BIKE: For motorbikes, regular servicing of the suspension fork is a matter of course. For mountain bikers, it's more like: You can do it, but you don't have to.
That's right. There may be several reasons for this. Users of vehicles with an engine automatically associate this with a service. We know this from car inspections. Many people think of bicycles: It needs air in the tyres and oil on the chain - that's it! But of course that's not the case, especially not with the bikes we're talking about. Modern mountain bikes are highly technical sports equipment.
Suspension fork and shock manufacturers specify a certain number of operating hours before a service is due. As a mountain biker, how am I supposed to measure this and keep a logbook?
We specify 125 operating hours or one year of use for suspension forks and shocks. This is a rough average, because it is clear that conditions such as mud and dust put a lot of strain on suspension forks and shocks. It is best to send the fork and shock in after the season or have them serviced by your dealer.
Your competitor Rockshox specifies a significantly higher number of operating hours until the service should take place. Are Fox suspension elements more susceptible to maintenance?
No, that's a myth. But the communicated number of operating hours is up to you.
Some people claim that the specified service cycles are far too short. After all, these services for suspension forks and MTB shocks are also economically lucrative for manufacturers.
The fact is that dust and mud penetrate the suspension elements over time. This has consequences for the material and the performance. We are interested in ensuring that the customer can experience the maximum performance of our suspension elements. We can only guarantee this with regular servicing. I'm sure that anyone who has ever pushed on a freshly serviced fork will feel the difference. You don't have to be an expert to do this.
I doubt that most mountain bikers feel the drop in performance so clearly. It is also a gradual process. There is also no direct comparison.
We receive many letters from customers who are very aware of this and are keen to get the most out of their suspension elements. The demand for our service is increasing. Many also want to retain the value of their suspension elements. Another reason in favour of the service.
How much revenue does Fox make from servicing the suspension elements?
As a matter of principle, we do not communicate business figures such as these.
What happens if I decide against the recommendation and only send my suspension fork in for servicing after two or three years?
I cannot give a generalised analysis. What is certain is that the seals and oil are sealed if the products have been in use for three years. This means that the performance of the suspension element is no longer comparable with that of a serviced suspension fork or an inspected shock absorber. In extreme cases, damage can occur, e.g. to the stanchions. Replacing these would then be considerably more expensive.
Many hobby mechanics carry out the small suspension fork service themselves. Do you see this as a problem?
No, if the person knows what they are doing and finds out how to carry out the service correctly. You need the right tools and the will to familiarise yourself. It is important that our seals and oil are used. This does not invalidate the warranty. By the way: There are service tutorials on our homepage.
Is the warranty still valid if I have the major service carried out by a third party?
The same applies here: Our service kit and Fox fork oil must be used. And it must be carried out professionally. However, tuning may invalidate the warranty.
What advice do you have for mountain bikers: What is the best way to look after the suspension fork and shock on my MTB bike?
Steam jets are poison for all moving parts. For the spring elements as well as the bearings. The nozzles of the steam jet atomise water droplets so finely that they get into all the gaps. Added to this is the enormous pressure of the steam jet. Anyone who has ever touched the sealing lip of a suspension fork with their fingernail knows how soft it is.
In short: It is best to spray with a garden hose. Also, never hold it directly on the seals. If you only have a steam jet, it is best to keep a safe distance. Then wipe the immersion pipes dry. Nothing more is necessary. I do not consider oil spray to be necessary. If you do it anyway, you should definitely use oils without additives that do not attack the seals.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
