What is suspension travel on a mountain bike?
The suspension travel refers to the maximum distance the fork or shock absorber can compress when absorbing an impact. It is measured in millimeters (mm) and defines how much capability the bike has to absorb bumps, roots, rocks, or jumps.
For example, a fork with 120 mm of travel can compress up to that measurement before bottoming out.
Difference between front and rear suspension
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Front suspension: provided by the fork, and is responsible for absorbing impacts coming from the front wheel.
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Rear suspension: present only on full suspension bikes, improves traction and comfort on rough terrain.
How travel influences the bike's behavior
The greater the travel, the more ability the bike has to absorb impacts, but it also loses some pedaling efficiency.
That’s why the ideal travel depends on the type of MTB you practice: shorter for efficiency, longer for control and stability.
Types of suspension on MTB
Front suspension (fork)
This is the most common system. All MTBs, except for some rigid models of gravel or XC, include a front fork with between 80 and 180 mm of travel.
Rear suspension (shock)
Present on full suspension MTBs, it improves comfort and control, especially on descents or very rough terrain.
Hardtail vs full suspension bikes
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Hardtails: only have front suspension. They are lighter, more efficient, and more economical.
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Full suspension: offer greater comfort and traction, but are somewhat heavier and require more maintenance.
How travel influences performance
Control and impact absorption
Longer travel absorbs hard hits better, but can create a feeling of less precision on climbs or flat sections.
Weight and pedaling efficiency
Long travel suspensions add weight and can “sink” more when pedaling, reducing efficiency. Short travel suspensions are stiffer and allow better power transfer.
Comfort on long rides
If you do rides lasting several hours or mixed terrain, a medium travel (120-140 mm) offers the ideal balance between performance and comfort.
Stability on descents
The greater the travel, the more absorption capacity and control on fast or technical descents. That’s why enduro and downhill bikes use suspensions of more than 160 mm.
How much travel you need depending on your MTB discipline
|
Discipline |
Recommended travel |
Type of suspension |
Main characteristics |
|
Cross Country (XC) |
80-120 mm |
Front or lightweight dual suspension |
Lightweight, efficient, and fast uphill. Ideal for competition. |
|
Trail / All Mountain |
120-150 mm |
Dual suspension |
Balance between climbing and descending. Versatile and comfortable. |
|
Enduro |
150-180 mm |
Dual suspension |
Greater control on technical descents. For aggressive riders. |
|
Downhill (DH) |
180-220 mm |
Dual suspension |
Maximum absorption and stability. Designed for extreme descents. |
Tuvalum tip: if you do varied routes and are looking for an “all-round” bike, the 130-150 mm range is the perfect balance point.
How to properly adjust your MTB suspension
Air pressure (SAG)
The SAG is the amount of travel the suspension sinks when you get on the bike.
It should be set to 20-30% of total travel depending on the type of use: less for XC, more for enduro or downhill.
Rebound and compression
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Rebound: controls the speed at which the suspension returns to its original position.
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Compression: regulates how much the suspension stiffens against impacts.
A correct adjustment prevents the bike from “bouncing” too much or sinking excessively.
Adjustments according to weight and riding style
Each brand recommends specific pressures according to the rider's weight. Adjust the fork and shock following the manufacturer's charts and check the pressure frequently.
Suspension maintenance
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Frequent cleaning after every ride.
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Seal inspection every 50 hours of use.
- Complete internal maintenance every 100-150 hours or once a year.
Recommended MTB travel for XC, Trail, Enduro and Downhill
The ideal suspension travel depends on how and where you ride your bike:
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XC: 80-120 mm for lightness and efficiency.
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Trail/All Mountain: 120-150 mm for balance and versatility.
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Enduro: 150-180 mm for control and safety on descents.
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Downhill: more than 180 mm for maximum absorption.
If you're looking for an MTB that can handle all types of terrain, a trail with 130-140 mm of travel is the most versatile option.
At Tuvalum, you'll find mountain bikes inspected, certified, and guaranteed, with all travel ranges and configurations so you can choose the one that best suits your style.