I realize that this is an old post but it came up in a Google search so I thought I would share what I have learned. I am by no means an expert, I am currently on the first bike that I paid for myself (not mom or dad) so I speak from limited experience but have done some research (because I am a DIY nut and like to be prepared). I have a RockShox fork and rear shock. Service prices vary vastly between shops. So phone around and ask before you commit. RockShox in general has two service intervals, 50 hours (minor) and 200 hours (major). RockShox specify that with the minor fork service you "clean" the seals and foam rings and reuse them if they are in good nick, even the crush washers can be reused here. Replace only if damaged or in poor condition RockShox specify for the major fork service, that your replace the seals, foam rings etc. along with a damper and spring service during the major service, more seals, more oil (often different oil in your damper than in the lowers). Here is where the cost comes in for the rear shock. RockShox specify that with the rear shock minor service you replace the seals. There is no reuse here. RockShox specify that with the rear shock major service you replace the seals and do a damper server. Ultimately a rear shock service works out to be more expensive because when done in accordance to OEM specifications you use more consumables. I knew that a rear shock would cost more but didn't realize that it would be that much more expensive than a fork. Perhaps I should have gone hard tail.... When I phoned for quotes no one ever asked me what service I need to do The cheapest I got was about R1500 for both fork and shock, from one of the big chains in 2021 so I suppose they know what they do. They all quoted a price for labor and for and seal kit. So I get the feeling that they really just service the air can with seals and the lowers with seals. This means that 3 out of 4 fork services you are over serviced and over changed and one for service you are under serviced and under charged. A 50 hour fork service may not need anything other than oil, seal lubricant and a cleaning that comes out to about $1.50 (yes, we will never get a quote for this in our beautiful RSA) a 200 hour service comes to about $21.50 A 50 hour service kit for my shock is about $35. and a 200 hour service kit for my shock is about $60. As you can see a huge different in costs between fork and shock. My prices are accurate as I have just imported everything I need for 9 fork services (8 minor, 1 major) from the US totaling R1250 including international shipping. Hope this helps someone.
