Pike 454 U-Turn Air

mcbainia
mcbainia Posts: 40
edited August 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi there.

I have recently bought a bike with a pair of Rockshox Pike 454 Uturn Air forks on them. They broke after about 4 miles and I have had them replaced today....It wasn't until I finished fixing them to my bike and then went to set the air pressure that I realised that they dont have any + - air valves - therefore, I can only assume that they are the spring version of the 454's...

Can anyone tell me the difference between the air and sprung versions ? I just want to know the difference before I send them back.

I have had a look at the Rockshox website and it appears that they no longer make the 454 U-turn air.

Also, is there any way of telling what year the fork is other - i.e. a seriel number ???

Cheers.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    air forks have air valves on the left leg.

    yes there is a serial number on the fork crown.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mcbainia
    mcbainia Posts: 40
    Ha Ha. Very good.

    What about the performance of the fork ? In your opinion. I have never owned a sprung fork before - only dual air forks. I'm quite a heavy rider and normally have the air pressure up at about 160 ?

    In what instance would a spring be preferred to air ? And vise versa ?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    mcbainia wrote:
    Ha Ha. Very good.

    What about the performance of the fork ? In your opinion. I have never owned a sprung fork before - only dual air forks. I'm quite a heavy rider and normally have the air pressure up at about 160 ?

    In what instance would a spring be preferred to air ? And vise versa ?

    Oh so this is not a tech/workshop question :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mcbainia
    mcbainia Posts: 40
    Ah, touche.

    fair play - i've stuck it in the correct forum now. Just a quick one, is it the last 2 digits of the seriel number that tells you the year ?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Some cross forum confusion happening here lol.

    Not sure on the serial number - however there is sometimes a date stamp circle under the crown.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    no you have not you have double posted!

    what are you wanting to know?

    what the fork rides like?

    what the fork usage is?

    or what?

    also did you read sonics link?

    when we know what you are after we will move this topic to the correct area.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mcbainia
    mcbainia Posts: 40
    Right,

    I just want to know if there are any major differences in the ride between the 2 forks ?

    am i right in saying that the way to adjust the spring forks is to put a stiffer spring in it ?

    I think thats it !! Cheers
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    To adjust the sag yes (or use preload, but that doesn't adjust the spring rate, and Uturn coil forks have no preload adjusters) - that is the main advantage of an air fork, you just adjust the pressure to suit.
  • mcbainia
    mcbainia Posts: 40
    Thanks for your help chaps - that's it decided.

    I'll leave you in peace now !

    Cheers