suspension. thank you for that Phil.