Suspension Fluid

After ringing around all my local shops I can’t get hold of any suspension fluid. So I’ve rung the local motorbike shop (I need to get my forks working again by tomorrow!). Now, the chappy there tells me they’ve got a variety of types, some of which is mineral-based, some of which is, in his words, basically engine oil. I’m a little lost now – I’ve always just bought from bike shops and bunged it in. What do I need to look out for down there?

Ta.

Unless you’re in a big rush, you could order it from CRC – the standec stuff is good.

Yeah, I would do cheers but my forks really need doing soon and I’ve got the day off today…

Most oil will work but IIRC some oils do swell seals which can lead to fast wear.

Any decent motorbike suspension oil will be fine. I use Silkolene if you want to know. Rockshox use 5wt, but you’d better check what grade you need for other makes.

5wt AND 15wt depending on the RS fork

5Wt is for damping usually, 15wt for lubrication of the seals etc. Using 5 for both won’t hurt the fork (Well my 4.5 year old Rebas don’t mind it, anyway!)

🙂

Fair point (I do the same actually)