How often should you service your mountain bike suspension?

You’re out on the trails, shredding away, and you notice that your bike’s squish doesn’t feel the way it usually does. Or maybe when you’re washing it off after a ride, you notice that the fork or stanchion seems kind of dry. Then you think, “Hm, it’s been feeling ‘off” the past few rides.” When was the last time you had your suspension serviced, like, really serviced, as in, taking it apart, changing the bath oil, and replacing any worn or damaged O-rings? So, how often should you service your mountain bike suspension?

Fortunately, FOX and Rockshox (as well as other manufacturers) offer guidance on how frequently their forks and shocks require service. Keep in mind that the following service intervals are recommended–there are many additional variables that can affect the frequency of service for your suspension. How you ride, the type of components your bike has, the conditions in which you ride, and the terrain you ride on will all affect your bike’s suspension and its maintenance needs. Heavier demand on your bike’s equipment requires more frequent service, too.

Easy maintenance you can do at home

You may already be in the habit of thoroughly washing your bike after each ride. A few additional steps will go a long way to maintain optimal suspension performance. Wash the exterior surfaces of the fork and shock, including the stanchions and seals, with mild, soapy water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Indications that it’s time to bring it in for service 

There are some things that will alert you to the need for suspension service. For example, if your normally slightly greasy fork seems dry, that is definitely an indicator of the need for thorough servicing. If your fork or shock doesn’t have the bump sensitivity you’re used to, it needs to be checked out. When your fork or shock is losing a lot of air or oil, take it in for service right away. If your bike has rear air shocks that make bubbling noises or if there is almost no action in the rebound adjustment, again, bring it in for service as soon as you can.

What does fork and shock service include?

Our experienced bicycle technicians will disassemble your fork and/or rear shock. Next, all parts will be thoroughly cleaned. O-rings and seals will be replaced. Oil will be removed and replaced as recommended. Then, the fork and/or shock will be reassembled and re-installed on your mountain bike. We’ll set the air pressure, sag, and rebound to the factory recommendations (or to your preferences). And finally, we’ll test ride it.

Check out our video compilation documenting the process of Level 2 service on a Rockshox Judy Silver suspension fork.

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FOX Service Intervals

According to FOX, the following service intervals are recommended for FOX suspension forks and rear shocks. Since these are basic recommendations, your components may require service more frequently if your bike is under greater than typical demand and usage.

Air Spring Fork

30 hours of ride time

• Inspect dropout thickness (9mm)
• Inspect bushings
• Change oil in lower legs
• Change FLOAT fluid in FLOAT forks

100 hours of ride time or 1 year (whichever comes first)

• Change FLOAT fluid in FLOAT forks
• Service damper

Rear Shock

30 hours of ride time

• Air sleeve maintenance
• Clean and inspect bushings and reducers

100 hours of ride time or 1 year (whichever comes first)

• Suspension fluid service

Rockshox Service Intervals

Suspension Fork

50 hours of ride time

• Lower leg service

100 hours of ride time

• Damper and spring service

Rear Shock

50 hours of ride time

• Air can service

100 hours of ride time

• Damper and air can service

Suspension Fork and Shock Service at Bikes Palm Beach

If you have not been servicing your suspension system on a regular schedule, no problem. There’s no better time to get started than today. There’s no appointment necessary and our service package pricing is straightforward.

Bring your mountain bike in and our talented bicycle technicians will have you ready to roll out on to the trails again in no time.