RockShox Mountain Bike Suspension
Service Intervals
Fork and shock maintenance must be performed regularly to help your components to perform better and last longer. Please review and consider the following service intervals as recommended by RockShox.
RockShox Suspension Fork Service Intervals
RockShox recommends service intervals based on model. For most of their older model suspension forks, they recommend a Fork Overhaul every 100 hours. For newer models they generally recommend this service for every 200 hours of riding. This is the maximum number of hours you can ride between servicing your suspension, so for most riders, every year is a good rule of thumb. For best results, you should track your hours, which you can do easily with free apps like Strava and Ride with GPS.If you ride more than a few days a week, you should consider a Lowers Service between your Overhauls. RockShox recommends lower leg service for all models after 50 hours of riding. If you ride frequently in wet and muddy conditions, your service needs may be more frequent.
Schedule Service
Minimum Fork Maintenance | New | Every Ride | 50 Hours | 100-200 Hours/Annually* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set sag | X | |||
| Set damping adjustments | X | |||
| Check sag and damping adjustments and adjust as needed based on riding conditions and preference | X | |||
| Wipe down outside of suspension with a soft cloth | X | |||
| Shock Air Can Service (remove the air can, clean and inspect it, and reassemble the shock with fresh seals and fluid) | X | |||
| Shock Overhaul (air can service, damper rebuild, and negative spring charging) | X |
*Whichever comes first
RockShox Rear Shock Service Intervals
RockShox recommends a full overhaul for your rear shock every 100 to 200 hours based on model. This is the maximum number of hours you should go between servicing your suspension, so for most riders, every year is a good rule of thumb. If you ride more than a few days a week, you should consider an Air Can Service between your Overhauls. RockShox recommends Air Can Service after 50 hours of riding. For best results, you should track your hours, which you can do easily with free apps like Strava and Ride with GPS. If you ride frequently in wet and muddy conditions, your service needs may be more frequent.
Minimum Shock Maintenance | New | Every Ride | 50 Hours | 100-200 Hours/Annually* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set sag | X | |||
| Set damping adjustments | X | |||
| Check sag and damping adjustments and adjust as needed based on riding conditions and preference | X | |||
| Wipe down outside of suspension with a soft cloth | X | |||
| Lower Leg service (remove the lower legs, clean and inspect them, and reassemble the fork with fresh wiper seals, foam rings, and fresh fluid) | X | |||
| Fork Overhaul (full lowers service, rebuild the damper, and service the air spring) | X |
*Whichever comes first
Overhaul After 100 Hours | Overhaul After 200 Hours |
|---|---|
| Monarch | Deluxe/Coil SIDLuxe (2021+) |
| Monarch Plus | Super Deluxe/Coil |
| Vivid Coil (2008-2022) | Vivid (2024+) |
| Vivid Air (2011-2022) | |
| Kage |
How to Know if Your Mountain Bike Suspension Needs to be Serviced
It is best to have your suspension serviced before you notice problems. By the time you notice changes in how your suspension is functioning, damage to internal parts could already be happening. Ideally, you will stick to the schedule prescribed by your suspension manufacturer and never notice any degradation in performance.
However, there are items to look out for that indicate service is needed.
- Changes in air pressure and the need for frequent readjustments
- Changes in rebound or compression and frequent readjustments to maintain ride quality
- Leaking fluid
Changes in the feel of your suspension happen slowly over time. Slowly enough that you might not even notice it. So again, it is best to follow the recommended timeframes listed above.
Suspension Service with Cardinal Bicycle
Cardinal Bicycle is one of the few bike shops in the region that has the tools and capabilities to perform fork and shock overhauls in-house. Most shops will send your equipment to a third party for these services. Since we perform all suspension work at our Orange Avenue location, we can offer faster turnaround times and more personal service.
You can schedule your drop off time with us, or just bring your bike by without an appointment. Scheduling in advance can allow us to make sure we have the parts you need so you can spend more time with your bike.