What is shock fade and how do I avoid it?
Shock fade is a pesky problem that affects dampeners under extreme conditions. Every shock has some type of viscous oil inside that provides hydraulic resistance and absorbs heat. Prolonged use under grueling circumstances can cause the oil to overheat and thin out. This change in viscosity means that the shock does not perform at its optimal level, and your ride quality suffers as a result. You can avoid shock fade in a number of ways. Using robust shocks that are designed for off-roading is the best way to steer clear of fade. Monotubes are better, but most twin-tubes offer plenty of fade resistance. Also, you can upgrade to shocks with oil reservoirs. This extra buffer helps to keep temperatures in your tubes in check.
