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Tune it like TBT

Clicker Tuning

What compression and rebound clickers actually do — and a simple method to dial them without chasing your tail.

The two adjustments

  • Compression damping controls how the suspension resists compressing (going down into a bump/landing). More = firmer, holds the bike up; less = plusher, absorbs more.
  • Rebound damping controls how fast the suspension extends back after compressing. More = slower return; less = faster return.

Many bikes also split compression into low-speed (small, slow bumps — braking bumps, chop) and high-speed (big, fast hits — square edges, landings). "Speed" means shaft speed, not how fast you're riding.

Clicks vs turns

  • Low-speed compression and rebound are counted in clicks (whole detents). Turn the adjuster all the way in (fully firm), then out to your setting, counting clicks.
  • High-speed compression is usually counted in turns (often 1.5–2.5).
💡 Write down your baseline (clicks/turns out from full-in) for fork and shock before you touch anything. If you get lost, you can always return to a known setting.

The method

  1. Set sag first — clickers can't fix a balance problem. (See Sag Setup 101.)
  2. Start from your baseline. Change one thing at a time, one end of the bike at a time.
  3. Make small changes — 1–2 clicks. Ride the same section of track/trail and feel the difference before changing more.
  4. Chase the feel, not the number. If a change makes it worse, go back and try the other direction.

Symptom → adjustment

What you feel Try
Harsh on small bumps / braking chop Soften low-speed compression (out 1–2)
Bottoming on big hits / landings Firm high-speed compression (in ¼–½ turn), check sag/spring
Front pushes / knifes in corners Balance issue — check sag, then rebound
Rear kicks up / packs down in whoops Rebound too slow — speed it up (out 1–2)
Bike feels lazy / wallows, rebounds slow Rebound too slow (out) — front and/or rear
Rear steps out / feels nervous over chop Rebound too fast — slow it down (in 1–2)
⚠ These are starting directions, not gospel — the same symptom can have different causes (spring rate, sag, oil, worn parts). If small clicker moves aren't fixing it, the problem is deeper than clickers.

When clickers run out of road

If you're near the ends of the adjustment range (fully in or fully out) and still not happy, the valving or spring rate is wrong for you. That's the line between a home clicker tune and a TBT revalve — we change what the clickers can't reach.

Want it done right — or done for you? Bring it to TBT and we'll dial it in.

Book a Service More Guides

General guidance from TBT Racing. Every bike, spring rate, and rider is different — when in doubt, or for a fully dialed setup, have TBT do it. Work on suspension at your own risk; components are under pressure.