Today's Ride

The reason I ask is that I was having issues with the rear shock last season and dropped it off last month at a fox service center. I talked with the guy yesterday and he said its one of the worst cases he's seen and looks like its never been serviced - which it hasn't other than tri-flo every ride and and checking / adjusting air and sag once or twice a season. Bike is 7 years old, rode hard the first 2, not so much after my hip replacement. Maybe 2-3 times a month for 8 months, I'm a clydesdale...
 
I've never serviced a shock. How much to service how much to replace?
 
Proper rear shock and fork services typically occur at 50, 100, 250, and 600 hours, same for most dropper post. FYI Triflow on your seals is not "servicing" your shock and may actually do you the disservice of thinking your shock is running a lot better than what is going on inside. If you ride 4 to 5 times a week, fresh seals and dust wipers at 50-80 hours is pretty critical to maintaining longevity. Most shops will range $80-$150 for your basic service, a new fork can be anywhere from $400-$1000. While suspension isn't as much a safety factor like keeping your brakes properly bled and checking your pads, it still is important if you want to keep your bike in good shape for the long haul. I would opt for just removing the dust and debris away from the seals and stanchions of your suspension after every ride, that goes a long way for keeping grit out of the internals.
 
I remember when I bought Zelda an engagement ring. They tried to sell me insurance. With the premium, in ten years, I would have bought another ring.

My bike was maybe $1000? Can't remember.

I've had it for 5 years and only oiled the chain. If I'd serviced it 4x, I'd be halfway to another bike. When the shocks go bad, will I just bottom out? It's a Giant. What kind of shocks do I have. RockShox pops into my head.
 
Harvey said:
My bike was maybe $1000? Can't remember.

I've had it for 5 years and only oiled the chain. If I'd serviced it 4x, I'd be halfway to another bike. When the shocks go bad, will I just bottom out? It's a Giant. What kind of shocks do I have. RockShox pops into my head.
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What starts happening once things go bad really depends on what specifically went bad and what kinda fork you have. Fluid degradation, worn stanchions, seals and o-rings are what is "going bad" in there. A $1000 Giant likely has a relatively inexpensive coil sprung fork, frankly you could probably get a worthy replacement (like a RockShox Judy) for around $200 dollars. Service on a $1000 bike is a bit of a different ballgame then service on a $7000 bike.

The fork on my bike runs about $900 new and utilizes different springs/damper technology than what the fork on your bike likely does. With a fork that costs what a new basic bike runs, service at 50 hours is a bit more worth while, especially when you factor in resale prices around $400 for something well maintained. Pulling lowers off a fork and replacing seals, o-rings and fluid really isn't a huge job but it does require the right tools and a decent workshop. Rebuild kits are also relatively affordable (200hr service kit for my fork runs $40).
 
So If I do the math it's 1x year for a casual rider, more for the core. My service / re-build is $165 plus another $40 for boost valve replacement (if it works...), new shock is $300-500. I'm hoping to replace the bike at some point and just want another season out of it, fingers crossed for the fork (serviced once), although I said that two season ago before the'vid. I'm hoping after COVID next season there's a glut of nice bikes available cheap when all the newbs go back to being fate and lazy, $7k is just ridiculous!
 
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