REVIEW

Santa Cruz Grease Gun Setup and Use

It’s not everyday that something comes along that makes our lives easier. One of those rarities is the Santa Cruz grease gun that comes with every new Santa Cruz frameset. The lower VPP link on all of their full-suspension bikes comes factory equipped with two zerk fittings, one on each end, corresponding with each of the two pivots for the link. The magic of this system is that it allows one to quickly purge the pivots of old nasty grease and simultaneously fill them with fresh new grease. Most simple five-minute jobs don’t produce results this satisfying.

The Grease Gun comes unassembled, but it’s a simple job to get it all together. Just follow the directions and it will be easy to squeeze. The grease gun tip plugs right onto the zerk fittings. Once connected, you should be able to feel the grease enter the pivot as you squeeze the lever. At the same time, old grease should be forced out in delicious blobs. Once fresh grease follows the nasty stuff out, the job is complete. It may take some force to pull the gun tip from the grease fitting. Make sure to pull straight away from the bike to reduce any chance of damage.

Any excess grease can be wiped away to avoid attracting any unnecessary grit to these crucial pivot points. Obviously, personal riding habits, bike cleanliness, and mileage will dictate the maintenance interval. Dirtier and harder riding will require more frequent lube service. With a procedure as easy as this one, there is no danger of "too much of a good thing." Watch our video and see just how easy it is.