Are you an adventurer type of person? Do you like going biking especially off-road? Full suspension electric mountain bike would be the best choice. These bikes are able to provide a smooth and more comfortable ride on rough terrain. They are designed to absorb everything the rough surface throws at them, giving the rider a superb riding experience.

Now, for you to get the most out of the electric bike, you have to set it up correctly, failure to which will comprise your riding experience. The proper setup will not only improve your riding experience, but it will also ensure that the bikes become more efficient and also helps to prevent damage. But how can you ensure that you set it up the right way?

In this article, we will take you through the various steps of setting up a full suspension electric MTB, right from the beginning to testing it out. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, this guide will help you get the most out of your bike;

What are the components of a full suspension electric mountain bike?

Before we get to understand how you can set up a full suspension electric mountain bike, you first need to understand what makes up the bike – or basically, the components of a full suspension ebike. This will give you a better understanding of the bike you are about to start setting up. So, the components of the bike are as follows;

• The frame – this is the backbone of an electric bike as it holds all the other components together in place. The frame is made of aluminium, carbon fiber, or a combination of both.
• Suspension – the suspension system on this bike comes with both the front and rear wheels, and they help in absorbing bumps, which, in turn, results in a more comfortable ride. The suspension system is usually adjustable, where it allows for customization to fit the rider’s weight and riding style.
• The motor – this is the power source for the bike, and it provides peddling assistance to the rider. It is usually located at the bottom bracket or rear wheel hub.
• Battery – this is what is used to store energy for the motor and you can find it on the down tube or top tube of the frame
• Controller – this is the component that manages the power flow between the battery and the motor. You will find it on the handlebars of your bike
• The drivetrain – these are a bunch of components that includes gears, shifters, pedals, chain, and cranks. The drivetrain basically helps in transferring power from the rider to the wheels.
• Brakes – the bikes come with either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, which are very efficient when you want to stop.
• Wheels and tires – these are the contact points between the bike and the ground. The wheels are made of aluminium and are perfect for off-road use
• Handlebars and stem – these are the components that control the direction of the e-bike. You can usually adjust them to fit your preferred riding position.
• Seat and Seatpost – this is where the rider sits when riding. They are also adjustable to fit your height.

How to set up a full suspension electric mountain bike?

Now that you know the components that make up a full suspension electric mountain bike, here is how you can set up the bike for the best riding experience;

• The air pressure – you need to check and adjust the air pressure both on the front and rear shock and ensure that it matches your weight and riding style. The air pressure does affect how a bike handles on rough terrain, where a higher pressure will give you a firmer ride, and lower pressure will provide more comfort and control.
• The sag – the sag is the amount of compression in the suspension system when you are seated on the bike in a normal riding position. You need to ensure that you set the sag correctly so as to ensure better handling and that the bike doesn’t bottom out. Ideally, the sag should be about 20-30% on both the front and rear suspension. So, you can add or remove air from the shocks or adjust the preload to ensure you achieve the right amount of sag.
• Rebound damping – this is what controls the speed at which the suspension system compresses and rebounds. Now, when making adjustments, keep in mind that a slower rebound keeps the bike stable and prevents it from bouncing around, while a faster rebound will make the bike feel more responsive and lively. So, you can set it in the middle and can be adjusted from there based on your preferences and riding style.
• Preload – this is the tension on the spring before you get on the bike. So, when you make adjustments, you can either make the suspension softer or stiffer, and this will have a major impact on the bike’s handling on rough terrain. Make sure you balance the preload for a more comfortable ride.
• Handlebars and seat height – when it comes to adjusting your handlebars and seat height, it all comes down to your individual preference. Just make sure that the handlebars are at a comfortable height and that the seat is at a height that would allow you to pedal comfortably.
• The brakes and gears – you also need to check the brakes and gears to ensure that they are functioning as they should and make necessary adjustments if needed. In the end, the brakes should have enough stopping power, and the gears should be able to shift quite smoothly.
• Go for the test ride – once all the necessary adjustments have been made, you can take the e-bike for a test ride just to see how it feels and rides. If there are any adjustments that you need to make for a better riding experience, just do them. In the end, you need to ensure that you are satisfied with everything.

Remember, if you feel you can’t make all these adjustments by yourself, you can always seek assistance from a professional who will ensure that everything on the bike is properly set for a thrilling riding experience.