Riding low (fork problems)

[guitar guru]

My front forks are riding pretty low. Is this generally an indication that they are running low on fork oil? 'Cause I know I have a slow leak (even after they were resealed).

[Skier]

Fork oil will only change the compression and rebound characteristics of your forks, not ride height. Ride height is determined by the fork springs, which lose their ability to resist change over the years.

Many bikes come with springs far under rated for the weight of the rider. You can get new fork springs and install them to get a higher ride height. Another option I know very little about is installing a space to get more preload on your current springs.

[mydlyfkryzis]

Actually, some forks use the air space above the oil for additional springing. Being low on fork oil increases the air space and reducies the spring effect.

However, are the fork seals leaking?

You shouldn't be low on oil unless it is leaking out.