Regular maintenance of your mountain bike's suspension components is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Leading manufacturers like RockShox, Fox, and DVO provide specific service interval recommendations for their forks and shocks. Here's a breakdown to help you keep your ride smooth and responsive:
RockShox:
- Front Suspension:
- Every 50 hours of riding: Perform a lower leg service, which includes cleaning and inspecting the lower legs and replacing the bath oil.
- Every 100 hours: Service the lower legs, air/coil spring, and damper cartridge.
- Every 200 hours: Repeat the comprehensive service of lower legs, air/coil spring, and damper cartridge.
- Rear Suspension (Shocks):
- Every 50 hours: Conduct an air can service, focusing on cleaning and lubricating the air canister.
- Every 100 hours: Service both the air can and damper for models like Monarch/Monarch Plus, Vivid, and Kage.
- Every 200 hours: Perform a full service on the air can and damper for Deluxe/Super Deluxe models.
Fox:
- Forks and Shocks:
- After every ride: Clean the exterior with mild soap and water; avoid using solvents or high-pressure water.
- Every 30 hours of riding: Inspect and clean dust wipers, bushings, and other external components.
- Every 100 hours or annually (whichever comes first): Perform a full service, including oil changes, damper servicing, and air spring maintenance.
DVO Suspension:
- Forks and Shocks:
- After every ride: Clean stanchion tubes and check air pressure.
- Every 25 hours: Inspect torque settings to ensure all components are secure.
- Every 100 hours: Service both the air spring and damper unit to maintain optimal performance.
Additional Tips:
- Riding Conditions: If you frequently ride in harsh environments—such as wet, muddy, or dusty trails—consider servicing your suspension more frequently than the standard intervals.
- Adhering to these service intervals not only enhances your bike's performance but also extends the lifespan of your suspension components, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
- For more detailed information, refer to the official service guides provided by each manufacturer:
- RockShox Service Intervals: support.rockshox.com
- Fox Service Intervals: tech.ridefox.com
- DVO Suspension Service Intervals: tech.dvosuspension.com