Bicycle Mechanics - suspension fork boots question????

Do you need to replace worn/torn boots?

Or is it ok if I take them off?

The fork has a dust seal attached on the "lower", is it enough to protect the insides from dust, debris, etc., if the boot is taken off?

Thanks.

Depends on your riding location. If it is real dusty and dry then leave them on. If it i real wet leave them on. Most Marzocchi forks can hold out most anything. Also the Manitou seals that are real short work very well.

Lizard Skins make replacement boots made of neoprane. I had to cut the boots off my fork with a box cutter and use the universal Lizard Skins boots when the boots dry rotted off. The replacement boots just wrap around the stanctions and are velcroed together. They work well. I've never had mine fall off.

I like to leave them off, then I can see that they are getting dirty and clean them.
Depends on the person, but often when forks come in, they are filthy under the boots. Out of sight out of mind

Thanks everyone..

After much thought on your replies, I think I'll be taking off the boots. Conditions here are not that extreme, and I'll be using this fork for recreational XC only..

It looks better too, w/o the boots..

Thanks again!

Thanks everyone..

After much thought on your replies, I think I'll be taking off the boots. Conditions here are not that extreme, and I'll be using this fork for recreational XC only..

It looks better too, w/o the boots..

Thanks again!My rule of thumb : If the manufacturer thought they were necessary then they probably are. Especially on older or cheaper forks. Most new ones have effective seals but there are a number of them that NEED the boots for their sucky seals.

Take the Lizard Skin's boots off anytime they get wet and let them dry OFF the bike. When wet, they will hold water against the seals and that's terrible for them :)