IDEAL Bikes TARGET, Instructions For Use Manual

Page: 62 / 88

SUSPENSION FORK
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40.1 Method of operation and terms
When the suspension is compressed, the corresponding damper rods retract into their
mounts and compress the springs inside the suspension component. When the suspension
is released, the spring inside pushes the damper rods back into their original position.
The spring tension determines the stiffness of the suspension fork under load and the
resistance of the suspension fork to compression.
Hydraulic dampers ensure controlled, adjustable compression. The compression and release
stages of the dampers determine the speed at which the spring compresses or rebounds.
As a general rule:
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The higher the stiffness setting of the damper's compression or release stage, the
more sluggishly the suspension fork moves;
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Conversely, the lower the setting, the more easily/quickly the suspension fork returns
to its original position.
Sag refers to compression of the suspension by the body weight of the rider. The ideal sag
for a suspension fork is usually 15-30% of the total compression distance.
The suspension should compress proportionately to the weight of the cyclist sitting on the
saddle.