Lube and shocks

[colleenbc]

I have a few questions about oiling shocks and moveable parts on a FS bike. My LBS rocommended that I just use my tri-flow chain lube on my shocks and moveable joints on my bike. I don't know if I trust that or not - especially after reading a bit about what the wrong kinds of oil can do to shocks. I just want a second (or more) opinion about that aspect of maintenance in general. Do you lube joints on FS bikes? What, if anything besides the chain, do you all lube?
And, while I'm here, maybe I can get some advice about 'The Brain' I have the second generation Specialized brain on my rear and I'm just wondering . I'm not much of a tweaker (in either sense of the word) so I tend not to play with the settings much unless I know what I'm doing (and I'm also new to rear suspension). Do you all play with it much once you get it set? What kinds of adjustments do you make under what kinds of conditions. Do you play much with the pressure once your sag is set? Or do you leave that alone and play with the rebound? Oh and another question, do weather conditions and altitude have an effect on the amount of pressure in your shocks like it affects tire pressure? (I'm never real sure about the effect/affect thing so I thought I'd throw them both in - did ya notice?)

[Irulan]

I have a brain on my FSR, I let the shop guys set it up for me. It only goes two directions - the worse thing you can do it get it set the wrong way and then have to go back. I do futz with it a little, but mostly I leave it alone once I have it how I like it.

I'd go with what your shop guys recommend for lube. Typically they'll recommend what is correct for your riding environment. Some of the bike lubes are more dry than others. What you want to say away from is non bike specific non-lubes like WD-40 (not a lube) or mineral oil. Tri flow, White Lightning, Prolube it's all good.

Here's what I lube: Chain, cables, cable housings, dereailler joints, and sure why not put a drop on the joints of the suspension? Anything that is metal-on-metal could probably stand a drop or two.

You don't want to put anything IN your shock - your shock is a sealed unit, but metal on metal lubrication is a good thing, prevents wear. And the stanchions ( the really smooth part that goes into the shock) should not be lubed, just kept dust free.

Again, get your basic settings set up for your weight, ride it some and then after a while start playing with the rebound, etc. You will most likely need help with this from your shop unless you own a shock pump.

re altitude etc, never heard or noticed anything.

You might also play with tire pressure. This can have a HUGE effect on how your bike responds, how bucky it feels etc.