Front Shocks

Luxor

Hi,

I have a pair of Ballistic XL 600 front shocks, and when I press and hold the front brake the shocks move a little horizontally. They move a few mm but the rocking is noticeable. I can also feel it when I am cycling and I use the brake.

All the bolts on the bike are tight.

I just wondered whether this was normal behaviour for front shocks. Are they supposed to have some free movement horizontally, or none at all?

Thanks for reading.

supersonic

What is actually moving? Many forks flex backwards under braking - but make sure it is not the headset that is loose.

Also the bushings may be worn.

Luxor

Hi supersonic, thanks a lot for your speedy reply.

It's definitely not the headset. It seems to be coming from the fork area, like it's rocking ever so slightly under braking.

I have a couple of non-suspension bikes and know there's always a tiny bit of give when the brakes are applied, but this feels different. However I'm not familiar with shock technology and am wondering what it can do if left unchecked.

I am also considering taking it down the local bike shop next week, and seeing what the guy there says. It's a really nice looking bike (a silver Royce Union), very comfortable aluminium frame, but if the bushings have gone what can you do..

Thanks again for your reply and I will post my findings.

supersonic

It does sound like the bushings may be loose or slack. The Ballistic you mention is quite an old fork, and truth be told, not a very good one!

Put ypour hand over where the forks seals are. Put the front brake on and rock the bike back and forth. Any movement in the bushings will be easily felt. But there is nothing much you can do to remedy it.

Sometimes the brakes can move as a seperate problem casuing the feel when riding.