Applying new forks

jackbike09

Hi guys ive just bought these...
Manitou Marvel Comp Forks - 9mmQR 100mm for 26inch

now the forks i had before where some old Suntour XCT coil sprung and i wanted a upgrade but not at a massive budget!
now i have to apply these myself and i was wondering do i need some fork lube that i should order for the job!? and if so what do you recommend

Also how is how do i maintain these forks after a muddy ride do i need to buy some certain fork lube to apply to the shafts?

thank for your help and sorry if these questions are obvious im very new

cooldad

Not sure what apply means, assume fit.

Just cut the steerer tube to length and fit.

After a ride clean with water, don't use a pressure washer. No need to lube the stanchions, but if you feel the need, a little fork oil or chain lube. But they are lubed inside by the foam rings.

dcwhite1984

As above i use a bit of chain lube, just make sure it is wet lube rather than dry lube.

Clean the mud off using the normal method of water/hose/favourite cleaning product, then after its dry, put a little bit of lube on each stanchion and pump a few times. then wipe off any excess with a clean rag.

02gf74

cooldad wrote:

. No need to lube the stanchions, but if you feel the need, a little fork oil or chain lube. But they are lubed inside by the foam rings.

This is an interesting question.

I have done this on a few occasions but am of the belief it is nor required nor a good thing.

Firstly I don't recall this mentioned in any user manual.
Secondly there are foam rings for this purpose plus the seal, if doing its job, should not let anything past, including any lubricant.
Thirdly applying lube will make any particles of dust/fine grit stick to the top of the seal and this abrasive paste gets rubbed over the stanchions.

So I wipe the stanchions with a cloth then use a toothbrush to remove any fine dust/grit from the are between the seal and stanchions.

I suppose the only way to tell what is better is to do one side only for showtime and then check the stanchions.

cooldad

I kind of do it sometimes, but agree it doesn't really make sense. Some people recommend a silicone type spray.

I suppose some maintenance is better than none at all.

But I'm also a believer that a bit of mud or dust is less harmful to bikes than loads of water and random cleaning products, especially storing it damp.

I pump the forks/shock a few times to clear away the 'tidemark' that forms and wipe it clean.