The Importance of MTB Suspension and How to Maintain It: Mountain bike suspension is one of the most critical components of a bike, especially for riders tackling rough terrain and technical trails. Whether it’s a front suspension fork, a rear shock, or a full-suspension setup, these systems absorb impacts, improve traction, and enhance comfort. However, maintaining your MTB suspension is essential to keep it performing at its best. Here’s a look at why suspension is so important and how to keep it in top condition.
Why MTB Suspension Matters
1. Enhanced Comfort
Mountain biking involves riding over rugged, unpredictable terrain. Without proper suspension, every bump, rock, and root would transfer directly to the rider. A well-tuned suspension system absorbs these impacts, making the ride smoother and more comfortable, which allows you to ride longer without fatigue.
2. Improved Traction and Control
Suspension helps keep your tires in contact with the ground, even on uneven surfaces. This increases traction, which is crucial for maintaining control, especially on loose or technical trails. The suspension system compresses and rebounds to keep the tires grounded, improving stability during descents and over obstacles.
3. Increased Speed and Performance
Suspension allows riders to move faster over rough terrain by absorbing impacts and minimizing the need to slow down for obstacles. With more control and a smoother ride, riders can maintain speed without sacrificing safety or comfort.
4. Reduced Rider Fatigue
Absorbing shocks through suspension reduces the amount of jarring force that would otherwise be transferred to your arms, legs, and back. This helps prevent fatigue, allowing you to ride more efficiently and for longer periods.
5. Protects the Bike’s Frame and Components
Without suspension, the frame and other bike parts would absorb all the impacts, potentially leading to damage over time. A good suspension system can prolong the life of your bike by reducing the strain on critical components like the frame, wheels, and handlebars.
How to Maintain MTB Suspension
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your suspension system working efficiently and extending its lifespan. Here are some essential maintenance tips for both front forks and rear shocks:
1. Regular Cleaning
Why: Dirt, dust, and mud can get into the suspension system, wearing out the seals and causing scratches on the stanchions.
How: After every ride, especially in muddy or dusty conditions, wipe down the fork stanchions and rear shock body with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that could wear out seals and internals.
2. Lubricating the Stanchions
Why: Keeping the stanchions (the smooth, sliding parts of your suspension) lubricated prevents them from wearing prematurely and maintains smooth movement.
How: Use a suspension-specific lubricant to apply a light coat on the stanchions. Do this regularly after cleaning the bike to keep the seals supple and minimize friction.
3. Check Air Pressure
Why: Most modern MTB suspension systems are air-based, requiring the right air pressure for optimal performance.
How: Use a shock pump to check and adjust the air pressure according to your weight and riding style. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or a suspension setup guide to dial in the correct pressure for both your fork and rear shock.
4. Inspect Seals and Wipers
Why: The seals and wipers keep dirt and moisture from entering the suspension system. If they become worn or damaged, contaminants can get inside and damage the internals.
How: Regularly inspect the seals for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. If you notice oil around the seals or stanchions, it may be time to replace them. Seal replacement is a crucial part of your suspension’s long-term maintenance.
5. Change Suspension Oil
Why: Suspension oil lubricates the internals and controls the compression and rebound damping. Over time, the oil can degrade or become contaminated, reducing suspension performance.
How: Have your suspension oil changed as part of a routine service. For most forks and shocks, this is recommended every 50–100 hours of riding, depending on conditions and riding intensity. If you’re riding in wet or muddy environments, servicing might be needed more frequently.
6. Check for Play in the Suspension
Why: Over time, the suspension components may develop play (looseness), which can affect the bike’s performance and increase wear on parts.
How: Periodically check the bushings, linkage, and mounting bolts for any movement or wear. Tighten any loose bolts to manufacturer specifications and replace worn bushings or pivot bearings if needed.
7. Rebuild or Service the Suspension
Why: Over time, even a well-maintained suspension system needs a rebuild to replace worn-out internals like seals, oil, and bushings.
How: Follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for a full suspension rebuild, typically every 100–200 hours of riding. This involves replacing seals, oil, and any worn parts. Many riders choose to have this done professionally, although experienced riders can learn to perform basic service at home.
8. Monitor Performance
Why: If your suspension starts to feel sluggish, harsh, or unresponsive, it could indicate a need for maintenance or servicing.
How: Pay attention to how your bike feels on the trail. If you notice a significant change in performance—such as bottoming out more frequently, loss of rebound control, or squeaky noises—it’s a sign to check the suspension or take it in for a service.
Conclusion
MTB suspension plays a vital role in enhancing comfort, control, and performance on the trail. Keeping your suspension in good condition requires regular cleaning, lubrication, and timely servicing. By maintaining your suspension system properly, you’ll not only improve your ride experience but also extend the life of your components, ensuring your bike stays trail-ready for years to come.
Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. Orders are all processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well. Looking for mountain bike parts? We stock hundreds of parts from multiple brands and you can shop our entire selection here.
Spend less and ride the best with TBS Bike Parts.
Related Articles
COMMON MTB PART FAILURES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
FACTORS AFFECTING MTB TIRE PRESSURE
MAINTENANCE 101: KEEPING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE IN TOP SHAPE
