In our Tech Q&A series, we tackle cycling queries – big or small, complex or simple – with insights from the BikeRadar team and trusted industry experts. Next up, a loyal reader wants to know why fork manufacturers no longer use suspension boots.
“I have a question about suspension boots – why don’t manufacturers put them on modern forks? I think they’d extend service intervals and help keep suspension fresher for longer.”
Stefan Roussev
Suspension boots were rubber sheaths that covered the stanchions on forks back in the 90s. They are occasionally found on low-end forks these days.
The main reason they disappeared was that advances in wiper seals (which ‘wipe’ the muck from a stanchion as it enters the fork lower) have made them redundant.
Suspension boots were made from a soft, flexible material and inevitably got damaged while riding. As a result, they then began to let in and trap the muck and dirt they were meant to be protecting the stanchion from.
Not only are modern wiper seals better, but stanchion coatings have also improved. Digital editor Jack Luke explains current stanchion coatings are tough and slick, which means they don’t need to be protected in the same way.
These new, slicker coatings reduce stiction (the static friction between the stanchion and the seal), and prevent dirt and debris from sticking.
Jack’s best advice is to keep the fork stanchions clean and get the lowers serviced regularly. This applies to shocks and dropper seatposts as well.
While you're cleaning, pay attention to the seals, where natural weeping of tiny amounts of suspension fluid can cause debris to accumulate.
Be careful not to force this down into the lower when you’re cleaning and keep an eye out for any scratches that occur on the stanchion.
If you ride in very muddy conditions, there are aftermarket options such as fork gaiters, but we wouldn’t recommend them.
