Your fork and shock do more work than any other part of your bike. On a typical Squamish descent they absorb hundreds of hits across granite slabs, roots and chunky rock gardens, then do it again on the next lap.
Suspension usually doesn't fail all at once. It wears gradually, with oil breaking down, seals drying out and friction building, until one day your bike feels harsh and you can't say when it changed. Regular service prevents that, and it's usually much cheaper than replacing damaged parts later.
The short answer
Most riders need two kinds of suspension service: a quick service done often, and a full service done once a year.
Lower leg service (fork) and air can service (shock): every 50 hours of riding. We remove, clean and inspect the lowers or air can, then install fresh oil, grease and seals. This removes stiction and brings back the supple feel between full rebuilds. For frequent riders, that's about every three to four months.
Full damper and spring service: every 125 hours for Fox or 200 hours for RockShox, or once a year, whichever comes first. This covers every internal component. We replace worn seals and refresh the damper oil so the fork or shock performs like new.
Dropper posts: every 50 to 100 hours, depending on the model. Regular service keeps the post moving smoothly and extends its life.
What 50 hours looks like in real life
Most people don't track their riding hours, so here's a rough guide:
| How you ride | Hours per week | 50 hours is about... |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend rider, one long ride | 2–3 | 4–6 months |
| Two or three rides a week | 5–6 | 2–3 months |
| Riding most days in peak season | 8–10+ | 5–6 weeks |
If you've been riding hard since spring and haven't had your suspension looked at, you're very likely past due.
Signs your suspension needs attention now
Book a service sooner if you notice any of these, whatever the interval says:
- Oil on your stanchions or shock body after a ride, even a thin film
- A harsh or sticky feel at the start of the stroke, where small bumps used to disappear
- Noises such as clunks at top-out, squelching or knocking
- Sag that keeps changing even though you haven't changed the air pressure
- Rebound that feels uncontrolled, like a pogo stick, or slow to return
- Play or movement in the fork crown or shock mounts
Leaking oil is the one to act on right away. Riding with dry seals speeds up wear on the stanchions, and stanchion damage often means replacing the whole part instead of servicing it.
Why Squamish riding is hard on suspension
Local riding puts more wear on suspension than most places:
- Long, rough descents keep your fork and shock working constantly, not just on the occasional hit.
- Summer dust gets onto the stanchions and works its way past the seals.
- Wet fall and winter conditions bring grit and water into the lowers.
- Steep, technical terrain uses more of your travel more often, which heats the oil and breaks it down faster.
If you ride here often, plan on the shorter end of every service interval.
Simple care between services
A few habits will help your suspension last longer between shop visits:
- Wipe your stanchions and shock body with a clean rag after every ride.
- Check your sag and air pressure every couple of weeks.
- Rinse your bike gently. Don't point a pressure washer at the seals.
- Keep a rough count of your riding hours. Your phone's fitness app or Strava can do this for you.
Why fall is a good time to book
Spring is the busiest time of year in the service department, when everyone wants their bike ready at the same time. Booking your suspension service in fall means shorter wait times and your bike is sorted before the wet season adds wear. It also means you won't be stuck waiting in April when the trails dry out.
Suspension service at day time cycling
Our certified technicians service Fox and RockShox forks and shocks, plus dropper posts, in our Squamish service centre. Every service includes a full inspection. Dampers are tested for function and performance, and rear shocks are dyno tested. If we find something beyond the service you booked, we'll contact you before doing any extra work.
Not sure which service you need? Tell us what's happening with your bike, and our technicians will recommend the right option.
Or stop by the shop at 102-39666 Government Rd, Squamish. In the Summer/Spring we're open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and in the Fall/Winter we're open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.
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