Full-suspension e-MTB
The full-suspension e-MTB is the all-rounder for long tours and steep trails: motor, suspension fork and rear shock. Because of the high weight, the suspension works under more load – so air pressure, SAG and tyre pressure deserve particularly careful setup.
Typical spec
- 29″ or mullet wheels, tyres 2.4–2.6″
- Travel usually 140–170 mm
- Mid-drive motor with a battery of usually 600–900 Wh
- Total weight usually 22–26 kg
Fork and shock: starting values
Air pressure in psi as a starting point – then fine-tune using SAG. The values match our suspension calculator.
| Rider | Fork | Shock |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 58 psi (4.0 bar) | 154 psi (10.6 bar) |
| 70 kg | 67 psi (4.6 bar) | 179 psi (12.3 bar) |
| 80 kg | 76 psi (5.2 bar) | 204 psi (14.1 bar) |
| 90 kg | 86 psi (5.9 bar) | 229 psi (15.8 bar) |
| 100 kg | 95 psi (6.6 bar) | 254 psi (17.5 bar) |
| 110 kg | 104 psi (7.2 bar) | 279 psi (19.2 bar) |
Tyre pressure chart
Starting values in bar (front / rear), tubeless with a trail casing, rider weight including kit.
| Rider | 2.40″ | 2.50″ | 2.60″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.5 / 1.721 / 24 psi | 1.5 / 1.721 / 24 psi | 1.4 / 1.620 / 23 psi |
| 70 kg | 1.6 / 1.823 / 26 psi | 1.6 / 1.823 / 26 psi | 1.5 / 1.722 / 25 psi |
| 80 kg | 1.7 / 1.925 / 28 psi | 1.7 / 1.925 / 28 psi | 1.6 / 1.824 / 27 psi |
| 90 kg | 1.8 / 2.027 / 30 psi | 1.8 / 2.027 / 30 psi | 1.8 / 2.026 / 28 psi |
| 100 kg | 2.0 / 2.228 / 31 psi | 2.0 / 2.228 / 31 psi | 1.9 / 2.127 / 30 psi |
| 110 kg | 2.1 / 2.330 / 33 psi | 2.1 / 2.330 / 33 psi | 2.0 / 2.229 / 32 psi |
Setup tips
- Shock SAG 25–30 %, fork SAG 20–22 % – as on a full-suspension bike without a motor, but with a slightly higher starting pressure.
- Set shock rebound a little slower so the heavy rear does not spring up after drops.
- Reinforced casings or tyre inserts protect against rim strikes at this weight.
- Take service intervals seriously: bearings and seals work harder.
Full-suspension e-MTB: bikes in our database
147 model families with manufacturer data – each with SAG tables and tyre pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What SAG on a full-suspension e-MTB?
The usual values apply here too: 25–30 % at the shock, 20–22 % at the fork. What matters is measuring with all your kit in the riding position.
Why is tyre pressure higher on an e-MTB?
More total weight compresses the tyre more. Slightly higher pressure – about 1.7 bar (25 psi) front and 1.9 bar (28 psi) rear at 80 kg – prevents rim strikes and a vague feel in corners.