Fork and shock bottom out

Stu 74

Just wondering, what happens if your forks or rear shock reach the end of their travel after taking a big hit? Does this damage the forks or shock? What does it feel like if this happens when riding?

Cheers

Stu

Big Red S

They're designed with it in mind.
There is a bumper designed as a last resort (you can see it on coil shocks, it's a cone-shaped ring of rubber round the shaft) and that basically dissipates the energy.

It feels like the suspension suddenly ending, sometimes with a 'thunk' to go with it.

Stu 74

Cheers

Stu

wwjjtt

you don't wanna be hitting the bump stop to hard though. you might need a harder spring or more air in them if they are air preload.

Spoony Man

as long as it's not slamming hard i believe if your shock/forks are set properly (for DH/FR bikes anyhows) your fork/shock should bottom out gently once or twice every ride - otherwise you might as well have less travel!