MTB Rebound Calculator

Find your starting rebound clicks for fork and rear shock. Based on Fox and RockShox setup manuals.

8clicks from closed
Adjustment range: 6–10 clicks
Medium rebound — all-round starting point
Turn OUT (counterclockwise) to open rebound (faster return) · Turn IN (clockwise) to close (slower return)
⚠ For reference only. Rebound is highly personal — these are starting points from manufacturer manuals. Test on familiar terrain and adjust one click at a time. Too fast rebound bucks the rider; too slow packs down over repeated bumps.

Sources: Fox Owner's Manuals and RockShox Suspension Setup Guide

How it works

Rebound Damping — Controlling Spring Return

Rebound controls how quickly the suspension returns to its extended position after compression. A spring returns instantly without damping — the damper slows this return. Correct rebound gives the tyre time to find traction before the next bump without holding the suspension down (packing).

Clicks are counted from fully closed (maximum rebound damping, slowest return). Turning the dial OUT (counterclockwise) opens the rebound circuit and speeds up return.

Frequently asked questions

How many rebound clicks do most trail riders use?

Most trail riders end up between 6–12 clicks from fully closed for fork rebound, depending on weight and travel. Lighter riders (under 65kg) typically use 8–10 clicks. Heavier riders (over 85kg) tend toward 5–8 clicks for faster rebound to prevent packing.

What is "packing" in suspension?

Packing occurs when rebound is too slow — the suspension cannot return fully between bumps and progressively compresses deeper into its travel. You lose the ability to absorb large hits. Signs: suspension feels harsh after a rough section, bike sits lower than normal mid-ride.

Should fork and shock rebound be the same?

Not necessarily. Fork rebound affects handling and steering traction; shock rebound affects rear grip and body position. Many riders run the shock 1–2 clicks faster (less damping) than the fork so the rear tracks the ground more actively on climbs and technical terrain.

Does terrain type change the ideal rebound?

Yes. Rough, choppy terrain (rock gardens, roots) benefits from faster rebound so the suspension recovers between impacts. Smooth flow trails with big jumps benefit from slightly slower rebound to prevent the front end from kicking up on landings.

What does the high-speed rebound adjuster do?

Some high-end forks and shocks (Fox Factory, RockShox Ultimate) have a separate HSR (High Speed Rebound) adjuster for very fast extension events like drops and large compressions. This is separate from the main rebound dial which controls low-speed rebound.

How does temperature affect rebound?

Cold weather thickens damper oil, slowing rebound. If you ride in temperatures below 5°C, you may need to open rebound by 1–2 clicks compared to warm-weather settings. Fox and RockShox use temperature-stable oils in their Factory-level products to reduce this effect.

What is the "flick test" for rebound?

Hold the bike by the saddle, lift the rear 10cm and drop it. Watch how the rear shock rebounds. Correct: returns smoothly to full extension in one movement. Too fast: bounces back up past full extension. Too slow: returns noticeably slower than the drop speed.

Can wrong rebound damage my suspension?

Incorrect rebound does not directly damage suspension internals. However, very fast rebound can cause harsh handling and loss of control, while very slow rebound causes packing which puts repeated stress on the air spring. Staying within the manufacturer's click range (usually 0–20 clicks) prevents any mechanical issues.