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Does your mountain bike fork feel harsh over bumps? Is your suspension bottoming out on drops or packing down in rock gardens? In this comprehensive suspension setup guide, professional bike shop owner and suspension expert Dane Higgins and co-host Josh walks you through the exact process to dial in your MTB suspension settings. Starting with proper sag measurement (the foundation of all suspension tuning), you’ll learn how to use a shock pump, set the correct air pressure for your weight, and understand why sag percentages vary between 120mm XC forks and 180mm DH forks.

Beyond sag, this episode demystifies rebound damping and compression settings that most riders never adjust. Discover why rebound is the second most important adjustment (giving you 90% of optimal performance with just sag and rebound dialed), how to prevent the “pogo stick” feeling from rebound that’s too fast, and when to adjust low-speed versus high-speed compression. Dane shares bike shop secrets about volume spacers, explains why Fox Factory forks might not be right for every rider, and teaches the bracketing technique to systematically find your perfect suspension settings for any trail condition.

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New to mountain biking in 2026? This beginner-focused episode delivers expert guidance on every aspect of starting your mountain bike journey. Learn the key differences between entry-level hardtail bikes (under $1,000) and full suspension options (around $2,000), plus how to determine the right frame size based on your height. Discover why bike shop quality brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, Norco, and Rocky Mountain offer better long-term value than department store alternatives, and get insider tips on buying used bikes safely, including why 2020 or newer models feature better geometry.

Safety and preparation are crucial for new mountain bikers, and this episode covers all the essentials. Find out which protective gear matters most (hint: never skip the helmet), what tools you need at home versus what to carry on the trail, and how hydration packs simplify your ride preparation. The hosts discuss mountain bike-specific shoes that prevent foot numbness, the ongoing debate about padded chamois shorts, and why flat pedals are best for learning. You'll also learn basic trail etiquette, how to find beginner-friendly trails using apps and local bike shops, and why investing in coaching or skills clinics will dramatically improve your riding faster than just winging it.

Bike brands with good entry level options...

Trek: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/

Norco: https://www.norco.com/

Rocky Mountain: https://bikes.com/

Specialized: https://www.specialized.com/us/en

Giant: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us

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Mountain bike enthusiasts get real-world product testing results in this Bike Shop Secrets episode featuring comprehensive reviews of the Norco Optic and Outbound bike lights. Dane provides an 8-month review of his Norco Optic, a unique 125mm travel bike with high pivot suspension design featuring a rearward axle path and idler pulley system. He explains how this unconventional setup delivers exceptional smoothness on technical, rocky terrain while maintaining pedaling efficiency. Josh shares his year-long experience with Outbound Lights' Trail Evo and Hangover models, discussing light quality, durability, mounting systems, and why the cutoff design matters for technical riding.

This episode also serves as your go-to guide for a few mountain bike maintenance and setup questions. Josh and Dane break down the critical importance of tire pressure calibration, revealing why you should always use the same pump and consider a digital gauge for consistency. They tackle suspension troubleshooting, explaining whether cold weather affects shock performance and how to identify normal air loss versus actual leaks. The conversation covers setback seatpost compatibility with modern frames, dropper post limitations, tire wear patterns specific to rocky terrain, and the growing importance of trail bells for hiker safety on multi-use trails.

Norco Optic: https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/optic/

Outbound Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/

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mountaincog@gmail.com