best settings for sand

[catch22]

l am entering an enduro event that has a lot of sand in it , l've never ridden on sand before so any set up tips would be helpful ,

[iancp5]

Originally Posted by catch22

l am entering an enduro event that has a lot of sand in it , l've never ridden on sand before so any set up tips would be helpful ,

That's difficult unless it's all sand. I'd leave it as standard. I think sand is better with a harder setup particular on the front but that would mean if you have sections over roots and stuff it'll be ugly. When I race down in Hampshire which is sandy mixed terrain I don't change the suspension. Enduro setup is a compromise because the terrain varies so much in a lap.

[MikeB]

I have spent lots of time at the Silver Lake Sand dunes in Michigain and even more time at my current dunes, the Saint Anthony sand dunes in Idaho. Sand dunes are a shocker for even the best rider. The big thing is use a stablizer and expect a lot of shake. The faster you go through the sand the less the trail rides you. It sucks you power so keep it on the top end. I dont know exactly what kind of sand you are expecting but it will be a good race. Get a new tire that has a paddle effect. Any good mud tire will work.

Just hit it hard. Good luck!!

MIKEB

[Loosenut]

I grew up riding in Florida sugar sand, so here is what works for me. If I'm setting up for a fast sand event I will run more compression damping. On my '00 EC 300 I would generally run the forks 4 clicks stiffer and the shock 2 clicks stiffer. Fast sand usually means big fast whoops. I run enduros exclusively anymore, so I tune along the way at resets and free times.

In slower sand events, or events that are less than 15% sand my suspension is tuned to my normal clicker settings.

As for riding the event. The sand is the best brake you have. The front brake is only to be feathered in deep sand. You can stuff it into a turn and bleed off most of your momentum. I try to be on the gas just before I start any turn in deep sand. I keeps the bike's front end from diving. The inside line in turns is rarely the fastest.

Mike Baxter

[cladoo]

You may want to up the MJ size a couple larger sizes as sand makes the engine work harder and in the upper revs more. I grew up riding many sand tracks and the faster you go the better it is. Always search they outside edge of the trail, as it it usually smoother.
Claude

[iancp5]

What event are you talking about?
If it's the Natterjack there isn't really that much sand it's mostly the special test and I wouldn't setup for that unless you are really on for a championship place - it's what about 10 minutes total out of 5-6 hours? The going is sandy but not deep soft sand and there are plenty of roots and rocks in places. For Natterjack if you setup for anything I'd do it for those endless damn whoops!