June 12, 2015, 2:59 a.m. -  Doug Hamilton

#!markdown Great little summary of suspension tuning basics with modern forks and shock. Two things that most riders never adhere to is having their suspension serviced as regularly as recommended by the manufacturer and proper swingarm pivot set up. If you ride hard out all spring, summer and autumn, then your suspension fluid is going to get worked over, cooked and lose it's damping qualities in about 3 to 4 months. How often do you have to oil changed in your car? Every 10000k's, so why ride a whole year or more with out changing suspension fluids? Madness! Take the shock out of your bike, remove the rear wheel, remove the brake and hose and then try cycling the swingarm up and down. Is it smooth and drag free? Probably not. Probably been over tightened in the factory and never been serviced, right? This will rob you of about 30% of your suspensions performance. There's no point trying to tune your suspension if it is hindered by poor build quality or lack of service. If you haven't done this recently on your Nomad Pete, or changed the fluids, I would highly recommend you do. Santa Cruz are one of the worst offenders for having over tightened pivot bearings from the factory and freshly serviced suspension is the best place to start when you want to get things dialled, otherwise you don't really know were you are.