Fork oil.

hopper1
hopper1 Posts: 4,389
edited November 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
In a recent article in MBR it is suggested that original fork oil is changed. Using a quality fork oil brings noticeable differences.
Is that the case, or more BS?

Edit: I should have put MBR, not WMB!
Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Who published it?

    what do you think is in the forks?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Neal_
    Neal_ Posts: 477
    Good quality suspension fluid will work better than average stuff but I still find it odd to recommend changing the fluid on brand new forks. The below gives a lot of info with Red Line or Silkolene Pro RSF being the best suspension fluids but regardless of which you use make sure it is the correct cSt viscosity as the weight stated on the bottle doesn't mean a great deal.

    http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/bikesuspension.htm

    http://db.tt/ybCY7hVX
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    nicklouse wrote:
    Who published it?

    what do you think is in the forks?

    Published in MBR. Ian Alexander of Whyte Bikes is quoted as saying 'change the stock oil for a branded fork oil - The boost in performance is phenomenal.

    Erm, oil is in the forks... Why ask!
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Dont know about changing the oil when its still new but changing it for fresh quality oil after a couple of months and every couple of months after that makes a difference particulary if its a Fox fork.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    stubs wrote:
    Dont know about changing the oil when its still new but changing it for fresh quality oil after a couple of months and every couple of months after that makes a difference particulary if its a Fox fork.
    I got SID RL's, but will leave for a bit before servicing them.
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    So in forks that retail at a few hundred pounds the manufacturers compromise the performance by saving about 5p with poor quality fork oil? Doesn't sound likely really!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    hopper1 wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    Who published it?

    what do you think is in the forks?

    Published in MBR. Ian Alexander of Whyte Bikes is quoted as saying 'change the stock oil for a branded fork oil - The boost in performance is phenomenal.

    Erm, oil is in the forks... Why ask!
    what a load of crap.

    now if had used words like new old stock then yes it could have some point as any fork that has been left standing for years will benefit from a service but to blindly change the oil on a new fork is madness.

    also changing the oil sooner than recommended could be good on some poorly machined forks as there could be a lot of wear from the badly made parts. Just like we used to do in the old days with new cars. but strangely no longer need to as the quality is way better. I wonder when they interviewed him? back in the 80s when forks just came out. Oh hang on most of those just had grease and a spring wrapped around an elastomer "damper".
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    Aaahh... The elastomer... Them's were the days :wink:
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!

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