Overall suspension sensitivity and performance improve while simultaneously helping avoid stanchion damage. Seals wear out and then begin to leak. Leakage problems affect your compression adjustment knobs by having trapped debris and nitrogen in the oil supply. These can all be remedied by servicing.

Services should be scheduled in accordance with the durability of your equipment, how often you ride, and how rough your typical riding terrain is. Most manufacturers recommend a total overhaul of your gear every 150-200 hours spent riding. Preventative maintenance and upkeep should be done regularly, or every 50 hours of riding.

Pricing for mountain bike suspension services vary based on the wear and tear of your equipment. Standard pricing is typically $100-$250.

• When the fork compresses it will feel like there is extra resistance upon returning to its resting state. The fork or shock stanchion should always feel slippery. If it feels dry while it oscillates, you're due for a service.

• If your fork or shock begins to feel jarring and loses small bump sensitivity.

• The rebound and compression adjusters don’t adjust the way the fork behaves.

• The fork or shock is not holding air pressure or is releasing a lot of oil to the point it looks like a seal could be damaged.