Upgrade Your Bike’s Suspension: Top Brands to Consider

A worn rear shock can be quite dangerous as the bike can bounce and the rear tyre leave the ground. Not great in a corner.

Springs can also sag over time allowing the forks to bottom out which can cause a skid on braking.

You can check the ‘static’ and ‘laden’ sag both ends with the help of a friend. Sometimes you can adjust the spring preload to compensate. Advice is widely available on how to do it.

You can check the rear shock damping simply by pushing the back of the bike down and then releasing it. It should gently come back up without overshooting. If you’ve got adjustable damping, add a couple of clicks to adjust it if you need to.

However, this all does mean your suspension has worn, so consider replacing it. Avoid cheap imports which could make it even worse. 

Take a deep breath and buy a decent aftermarket shock or get yours serviced by 9ne of the established companies – not someone you’ve never heard of. 

We’ve used KTech, Kais, WP (White Power – how did they get away with that!) and Maxton in the past, and there’s always Ohlins if you’re minted.

Any major established European brand should be OK.

Consider also checking your head, swinging arm and wheel bearings while your in your overalls.

It’s like having a new bike.