Why does "Suspension bottoms on drops and big hits" happen?

The most common causes are: High-speed compression, High-speed compression, Sag. Check them in this order; it is often the setup, sometimes the technique.

All symptoms

Suspension bottoms on drops and big hits

When your bike shows "Suspension bottoms on drops and big hits", these are the most likely causes - ranked by relevance: High-speed compression, High-speed compression, Sag. LAISA separates setup causes (adjusters, components) from riding technique.

Short answer for this problem

Recommended starting point: Check first: Fork: High-speed compression
Most important change: Smallest documented change: 1 click - clicks out from fully closed
Why: The fork high-speed compression is too soft - add some to stop it bottoming on big hits.
How to test it: Read the current value off the bike and compare it with the recommended one. Write it down before you change anything.
Source: LAISA diagnosis catalogue, drafted automatically and editorially released Methodology →
Last reviewed: No review date documented

Pick your bike to apply the fixes directly →

The order comes from the stored strength of the symptom-cause link in the catalogue - per symptom, not across symptoms. These are not probabilities and not measurements.

Suspension

Fork: High-speed compressionCheck first

Why this could fit: The fork high-speed compression is too soft - add some to stop it bottoming on big hits.

How to check it: Read the current value off the bike and compare it with the recommended one. Write it down before you change anything.

Smallest change: 1 click - clicks out from fully closed

Shock: High-speed compressionCheck first

Why this could fit: The shock high-speed compression is too soft - add some to control drops and square hits.

How to check it: Read the current value off the bike and compare it with the recommended one. Write it down before you change anything.

Smallest change: 0.25 clicks - clicks out from fully closed

Shock: SagCheck next

Why this could fit: Too much sag uses up usable travel - set sag correctly before touching clickers.

How to check it: Read the current value off the bike and compare it with the recommended one. Write it down before you change anything.

Smallest change: 1 mm - loaded, rider in gear

Shock: Spring rateCheck next

Why this could fit: The spring is too soft for your weight (plus luggage) - check sag and spring rate.

How to check it: Read the current value off the bike and compare it with the recommended one. Write it down before you change anything.

Smallest change: 1 N/mm

How to set your sag →

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Related symptoms

Arm pump after a few laps Engine stalls in tight technical sections Fork harsh on small roots and braking bumps Front deflects off roots and rocks

A starting point to verify on the bike - not a safety guarantee. Change one thing at a time and check on track.