How do you choose the right Absorbent setup for your sport?

When it comes to mountain bike suspension, many riders are always looking for the perfect setup. However, there is no single configuration that suits every rider and every type of riding.

A setup designed for XC won’t feel the same as one designed for enduro or downhill. Comfort, grip, support and even the fork’s responsiveness vary greatly depending on how the suspension is set up.

Absorbent was developed precisely to meet this need for customisation. Thanks to its different foam densities, the system allows you to create a bespoke setup for your MTB suspension, tailored to your riding style and the feel you’re looking for.

Why the setup completely changes the feel

With Absorbent, the suspension behaviour can vary significantly depending on the configuration selected.

Softer foam provides greater comfort and sensitivity, whilst a firmer density offers more support and stability when riding. This ability to adjust allows you to experience very different sensations with the same fork.

Unlike traditional rigid tokens, Absorbent allows for a more gradual and natural control of compression thanks to the flow of air through the foam. The result is a smoother, more consistent suspension that is, above all, far more customisable to suit your riding style.

What is the difference between the different densities of Absorbent?

The Absorbent system is based on foam of varying densities, each offering a specific suspension characteristic.

The softest foams prioritise comfort and sensitivity. The fork becomes more responsive to small bumps, filters out vibrations more effectively and significantly improves grip. This type of setup is particularly popular on rough terrain or during long rides where comfort is a key consideration.

Conversely, firmer settings increase the perceived stability and hydraulic support. The suspension remains higher in its travel and offers greater stability during heavy loading, hard braking or aggressive cornering.

Between these two extremes, Absorbent offers several intermediate settings that allow you to fine-tune the fork’s performance with great precision.

In total, the system offers 7 different settings, which opens up a wide range of adjustment options depending on the desired feel.

The aim is not simply to make the suspension softer or firmer, but to strike the right balance between:

• comfort,
• grip,
• progressive,
• maintain,
• and handling precision.

Which configuration suits your needs?

Whether riding XC or marathon, riders generally look for a bike that is responsive, precise and efficient to pedal. Softer to medium-stiffness setups often improve comfort and terrain feel whilst maintaining good efficiency over long distances.

Whether you’re trail running or all-mountain biking, the aim is often to strike a balance between comfort, grip and support. Medium-density foams are particularly useful for these activities, as they allow for responsive suspension without compromising stability as the pace picks up.

Whether you’re riding enduro or downhill, the requirements are different again. The terrain is more demanding, the impacts are harder, and the pressure on the suspension is much greater. Firmer setups therefore provide greater support and control, whilst offering better progressive response than traditional tokens.

With e-MTBs, the bike’s extra weight also affects the suspension’s performance. A stiffer setup often results in a more stable and precise bike, particularly on technical sections.

Tune your suspension to suit your riding style

One of the major advantages of Absorbent is that it allows you to easily adjust the behaviour of your suspension.

If you find your fork feels too stiff over small bumps, a softer density will improve comfort and grip. Conversely, if you’re looking for more support on climbs or fast sections, a firmer foam will provide a more stable and precise ride.

This option for gradual adjustment allows you to create a setup that is truly tailored to your preferences, without having to completely overhaul your suspension.

As you go through the tests, you can fine-tune your feel for the bike to make it feel more natural, more consistent and more enjoyable to ride.

Choosing the right configuration with the Absorbent team

Choosing the right configuration can seem complicated when you’re first getting to grips with the system.

That’s why the Absorbent team helps riders choose the right setup based on their riding style, expectations and the feel they’re looking for.

Developed using JRS Racing’s practical expertise, the system has been designed to make a more precise and customisable approach to MTB suspension accessible to everyone.

Discover the Absorbent packs and find the right set-up for your needs.