Bottoming out happens when a bike’s suspension reaches the very end of its travel. This occurs when you hit a large bump or land a jump too hard. The fork or rear shock compresses completely until it cannot move any further.
You will often feel a harsh thud or a metallic clunk when this happens. It means the impact was too great for the current air pressure or spring settings. Doing this occasionally is normal, but frequent bottoming out can damage your bike’s expensive components.
To fix it, riders usually add more air to their suspension or adjust the settings. It serves as a physical sign that you are pushing the limits of your equipment.
For example, a mountain biker lands a big drop and feels their front fork bottom out with a loud bang. They realize they need to add five pounds of air to the shock to handle that specific trail. It is a clear signal from the bike to adjust your setup for the terrain.
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