Bicycle Mechanics - Suspension Fork Lube

Hi. I have a set of Zoom 650 Gordo suspension forks. i was wondering what would be the best lube to
use?
At the moment i'm using Jude Butter. But after about 20 minutes of riding the forks get covered in black stuff, is this normal?

I'm not familiar with your fork, but it sounds like your seals need some work or replacing. As for lube, judy butter is good, but expensive. The best thing to do is to go to a motorcycle place and just as for some fork lube. Those guys have been doing suspension a lot longer than we have and they use a lot more lube. They sell it in huge amounts for dirt cheap.

Thanks.

yeah my forks get covered in black stuff too... i have the same ones... the guy @ the bike shop jus said to wipe it off. i wanna know if i undo these alan key nuts at the bottom if it will undo the forks for me and if it will be ok if i do undo them.

I'm not familiar with your fork, but it sounds like your seals need some work or replacing. As for lube, judy butter is good, but expensive. The best thing to do is to go to a motorcycle place and just as for some fork lube. Those guys have been doing suspension a lot longer than we have and they use a lot more lube. They sell it in huge amounts for dirt cheap.
You haven't priced fork oil lately have you?

Mostly only available in quarts at $18-35. That's a long way from the $4.95 pint of Bel-Ray :eek:

I'm not familiar with the fork either, but I guessing that there's an elastomer dampner in there and the black you're seeing is residue from that and maybe some oil. If that's the case, then it's time for a rebuild.

If you don't have a familiarity with telescoping forks or a higher level of mechanical aptitude, I'd say leave the forks alone.

your fork is super super old. Really, save the 20 bucks you're planning on spending on lube and put it toward any modern entry level fork and you'll be miles ahead from where you started. The rockshox judy is a signigicant upgrade from what you have and can be had for 30 bucks on Ebay.