Wet/Winter suspension set-up

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harandre
Posts
12
Joined
6/9/2015
Location
DE
I've been riding in winter conditions (wet, cold, snow) yesterday for the first time this year. I think my suspension might need a service anyway, but as the suspension felt super-slow I was wondering what are the general guidlines for a wet/winter set up?
My thinking was the following compared to a base setting:
Warm and wet make it softer and a little slower for more grip and stability.
Cold and dry make it faster to allow the thicker oil to flow through the circuits more easily.
Cold and wet make it softer and faster for more grip and better oil flow.

Any other factors that I'm missing?
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bturman
Posts
2102
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Durango, CO US
11/15/2017 10:49am
Cold temperatures can constrict the seals in your suspension and create added friction. Low ambient temperatures also affect the flow characteristics of suspension oils. As you decrease temperature, the viscosity increases, meaning it flows slower. This makes your compression damping feel harsh and rebound feel slow.

Compared to a typical warm weather setup, many riders will back off compression damping and quicken rebound damping for the best performance in the cold. Some go so far as to change out oils for improved feel.

Softening your suspension settings (compression/spring rate) in wet conditions will often improve traction by reducing deflection of slimy rocks/roots.

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