If you've ever wondered whether you're overdue for a suspension service, you're not alone — it's one of the most common questions we get at the shop. The honest answer: it depends on how much you ride, where you ride, and what kind of suspension you're running. Here's how to actually figure out your timeline.
The manufacturer baseline
Fox and RockShox both publish similar general guidance:
- **Lower leg service (oil + seals):** every 50 hours of riding
- **Full damper/air can rebuild:** every 125–200 hours, or once a year — whichever comes first
That's the starting point. But "50 hours" means something very different to a rider who hits the trail twice a month versus someone riding four days a week.
Why Southern California riders should lean toward the shorter interval
Dust and fine grit are harder on seals and bushings than mud, oddly enough — dry, abrasive dust works its way past wipers more easily than wet debris tends to. If you're regularly riding dusty trail systems like Santiago Oaks or anywhere in the foothills during our long dry season, we generally recommend leaning toward the lower end of the interval range rather than waiting the full year.
Signs you're overdue, regardless of hours logged
Hour counts are a guideline, not gospel. Your suspension will usually tell you before a spreadsheet does:
- Small-bump sensitivity feels dull or "dead"
- You notice a film of oil near the seals after a ride
- Rebound feels slower or less consistent than it used to
- You're using more air pressure than you used to just to avoid bottoming out
A simple rule of thumb
If you're not tracking hours precisely, servicing once per riding season is a safe default for most trail and enduro riders in our area. Bike park regulars or anyone racing enduro/DH should plan on twice a year at minimum.
When in doubt, ask
Not sure if your fork is due? Bring it by or give us a call — we can usually tell within a few minutes of inspection whether you're good for another few months or due for a rebuild now. See our [full service menu and pricing here].
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🛠️ Gear We Recommend
- Shock pump for at-home pressure checks, this is one I personally use. It's compact and fits in the tool kit
- Suggested cleaning brush kit (it has everything you need for a bike wash) and for pre-ride lower leg wipe-downs with a big soft bristle brush
- Travel-friendly torque wrench for home maintenance. It comes in a small zip up case, so nothing gets lost.
*Disclosure: ST Tuned may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.*
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