How To Adjust Your Front Suspension Fork

Most Magnum Bikes models have a front suspension fork. It’s one of the features that can make a noticeable difference in both control and comfort during a ride.

Many forks are adjustable to accommodate the way you ride as well as your unique body weight. So let’s dive into the parts of an e-bike’s front suspension fork, which Magnum Bikes models feature them, and how to maintain your fork’s performance over time.

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Anatomy Of A Front Suspension Fork

Which Magnum Bikes Models Feature Front Suspension?

E-Bike Front Suspension Fork Care & Maintenance

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Anatomy Of A Front Suspension Fork

• Stanchions: Front suspension forks have telescoping shocks on either side of the front wheel, called stanchions. They absorb force when you hit bumps or potholes or land small jumps. So when you apply pressure on top of your handlebars and really lean in, you’ll notice the forks seem to shrink or get shorter as a result of the telescoping, shock-absorbing action.

• Preload Knob: When standing over your e-bike in the riding position and looking down, you’ll see two knobs on the top of the fork. From that position, the one on your lefthand side is the preload knob. The preload knob controls the stiffness of the fork’s shock absorption. If your fork feels too squishy, just turn the preload knob clockwise (to the right) — this will stiffen the fork, meaning the stanchions telescope less. If it doesn’t feel responsive or squishy enough, turn it counterclockwise (to the left) for more telescoping action and shock absorption.

• Lockout Knob: Along with the preload knob, most Magnum Bikes with front suspension forks feature a lockout knob on the righthand side of the fork. In the Open position, you’ll have full use of your suspension, while the Closed position locks out the suspension for a more rigid ride. You may like to lock out your suspension on flat roads or hills for a smooth ride — just look out for potholes!

  • Compression Lockout Knob: Some models feature a graduated lockout knob called a “compression lockout knob.” This means you can adjust the level of stiffness on your suspension fork, rather than only being able to choose Open or Closed (On or Off).

Which Magnum Bikes Models Feature Front Suspension?

Nearly all Magnum Bikes feature front suspension! Only our Pathfinder series and Payload models do not.

E-Bike Front Suspension Fork Care And Maintenance

Regular riding causes dirt, grime, and oil to build up on your e-bike, including your fork. It’s important to keep your front suspension fork clean for safety and optimal performance.

Here are a few easy steps to keep your fork clean and lubricated:

1. Grab a clean rag and wipe down your stanchions, making sure to clean the rubber seals at the bottom

2. If your fork is particularly dirty, use a mild cleaning solution to remove the grime

3. Once it’s clean, apply just a little bit of a thin e-bike lubricant onto those rubber seals; this keeps your stanchions operating smoothly without friction

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Questions about your front suspension? Contact our customer support team!