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Figure 1: Suspension fork tire clearance |
Chapter 3: inspection, adjustment, and lubrication
Suspension parts require regular lubrication to work smoothly and to provide long seal life. Read the general information about your suspension forks or rear suspension, as well as the manual(s) provided by the manufacturer of your bicycle's suspension components:
• Suspension forks- general information
• Rear suspension- general information
Suspension forks require regular lubrication to work smoothly and to provide long seal life. Read the Suspension Fork Owner's Manual that covers your suspension fork. The following information is only meant to supplement the suspension fork manufacturer’s manual.
Changing your suspension will affect handling and braking characteristics. After making a change, carefully test the bicycle in a low traffic area until you are familiar with its performance.
Warning—An improperly adjusted or tightened suspension fork can cause you to lose control and fall. Make sure the suspension fork bolts are tightened properly, and the minimum tire clearance is correct, before riding the bicycle.
Before every ride, ensure that the suspension fork is operating properly. Do not ride with less than the minimum clearances between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fork crown (Figure 1), listed in the Suspension Fork Owner’s Manual supplied by the manufacturer of your suspension fork.
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Figure 1: Suspension fork tire clearance |
The initial softness of the suspension fork spring, also called the preload, may be adjustable. Damping, the control of the speed of the spring, may also be adjustable (Figure 2). Follow the instructions in the Suspension Fork Owner’s Manual supplied with your suspension fork.
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Figure 2: Damping adjuster |
Follow the Lubrication and Maintenance instructions in the Suspension Fork Owner’s Manual supplied with your suspension fork.
Rear suspension allows the rear wheel to move over bumps with less vertical motion transmitted to the bicycle or rider. If your bicycle is equipped with rear suspension, ensure that it is operating properly before every ride. The following information is only meant to supplement the rear shock manufacturer’s manual.
Rear shocks require regular lubrication to work smoothly and to provide long seal life. To get the best performance from your rear suspension system, maintain its parts well:
• Main frame
• Swingarm
• Bearings
• Attachment hardware
• Rear shock
To work properly, all attachment hardware must be correctly tightened, and the rear shock must be adjusted to your weight, your riding style, and the terrain you are riding on.
Keep your suspension components clean. Dirt, mud, and other contaminants can work into the suspension components, causing premature wear or excess friction. To clean your suspension system, use a soft cloth, a brush with soft bristles, and a solution of soapy water. Rinse with clean water. Do not use solvents or chemical cleaners, as they can remove the lubrication from the bearings or rear shock.
Changing your suspension settings will affect handling and braking characteristics. After making a change, carefully test the bicycle in a low traffic area until you are familiar with its performance.
Trek makes several distinct rear suspension designs that require different adjustment and maintenance. Select the type of suspension on your bicycle:
