real simple really you dial it either firm or soft for how you want it to react,on its sofest setting its real plush,only firm its almost like riding a hardtail. the only gripe is setting up the sag,its not like a normal shock because the brain doesnt kick in until its being ridden over bumps. i weigh 13st and have 170psi in the shock if it helps,its just trial and error. its a very agile frame which has a really comfatable riding position, not to racey feeling.