Service schedules and checklists provide only general guidelines. Specific mountain bike maintenance requirements are particular to each rider. However, keeping your bike clean and properly lubricated with a few periodic checks go a long way in extending the life and performance of your MTB.

Below, is the maintenance schedule from the Santa Cruz User Manual and Yeti Cycles Owner’s Manual. Both of these manuals provide standard industry recommendations.

For a more in-depth schedule, keep reading.

How often to service mtb suspension

If you are a regular mountain biker and ride steep, technical terrain, having your suspension serviced every 20 - 40 rides is recommended.

For more recreational styles of mountain biking, once per year during an annual overhaul/tune-up is suggested.

Service recommendations from RockShox Owner’s Manual (front Fork):

• Every Ride: Clean dirt from upper tubes and wiper seals

• Every 50 Hour: Perform lower leg service

• Every 200 Hours or Yearly: Perform damper and spring service

Maintenance intervals from RockShox Owner’s Manual (rear shock):

• Every Ride: Clean dirt from shock damper body

• Every 50 Hours: Perform air can service

• Every 200 Hours: Perform damper and spring service

every ride

1. Check Tire Pressure

   • Use gauge, if not, squeeze sidewall at minimum

2. Wipe Down, Bike Chain & Re-lube

   • Make sure all excess lubricant is wiped off

   • If your bike is gritty or dirty or if you rode through mud/rain, then a more in-depth washing/cleaning will be necessary

3. Bounce Bike

   • Listen for any odd noises, rubbing sounds, creaks, or rattles, such as a loose headset

4. Check Suspension System Settings

   • Make sure the suspension system is set-up for your weight and the day’s riding conditions

   • Air shocks gradually lose pressure….just like tires

5. Inspect Frame & Components

   • Look for signs of stress, such as scratches, dents, cracks, or color deformation and make sure all components are securely attached

   • Examine tires for thread cuts

6. Check for Smooth Shifting

Every 5 - 10 rides

1. Bolt Check to Torque Spec

   • Check all bolts, pedals, and accessories to make sure that all fasteners are tightened to manufacturer torque specifications

     • Do you need a torque wrench? The answer is yes…for more info check out my article on torque wrenches for mountain bikes

2. Wash/Clean Bike & Lube Chain

   • Keep your bike clean. Dirt CAUSES wear faster than anything else

   • Perform an in-depth cleaning with emphasis on the drivetrain

   • Make sure to wipe off excess lube after application

   • For more info, read my article about “Cleaning Mountain Bikes”

3. Check for Chain Stretch

   • You can use a chain checker tool or a ruler

   • A worn chain will damage the cog teeth

   • For a more in-depth review, read my article, “How Often Should I replace my MTB Chain?”

4. Inspect Brake Pads

   • Check for wear & alignment

5. Check Suspension for Wear

6. Lubricate Suspension Pivots

7. Lube Pedal Bindings

   • If riding clipless pedal system

Yes! I need more info

Every 20 - 40 Rides

1. Check Tire Tread & Sidewall Integrity

   • Nothing derails a ride as quickly as a flat tire

   • Low tread or cracked sideways both indicate it’s time for new tires

2. Check the Conditions of Spare Inner Tube

   • Also, a good time to make sure your emergency tools/gear are still in your pack

3. Check Wheels for Trueness & Condition

   • Correct as needed (or bring to a professional as a mistake here will make the tire highly susceptible to catastrophic failure)

4. Service Front & Rear Shock

   • Perform air sleeve service (or have serviced at shop)

   • Drain & replace fork fluid and replace seals

5. Remove & Re-Grease Seatpost

6. Overhaul Pedal Bearings

7. Overhaul Derailleur Jockey Wheel Bushings & Seals

every 80 - 150 rides

1. Fork & Rear Shock Need Damper Servicing

   • Take to shop or send to rebuild facility

2. Check Tire Sealant Level (if you have tubeless tires)

   • Add more sealant if low

3. Overhaul Bearings

   • Hubs, Bottom Bracket, Pedals,

4. Bleed Hydraulic Brakes

   • If brake performance has dwindled even though rotors and pads are good it’s time for a brake bleed

5. Replace All Cable Housing

   • Brake, shifter, and dropper post cables

Annually

1. Yearly Complete Overhaul

   • Disassembly of the complete bike. Clean and re-grease all threaded components upon reassembly

   • Inspection of your entire bike. This means inspecting the frame, suspension, all components, and repair/replace parts as needed

   • Degrease drivetrain & replace chain

   • New handlebar grips

Every 3+ years

1. Replace

   • Handlebars

   • Fork & rear shock

   • Saddle

   • Seatpost

   • Stem

Final Thought

Calvin Jones, from ParkTool, says in the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair (BBB3):

The previous quote was from the 2013 edition of the BBB. The 2019 edition, the BBB-4, has eliminated the maintenance schedule. However, as Calvin Jones noted, checking components regularly, is a good idea, since there are no “one size fits all” rules to MTB maintenance intervals.

While many of the servicing recommendations require special tools and knowledge, the 3 most important routine maintenance tasks are simple and easy enough that almost anyone can do them:

1. Regular washing/cleaning of your bike

2. Keeping the chain clean and properly lubricated

3. Keeping all bolts/fasteners torqued to spec (loose parts will lead to all sorts of problems…..and fast)

If you can do these 3 simple maintenance steps, you will significantly prolong the lifespan and performance of your mountain bike.

Learn how to tune your bike from a pro bicycle mechanic…..for FREE

Jesse is the Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia. Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hobbies: Mountain biking, reading, researching, weight-lifting, craft beer, and making hot sauces.

More Articles from Pedal Chile

Sources for: “how often to service mountain bike”

1. Cannondale Bikes (n.d.). Bicycle Owner’s Manual. [online]

2. C  Calvin Jones (2013). Big blue book of bicycle repair : a do-it-yourself bicycle repair guide from Park Tool. Saint Paul, Mn: Park Tool Co.

3. C  Calvin Jones (2019). Big blue book of bicycle repair : a do-it-yourself bicycle repair guide from Park Tool. Saint Paul, Mn: Park Tool Co.

4. RockShox Inc. (n.d.). Service Manuals. [online] www.sram.com. ‌

5. Santa Cruz Bicycles (2017). SANTA CRUZ BICYCLES 2017 User Manual. [online]

6. Specialized Bicycle Components (2007). OWNER’S MANUAL SPECIALIZED BICYCLE. [online]

7. Wiggins, C. (2014). Bike repair & maintenance. New York, New York, Usa: Alpha, A Member Of The Penguin Group (Usa) Inc.

8. Yeti Cycles (n.d.). OWNER’S MANUAL YETI SB115. [online]

9. Zinn, L. and Telander, T. (2018). Zinn & the art of mountain bike maintenance : the world’s best-selling guide to mountain bike repair. Boulder, Colorado: Velopress.