There are many questions that deal with routine/ preventative maintenance (including this one which is probably the most comprehensive Optimal Maintenance Schedule) but none deal with issues related specifically to mountain bikes.
Not all of us have access to a team of mechanics who rebuild our bikes for each weekend/ race but still want to get the optimal performance out of the components on our bikes.
Performance degradation is a continual process, I'm not going to notice a marginal decrease in performance over the sort term, but over a couple of months my brakes won't feel as good, my gear changes won't be as crisp and my suspension won't ride the same. I check over my bike after each ride and lubricate, tighten and clean as required to keep it running well and safe (I will rebleed the brakes if required) but know there's stuff I can't afford/ be bothered to do each week or month.
What I would like to know is when I should be anticipate carrying out more intensive servicing such as:
- Suspension - oil and seal replacement (I have been told anecdotally that it should be every 35 - 50 hours)
- Brakes - rebuild
- Pivots - bearing/ bushing replacement
- Rear derailler - rebuild, replace bearings/ bushings
- Wheels - bearing replacement
Working on a premise of waiting until there was a definite failure or significant loss of performance would mean that I wasn't getting the most out of my bike overall and may in fact lead to my bike being out of service when I want to ride it!!