Forks

Can't think of a logical reason as to why you'd do that :?

Or just lube the seals now and again, which you should do anyway if you're looking after your forks properly.

windup wrote:

Yes, store upside down to allow the fork oil to lubricate the seal. But, then again, the instructions for my brakes are to store them upright (Avid Elixir). I therefore store my bike suspended by the front wheel so that its neither upside down nor upright :?

:roll:

Riding the bike will lubricate the seals a million times better than storing it on its side, and isn't both a) stupid and b) likely to cause the brakes to need a bleed sooner than later.

What's the reason for storing it?

fox do say in the manual to try and store the forks upside down. i never bothered when i had my floats, i just made sure i left the bike upside down for a few minutes before a ride.

I've also read that you need to do this every now and then to keep the foam washers lubed.

What about winter and storing the bike in an out cupboard, Talking about -0 temperatures will the forks and brakes be ok?

bennett_346 wrote:

Brocklanders023 wrote:

I've also read that you need to do this every now and then to keep the foam washers lubed.

Nah.

Taken from the Fox website:

FOX Racing Shox forks feature a sealing system designed to keep your fork moving smoothly in all conditions. There are two parts to the system: the fork seal and the foam ring. The fork seal features a proprietary scraper lip geometry that keeps dirt out and oil in. The foam ring sits just below the fork seal. It is saturated with oil and in turn applies oil to the upper tube as it passes by. This keeps the fork moving up and down smoothly.

While FOX Racing Shox forks are designed to require minimal maintenance, periodic inspection and cleaning of the fork sealing system is required. It is normal on FOX forks for a small amount of oil and/or grease to accumulate on the upper tubes. This is necessary to keep the fork working smoothly and to keep dirt out. Furthermore, fork seals are grease packed at the factory. This grease tends to migrate out of the seals during the break-in period.

Storing the bicycle upside down and inverting the fork allows oil to run down to the foam rings and keeps them lubricated and ready for your next ride.

To check the conditions of the seal and foam rings, perform the following procedure

That's what I thought. :roll:

Doubt they'd explode in a ball of flames and pillage your street if you left them the right way up.

bennett_346 wrote:

Doubt they'd explode in a ball of flames and pillage your street if you left them the right way up.

Probably not but the OP asked if you should store them upside down. The answer (according to the chaps that make them) is 'yes'.


A pair of 36's that came on a 2nd hand bike I bought had stantion wear on one side. When I stripped the fork the foam washer on the worn side was dry as a bone. Even though many of you seem to think it's a silly idea to follow Fox's advice I'd do it if you want the forks to last.

FBM.BMX wrote:

Flipping the forks upside down ensuring the foam rings get a good soaking is good practise, as above, fox recommend it.

it also gives the bushes a good lubing.

Demonstrated here is why-

http://www.mojo.co.uk/drywet.html

Dry foam rings do a poor job of cleaning the stanchion, wet foam rings do a good job of cleaning the stanchions and lubing the wiper seal.

Putting your fox forks upside down is all win win, silly not to bother.

Alright then...