eBay Lefty problems...

Kowalski

I've just bought a 2005 Prophet 600 off ebay with a lefty max fork. It's turned up looking like it's barely turned a wheel and all was good until i tried bouncing the lefty fork up and down.

There is a notchy/grinding feeling/noise coming from the fork as it moves through it's travel. It also seemed to 'stick' once compressed and take a while to re-extend (i don't think that's the right word but you know what i mean) but i've fiddled with the rebound and that doesn't seem to be a problem now (just thought i'd mention it incase it's relevent...).

If anyone has had a similar issue and/or can tell me what's going on i'd be very grateful to hear. I'm hoping to know if it's serious or not before i contact the seller and leave feedback / think about returning it.

help...!

Kowalski

It's the fluid flow lefty max btw

gbrnole

leftys run on needle bearings and are typically a lot smoother than 'conventional' forks. The grinding noise I had on my lefty was the needle bearings and is normal. You may want to remove the shock cover on the lefty and ensure the stanchion is cleaned of old grease and relube.

The problem with your rebound I can't explain but leftys do suffer from bearing migration which you can fix yourself easily and is part of the maintenance process. This may be an attributing factor.

If it's a 2005 bike has the lefty been serviced, they do require regular servicing to keep in good condition. Download the manual from Cannondale site and that should help you out.