The Shock Lab

The Shock Lab Service/Repair/Upgrade for your mountain bike suspension

09/18/2026

Excuse me...how much?!?! 🫪

Another generation of Transfer, another $1500+ in tools 🫠

One of the craziest tools I've seen, the upper bushing removal tool for Fox Transfer, I mean...it really isn't that expensive for what it is, but it's definitely crazy for what it's for 💸

Its job is to literally force the upper bushing out. The long, threaded tool is inserted into the lower post and must be used reinstalling the circlip to then thread it in all the way until the bushing comes out...two hours later 🤣

Oh, and don't forget you need the extension for 175mm droppers (398-00-594), sold separately, of course 🙃

But seriously, a couple taps with an appropriately sized rod and it's done...not sure if they didn't think of it, or if they chose not to 🔍

This can even be done more durable and professional by using an aluminum or steel rod with slider bushings that could be replaced separately...ok I'll be right back 👀

The rest of the tools (and the dropper itself) also leave a lot to be desired, but looking at the bright side, the 2025+ Fox Transfer is easier to service and doesn't require an arm and a leg worth of tools to service 🔧

Anyway...what other tools should we look into? Maybe they can also be replaced by a piece of plastic 😏

Check out our story, we've got more crazy tools posted! (Always) 👀

Other tools dropping soon:
15mm hex tool for thru shaft
More delrin rod sizes!
IFP pullers for Fox and Rockshox
Laser-cut wrenches and more
2021-25 X2 VVC tool (somehow)

What else should we add to the list? 🤔

09/17/2026

"We're happily losing money with these..."

Fox Transfer! We used to NOT work on these at all, and there is a few reasons... 👀

First, the manufacturer used to charge just $99 to rebuild these...including parts! Which is beyond a good deal. I remember hearing "we're happily losing money with these..." several times during training/clinics years ago, which honestly dropped my interest immediately 😅

But then, I looked at the tools...and it all started making sense
Whatever they were "happily losing" on the service was coming right back in tools alone, they didn't care to screw us all over with the prices 💸

"Hey, calm down, that's a bit crazy to say..."
Yeah? You think $60 is fair for a f*cking plastic rod?
What about the $92 plastic IFP tools? The ones they dropped to $25 for the newer model. WHY THE F*CK WERE THEY $92 IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?!
And the $400+ bushing removal and installation tools? THAT'S $400+ EACH.
WE'RE LOOKING AT OVER $1500 OF SPECIALTY TOOLS TO WORK ON EACH GEN OF THEIR DROPPER. WHAT THE F**** 🤬

Anyway...(I almost lost my cool there)
They only get away with it because we keep buying their sh*t. And that includes service kits, tools, replacement parts and more. And not just 🦊

When you can, try sourcing tools and supplies from small businesses. And no, I don't mean buy from me, there's many people out there with an actual incentive to make a good product. You can even source/make the parts/tools yourself! 🤌

When we all stop buying overpriced sh*t, you'll see the prices magically drop, why the f*ck are we paying $90+ for a dropper service kit? (Rockshox), $60+ for fork wipers (Öhlins), $60 for a damn plastic stick (Fox)...the list goes on...we need to stop that sh*t, don't you think? 🤔

What's your best example of a crazy overpriced part/tool? Post the part number or a picture! 👇

09/10/2026

Is this the easiest tool to DIY? 🤔

This is the Handy tool, possibly our simplest, yet most widely used tool 🔥 And I'm showing you the process so you can make your own 🤘

Available on 303 Stainless and 6061 Aluminum, the Stainless Steel Handy tool is one of our best sellers, and one of my personal favorites as well 🤌

From a punch/handle for removing hardware and bushings, to a quick and sturdy lever to loosen up eyelets, it's even a great self-defense weapon (assuming you're Bruce Lee or something) 🥋

On a side note, a lathe (and 3D printer) can be one of the best investments you can make for your workshop. You can literally turn raw material into tools and parts, it really is a tool to make more tools 🔧

A few months ago, I had no idea what feeds and speeds even meant...
Today? I still don't, but I'm having a blast 🥸

Now, go make your own!
Otherwise you can find them available on our website. Link in bio 🔗

The next project may not be that simple 👀

09/02/2026

Updated Sealhead = Reliable? 🤔

The 2024 sealhead was designed to effectively stop the premature aeration issues on 2021-23 X2 shocks, it features dual shaft seals to provide double the sealing effectiveness...right?

The truth is...this (and all the 2024 upgrades/updates together) barely made a difference in reliability. Was it better than the original sealhead with polyurethane seals? Absolutely, but a f*cking donut would've sealed better than that 🍩

The original sealhead uses a 2.62mm thick Polyurethane 92-95A o-ring, this compound can't conform to the microscopic imperfections as well, resulting in air ingestion from the high pressure air can into the lower pressure damper 💨

To "fix" this, the updated sealhead uses dual NBR o-rings, which is great, however, they're way too thin for this application at just 1.78mm thick, this results in very minimal "squeeze" and can still lead to aeration with side loads 🤦

When taking these apart, it's common for air pressure to get trapped between the seals, resulting in a "*pop*...nice" sound, which is certainly not nice 🙅

Instead of the $50 new sealhead, I prefer keeping the original when possible, and just replacing the shaft seal with a better compound for the application, this has proven far more effective at stopping aeration, and they're just ~$5-8 🤘

But of course, other shops may say you need to spend your hard earned money on every single 2029 update/upgrade available just so your shock doesn't get cancer...might as well add blinker fluid on there 🙃

Our FKM/Viton upgrade kits are available on our website for just a few bucks! Or you can source the seals individually yourself through your favorite industrial supplier 🤘

Affordable tools, premium seals, professional service. Link in bio 🔗

08/24/2026

Sweet Fox squirts on camera 💦🎥

These 2021-2025 Fox X2 (and other 🦊) have a reputation for getting aerated prematurely, ingesting air pressure from the air can into the damper 👎

The air can is pressurized up to 350psi at full extension, while the damper is only filled to 100psi, this creates a massive pressure difference that's basically asking for air migration 🙅

If that wasn't enough, these used to use a Polyurethane dynamic o-ring at the sealhead, which works good for sealing oil and has amazing abrasion resistance, but these aren't good for sealing air 💨

The issue with these, is that they are too stiff to conform to the microscopic imperfections on the sealing surface, which is exactly where the air creeps through 🫧

Softer compounds (even NBR) work much better for sealing air, but HNBR and FKM can offer improved wear and/or chemical resistance. We use premium FKM seals on our damper service kits, and we'll finally have our air can service kits officially available soon 🤘

While the X2 is now known as one of the least reliable shocks in history, the latest 2026+ version is quite the opposite, at least in some ways. Making it one of the most overbuilt air shocks I've seen in recent years, do you think it can change the reputation of the X2? 🤔

Speaking of the latest X2, I'm working on a full rebuild video with a couple upgrades, dropping soon 🔥

What do you want to see next? 🤔

08/22/2026

Fox air spring service 🧈

This Fox 38 uses a tube-in-a-tube air spring design, whos main purpose is to increase the lower leg volume, as the space between the tubes all the way up to the dual o-rings is part of the lowers, decreasing unwanted ramp up 🤘

Interestingly, the latest Fox 38 ditched this smart design for their "Glidecore". And what's even more interesting, is that the Rockshox fork lineup now uses a tube-in-tube air spring design 🙃

I've been thinking...one brand has the tube-in-tube to increase lower leg volume, the other has the Glidecore to (supposedly) maintain better air spring alignment and reduce friction. Is it possible to combine them? 🤔

In fact, it is. And it already exists (kind of) 👀
Using a "cartridge" air spring has several benefits, obviously increasing lower leg volume, but also, being connected only at the top and bottom of the fork, allow it to maintain alignment (relatively) independently from the chassis flex 🔍

And it doesn't stop there, this can be explored much further; making a localized "flex" area (right under the top cap, for example) that reduces/eliminates the flex elsewhere in the air spring would take it to the next level 🤘

I mean...we could probably integrate a buttercups-like system on there...seems like I may be doing some prototyping work on my old Öhlins fork 👀

Yeah, I know...we went off topic a bit there 😅

Another interesting fact, is that the "old" Fox 38 uses the same size air piston as the Fox 34, as the 38 is basically running a 34 stanchion inside it 🔍

The scariest part of the service can be clamping directly against the sealing surfaces (like the air shaft) for disassembly, specially with metal clamps, a bit of slippage or a wrong move and you've scratched the sealing surface ☹️

Our 3D printed clamps are soft and have a "stop" that prevents you from crushing/ovalizing the shaft, they have an outstanding grip at low clamping forces, specially when using a bit of Powerwash soap, in other words, they're great for beginners! But of course, keep in mind they're plastic so keep your distance from the heat 🔥

Affordable tools, premium supplies, and professional service. L

08/22/2026

Service your fork 🤌 Now easier than ever 🔥

Suspension can be complicated internally, but a 50h service is normally quite straightforward and something you can do at home with mostly basic tools 🤘

The lower leg service involves just dropping the lowers, cleaning, swapping the seals, changing the oil and reassembly. Sounds easy! 🤙

However, you need to handle the parts carefully as they're relatively delicate and a scratch on a sealing surface can be expensive 💸

Always make sure to check your service manual, specially for oil and torque specs, which are different between brands and models 🔍

Our DIY service kits can include SKF seals, oil, grease, gloves and syringes, they start at $49 and make the service as easy and straightforward as it can be 🤘

Still not sure? No worries, we can take care of it. The basic service is just $49 + parts, usually around $90 including SKF wiper seals.
Our full service is only $99-109 + parts, usually $160-200 including full rebuild kit and SKF seals 🔥

Our mail-in service process is as straightforward as possible, just fill out the service form, you'll get shipping instructions and we'll take care of the rest! Our current turnaround time is ~6-8 days 🔄

Wether you want to do it yourself or send it in for service, we can help! Link in bio 🔗

Looking for the service manuals? Google this:
"Fox bike help center"
"Rockshox Trailhead"
"DVO service guides"
"Öhlins document library"
"Cane Creek suspension service instructions"

Hope that helps, otherwise send me a message! 🤙

08/18/2026

The easiest shock to service? 🤔

The Öhlins TTX22 has been around for over a decade with only minor updates. It's an amazing performer, easy to service, and it can be custom tuned/optimized for your setup 🔥

The official 100h service procedure involves replacing the bladder, sealhead and bottom out bumper. That's it! ...although the service kit is ~$90 💸

The service tools you'll need are only a few, but keep in mind that you have to use a vacuum pump in order to get all the air out of the system 🔧

Now, it may be simple to service, but the engineering behind it is absolutely nuts, the twin tube damper featuring low and high speed compression as well as low speed rebound is packaged elegantly within subassemblies in the shock 🤘

Now, adjustment range can be pretty limited, it only has 6 clicks of rebound, but that was certainly done on purpose, as people tend to crank the adjuster in (or out) until it feels "good", often overcompensating with low speed damping what should've been addressed with custom tuning.

Keeping a relatively narrow adjustment range makes it easier to notice when you need (and encourages you) to get the proper tune 🤘

Although this shock was a bad example...these are quite robust and reliable. It's not common to see them fail (unlike 🦊), but they still need some love periodically. Recommended every 100h of use 🤙

What should we cover next? 🤔

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1060 Doniphan Park Circle/Suite B
El Paso, TX
79922

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