Suspension question

Hi,

So I have an XL Trek Fuel EX9.7 (my first full sus bike) and the suspension is setup for my weight. It’s seemed perfectly fine since I’ve had it, but I recently picked up this medium Merida e160 9000 for the missus and I took it for a spin around the block to test it.

My God, the difference is staggering!

Now, the tires only have half the pressure mine have and the suspension is set up for about 9st, rather than 15st, meaning the shock travel indicator ring was right at the bottom of the shaft when I got back. That being said, I never did feel the bike bottom out and I was bun-hopping it non-stop 🤣

So, my question is this…

Is the amazing experience I had on the Merida simply down to the way the suspension is set up, or is it down to the suspension being much better than on my Trek?

If it’s possible for me to achieve something similar on the Trek, I will 100% do it.

If not, I’ll start saving 🤣

Thanks!