Dirt ingress seal

A dirt ingress seal (100) for a shock absorber and forks, said dirt ingress seal (100) comprising:

• a. a first lip (102a) configured to isolate an internal space of the dirt ingress seal (100) from atmosphere and external environment;
• b. a first set of ribs (105a) formed on an inner side of a circumferential surface of said dirt ingress seal (100), said first set of ribs (105a) formed below said first lip (102a);
• c. a second lip (102b) configured on an inner circumferential portion near a central region of said dirt ingress seal (100), wherein said dirt ingress seal (100) comprises a first end and a second end spaced apart from one another and the central region is between the first end and the second end;
• d. a second set of ribs (105b) formed on the inner side of the circumferential surface of said dirt ingress seal (100), said second set of ribs (105b) formed below said second lip (102b);
• e. a first set of cavities (106a) defined by said first set of ribs (105a);
• f. a second set of cavities (106b) defined by said second set of ribs (105a),
• said cavities (106a, 106b) being configured to arrest and trap mud, dust, dirt, and particulate matter entering said dirt ingress seal (100) to prevent further ingress of abrasive particles into a seal zone;
• and
• g. a moat structure (108) formed between said first set of ribs (105a) and said second lip (102b), said moat structure defining a U-shaped pocket between said second lip and said first set of ribs for retaining particulate matter therewithin.