Suspension Service Interval Recommendations
Suspension is one of the most important components of the modern mountain bike. To keep it performing at its best, regular maintenance is key—whether at home or in the shop. Suspension performance degrades gradually, making it hard to detect how much has been lost.
If you wait until performance is noticeably diminished, it often means you've waited too long and your suspension could have expensive internal damage. We recommend suspension service be done proactively, on an interval of approximately 100-150 hours of ride time. You don't wait until your engine runs funny to change your oil, do you?
Here's a breakdown of our general recommendations for suspension service:
After every ride
Clean exterior (mainly stanchion tubes and dust wipers) with a micro-fiber towel and a small amount of rubbing alcohol, then wipe dry with a soft towel.
FYI...dust wipers do not prevent dirt from going into your fork oil...they just slow the process, so by wiping down your stanchions after each ride you are helping those wipers!
Regularly
Check sag and damper settings. Inspect your fork and shock for visual damage and function of all controls.
Air leaks out slowly over time...if you change altitude your air pressure changes. Temperatures also change air pressure...buy a shock pump and keep those settings in check!
For best performance
Follow an interval of a full suspension overhaul every 50-60 hours. Twice a year if you are a year round rider...May/October.
At minimum every 1 year or 125 hours of riding
Full Fork and shock service, including:
Complete disassembly, cleaning, and inspection of internal and external components to assess for damage
Full air spring and damper rebuild, replacing all air spring and damper oils and seals
Stretch
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Warmth
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Water resistance
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