SR Sutour XCM forks

Wheelieguy

Hey peeps ive got a few questions about my 2008 SR Suntour XCM forks that came supplied on my carrera vulcan.

Been out for a good ride out this weekend and they seem too lacking in the preload adjustment, i.e. they could do to be stronger springed if that makes any sense as when i get on the bike they sag to about half the travel length, now i know im not the lightest of blokes but im sure my mates dont feel this soft but only rode his for a few minutes about a month or so ago so not 100% sure, ive found the link to download the userguide through the search on here (as mine came without a fork handbook for some reason, damn halfords) but it doesnt explain and ive no idea what they run inside are they spring/oil air/oil (dont think so but dont know) the last experience i had with forks was a set of 97/98 judy XC`s so i thought i best enquire on here if theyre set wrong or need springs (elastomers even?) changing and where i can source any replacements or upgrades, or am i just too fat for my forks and need to save up for something better after only owning the bike for a week lol.

Mine are just the plain XCMs with rebound damping on the right fork leg (red knob) and preload on the left fork leg (black knob) and without lockout

Any ideas or advice muchly appreciated peeps,
Cheers, john.

nicklouse

sounds like new springs needed.

if you are above average weight then it is most likely.

But TBH i would live with them and when they are worn out. Early summer 2009 replace them with some forks that actually do what they are meant to do.

Some RS Toras or Rebas.

Wheelieguy

nicklouse wrote:

sounds like new springs needed.

if you are above average weight then it is most likely.

Err not too sure as im kinda scared of seeing how fat ive gotten but i was last weighed a few years back and i was over 16st... but on the plus side i am nearly 6ft 2" though...


Could you suggest anywhere to get heavier weight springs or would my local shop be able to supply me some (are there only specific springs that will fit or are most universal)

Cheers for advice so far

Papa Smurf

As many people will tell you.. You really are better off getting better forks.

RS Tora's, Recons and Reba's are all good... Great infact!

NIGEL_ASH

Ditch the forks, they are rubbish!

Seriously, these forks are known to be soft. They are a budget fork commonly found fitted as OEM to many sub £500 bikes. I've just got rid of the ones fitted to my Mongoose and it couldn't come soon enough. I too am not a small lightweight guy and soon after buying my bike, decided the forks would be the first thing to be upgraded. They were basically offering no real suspension quality and would dive straight through the travel with so much as a slight pull on the brakes. I was riding around with them permanently locked out until I got round to changing them.

Now have some Marzocchi XC500 air sprung forks which were a little tricky to set up but having been out on them this evening, they have made an enormous difference. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a vast improvement on the Suntour's

Wheelieguy

Thanks for the advice peeps looks like ive gotta get my saving head on then i just was hoping to maybe find some stiffer springs for now as ive only ridden the bike once and owned it a week and didnt quite really want to be buying new forks just as yet

NIGEL_ASH

I contacted a few LBS's to see what deals could be had on new forks and was offered the Marzocchis very cheap as they were a superseded model. A quick bit of research on the net and I found numerous good reviews so I took the plunge and now have a much superior fork for very little cash. If you're not bothered in having the 'latest' model then its worth ringing round your local suppliers to see if they have any new 'old' models on the shelf.

supersonic

They are a decent OE fork - especially considering some of the forks mentioned cost as much as your whole bike ;-) Amazing to see adjustable damping, let alone any damping.

But there are better: a short term fix would be a new spring: contact Halfords or Greyville. You are too heavy for it.

stevet1992

someone else with a carrera 8)

i must admit i find my forks lacking (smae XCM's as yours) and they are now all but usless not even responding to bumps untill they are massive :shock: so im also looking to upgrade

ive heard people say good things about These just dont go buying them all :P i still want some :roll:

MarvintheAndroid

If the bike is only a week old and you got it from a shop then you should take it back and get it looked at. Whilst not great forks by any means, my last two sets of XCMs gave around 20mm of sag for a 17 stone rider (now much lighter I'm happy to say). These should not be dropping to 50% sag unless there is a fault. If they try to claim that you are too heavy (hah just let them try) then point out that they have a duty of care to sell you a product that is fit for purpose, ie suitable for you as a rider.

I say COMPLAIN !

Marv

supersonic

It does depend what spring is fitted - if a normal 10-12stone medium spring was fitted to give on average 25% sag, so not suprising the fork will sag more if weigh more.

If bought at the store, I agree the shop should have mentioned it at POS. And also online retailers could do more to say what is fitted and have options IMHO.