Every fork and shock ships with a “stock tune” — a shim stack configuration built to work reasonably well for an average rider on average terrain. The problem is, almost nobody is exactly average. That’s where custom valving comes in — a step beyond what most searches for suspension tuning near me turn up.
What custom valving actually changes
Inside your damper, a stack of thin metal shims controls oil flow, which controls how your suspension resists compression and rebound at different speeds and forces. Custom valving means re-configuring that shim stack specifically for your weight, riding style, and terrain — rather than the generic setup it left the factory with.
Signs a stock tune might be holding you back
- You feel under-damped (too soft, wallowy, or diving through the travel) even with adjusters maxed out
- You feel over-damped (harsh, unable to use full travel) even with adjusters backed all the way off
- You’re significantly heavier or lighter than the “average” rider the stock tune was built around
- You’ve changed riding disciplines (e.g., moved from trail riding into more aggressive enduro terrain) and your suspension hasn’t kept up
Who benefits most
Custom valving tends to make the biggest difference for riders who are already dialed in on the basics — sag, rebound, and air pressure are set correctly, but something still feels “off” no matter how you adjust the external knobs. If external adjustments have hit their limit and you’re still not happy, that’s usually a valving conversation, not a setup one.
Custom valving is priced per fork or shock — it’s a call-for-quote service since the cost depends on the model and how much shim work it needs, unlike our flat-rate Factory Rebuilds. If you’re not sure whether you need a full custom tune or just a rebuild, that’s exactly what the initial call sorts out.
How it’s different from an on-trail setup
An on-trail Suspension Setup at Santiago Oaks dials in your external adjustments (sag, rebound, compression) based on real-time feedback. Custom valving goes a level deeper — physically changing the internal damping characteristics when external adjustment alone isn’t enough.
Curious if custom valving is right for your setup? Give us a call — we can usually tell after a quick conversation about what you’re feeling on the trail. Have other questions? See our FAQ.
Verified on the dyno, not by feel
Every custom valving job goes on our LABA7 suspension dyno before it goes back on your bike. We measure the shim stack’s actual compression and rebound force curves across the full speed range, so we can confirm the change did what it was supposed to — not just tell you it should feel different. For riders who want the tune matched to real trail data, we also use BYB Telemetry to see how your fork or shock is actually moving on your terrain, not just on a bench.
That’s the gap between a shop that adjusts a few clicks and a suspension tuner who can show you a before-and-after curve. A custom mtb tune from ST Tuned isn’t a guess — it’s a measured result.
🛠️ Gear We Recommend
- Crank Bros Multi-Tool: for the pocket
- Park Tools bike maintenance stand
- Suggested reading: Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
See you on the trail!
Disclosure: ST Tuned may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
