How MTB Suspension Works Explained For Dummies

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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[goozzz]

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

[newttella]

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

[FatGuyBiking]

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!!

[sbw]

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.

[peibikeguy]

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

[skardi]

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

[FDB]

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

[mtbmike]

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

[patrolshreddin]

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 !

[ThisIsGoingDownhill]

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.

[BenNemec]

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

[crrico]

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.

[cliffsangelsphotography]

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!

[churnstyle]

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

[Bayplaces]

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.

[profesam]

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

[garethluke]

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”.

[MTBTrailRider]

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.

[slappdaddy]

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 YouTubers, like yourself - I FINALLY feel as if I have dialed-in a great ride!!! Thanks!

[rupedog]

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