A mountain bike suspension fork needs regular cleaning and servicing to continue operating optimally without causing damage. If done correctly, your fork should last the life time of the bike. Here’s a guide on when you should be servicing your fork and what signs of wear to look out for.
In South Africa, we ride for all 12 months of the year, where in Europe and America they tend to have a six month season. Our conditions are also very rough, dusty, and sometimes muddy. This means that regular service intervals are vital to avoid damaging your fork.
If you ride your bike three times a week, Fox South Africa suggests that you have it serviced every four months (three times a year).
The recommended service intervals for a new fork:
- A new fork will require it’s first service after four months, this will be an on the quick bike service to clean the lowers.
- The second service after 8 months will see the wiper seals replaced.
- After the forks first year, the fork will be stripped down, with new oil and lube applied.
Had a proper fork before (read ROCKSHOX) and only serviced once a year with no issues.
now I have a fox and the thing needs a service every 6 months and despite this has shown wear on the stanchions.
Fox is way to lightweight (not in the good sense) for SA conditions as it must spend more time with the agents than actually being ridden.