Is Your Mountain Bike Suspension Holding You Back?
Some dude shredding on a Pivot Mountain Bike (photo credit: Pivot Cycles)
When, Why, and How Often to Service Your Mountain Bike Suspension
Your mountain bike’s suspension isn’t just a comfort feature—it’s a precision system designed to keep you in control, reduce fatigue, and maximize traction. But like any high-performance component, it needs regular care to perform at its best. Neglect it, and you’ll feel every root, rock, and rut a little more than you should.
Let’s break down the when, why, and how often of MTB suspension service—so you can ride smoother, safer, and smarter.
⏰ When Should You Service Your MTB Suspension?
Suspension service intervals depend on how and where you ride, but Singletracks suggests service when:
It feels dry. The internal tube of your fork (stanchion) or shock should always be a little bit “greasy,” and if it appears dry you will need to open it up, clean it, and replace the oil and seals.
The fork or shock begins to feel harsh, and loses small bump sensitivity. This is due to added friction in the system.
The rebound and compression don’t seem to affect anything. Added friction also reduces the effectiveness of the system’s adjustments.
For rear air shocks, bubble noise or little to no action from the rebound adjustment can indicate there’s air in the oil, and the shock needs to be serviced.
The fork or shock is losing large amounts of air or oil. This is typically caused by a damaged seal.
Suspension Service Intervals:
Major component manufactureres such as Fox and RockShox recommend the following intervals
Lower leg/air cans: every 50 hours
Full service including damper rebuild 100–200 hours or once per year, whichever comes first.
”Soil particles can sneak past the seals and contaminate the internal parts, and simply cleaning that out and changing the oil will keep your bike’s expensive squishy bits sliding smoothly.”
-Singletracks
Pro Tip: If you ride in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions (hello, Pacific Northwest!), consider shortening these intervals. Grit and moisture accelerate wear. "
Benefits: improved traction, reduced fatigue, longer component life
❓ Why Is Suspension Service So Important?
Modern suspension forks and shocks are made up of a complex array of shims, precise oil galleries and high-pressure rubber seals. They are engineered to the nth degree, with teams sweating the tolerances in search of the ‘perfect’ suspension product. All of these components endure heat, dust, mud, water and everything else we throw at our bikes. To function as intended, these systems require periodic maintenance to ensure smooth sliding performance and longevity.”
Flow Mountain Bike
Think of your suspension like the oil in your car—it quietly does its job until it doesn’t. Here’s what regular service protects you from:
Loss of small bump sensitivity – You’ll feel more chatter and less grip
Air or oil leaks – A sign that seals are worn and performance is compromised
Harsh rebound or compression – Friction builds up, making your ride unpredictable
Premature wear – Dirty oil and dry seals can damage expensive internals
Regular service keeps your suspension buttery smooth, extends its lifespan, and ensures your bike handles the way it was designed to.
🔍 Signs Your Suspension Needs Attention
Don’t wait for a catastrophic failure. Watch for these red flags:
Your fork or shock feels dry or sticky
Rebound/compression adjustments don’t seem to do anything
You hear squelching or bubbling noises
You’re losing air pressure or seeing oil seepage
Your bike feels harsher or less planted than usual
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to book a service—or better yet, a TuneCode session at The Line.
🧰 DIY vs. Pro Suspension Service: How to Choose
Basic air can and lower leg service can be done at home with the right tools. We stock the kits, tools, and fluids you need to service your bike in our shop, and wqe’re happy to give advice.
A full damper service requires specialized equipment, factory specs, and experience. Our techs have certiifications and years of know-how to tune your bike not just to factory standards, but to the way you ride.
📅 Keep Your Suspension on Schedule
Want to stay ahead of wear and tear? Mark your calendar, or track your miles on an app such as Garmin, Trailforks, or Strava. Better yet, book a suspension service and let us handle the reminders. We're your Seattle area-mountain bike suspension service specialists!
🚴 Ready to Ride Better?
At The Line, we go beyond standard suspension tuning with our unique Dynamic Suspension Coaching. It’s a 2-hour session with:
Slow-motion video analysis
Dynamic sag testing
Real-world trail feedback
Personalized TuneCode coaching
It’s not just a service—it’s a performance upgrade - guaranteed!
Book your suspension service or TuneCode coaching today—and feel the difference on your next ride.
The Bottom Line
Your suspension is the unsung hero of every ride. Treat it right, and it’ll reward you with comfort, control, and confidence. Whether you’re chasing KOMs or just chasing sunsets, a well-tuned bike makes all the difference.