Welcome Back Aidan: Our Suspension Expert at BSC Bike Park
We’re excited to announce that Aidan (former resident grom) is back at BSC Bike Park after spending some time on the mainland! While he’s still the friendly face you remember (now with a beard), he’s returned with a wealth of new skills gained from working at Fox, focusing on suspension service. Let’s take a moment to re-introduce him and learn a bit more about his role at BSC.
Re-Meet Aidan:
BSC Bike Park is fortunate to have Aidan, who has become skilled in suspension service over the past few years, He can take apart and reassemble a shock blindfolded (allegedly). We caught up with Aidan to see what has been going on and discuss suspension service and when you should consider giving your bike some maintenance.
Q: How was Vancouver?
A: oh, it was great. Best mountain biking ever.
Q: What’s your favorite beverage?
A: Mint Yerba Mate.
Q: What was your first car?
A: '92 Pathfinder, looked like a tin can, it was a big piece of shit - I loved it. It made it to the Chilcotins and daily drove it in Vancouver, ran for a week with no engine oil...
Q: What’s your most ridden bike?
A: My '98 Kona Hahanna. It’s great for suspension service—I don't have to work on my own bike!
Q: What’s your go-to lunch?
A: Le Belle Patate — nothing beats poutine and a steamy all-dressed hot dog.
Q: How long have you been working on suspension?
A: About 2-3 years of full-time suspension servicing.
Q: How do I know I should get my suspension serviced?
A: Manufacturers recommend servicing your lower legs every 40 hours and a full rebuild every 200 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. If you ride frequently, I suggest servicing your suspension in spring (after the wet winter) and again in early fall, following the summer trails. Signs that you might need a service include oil leaking from your fork seals or a shock that feels overly bouncy.
Q: What’s your favourite suspension tool and why?
A: The Wera 2mm Screwdriver—very handy for popping in new seals.
Q: What’s your favourite piece of suspension?
A: The Fox Factory 38 Grip X2 Damper - super easy to service and so tuneable out of the box it works for just about everyone!
Q: What’s something you wish everyone knew about their suspension?
A: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your settings! It’s important to find what works best for you.
Why Suspension Maintenance is Key
Suspension is a vital part of any modern mountain bike. Like your brakes and drivetrain, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. With year-round riding and the challenging trail conditions on Vancouver Island, keeping your suspension in top shape is essential. Regular servicing helps prevent issues and maintains peak performance when you're out on the trails.
While dust wipers and seals in forks and shocks do a good job, they’re not foolproof. Over time, dirt and dust can find their way into your suspension components. This mix can create an abrasive paste that, if left unchecked, leads to wear and tear on the internal parts. Additionally, fluid can leak out over time, increasing stiction and decreasing the performance and responsiveness of your fork or shock. Regular maintenance and replacement of these seals help to prevent this!
With Aidan's return, BSC Bike Park has invested in the tools necessary to service all RockShox and Fox products. This means you no longer have to send your gear to Vancouver and deal with long turnaround times!
Aidan is ready to assist with any questions you may have about suspension service. Stop by BSC Bike Park and say hello—he’s here to help keep your ride smooth and enjoyable!
1 comment
Best Co-Worker I could ask for!!!