New Forks?

nathanmanc

I have a Dawes XC2.2. It is a fairly cheap set-up (Alivio gears/RS Dart2 forks).

Ideally I would like a new bike, but I don't have enough cash to spend. I have already upgraded the brakes to Hayes9's and was thinking the next thing to upgrade would be the forks as they are heavy and pretty bad. Is this a good idea, or am I missing something in the upgrade order?

Can I fit any size forks? The Dart2's are 100mm but I was thinking I would prefer more travel.. say 120/140. Will this alter the frame shape/risk braking it?

Which forks would you suggest? I am looking at spending £100-£150ish so probably want something 2nd hand? Any advice?

supersonic

100mm at the most really. 120 at a push, but don't know if your warranty covers this.

For 150 the Rockshox Tora is good fork.

nathanmanc

What do you mean 120 'at a push'? Im new so don't really understand. I don't have a warranty (bought bike 2nd hand).

Do you recommend buying new forks over 2nd hand ones?

jayson

nathanmanc wrote:

What do you mean 120 'at a push'? Im new so don't really understand. I don't have a warranty (bought bike 2nd hand).

Do you recommend buying new forks over 2nd hand ones?

It means that 120mm forks may adversley affect the geometry of ur frame and more importantly put extra stress on the head tube which can lead to a complete collapse of the frame in extreme cases and a huge very painfull accident.

As sonic says the RS Toras are great forks for the money and the 100mm versions wont ruin the handling or integirty of the frame.

tilt

Out of curiosity does anyone here know of a frame failing just because someone has added 20mm to the travel of their fork?

I agree that in theory it could happen, just wondering whether it actually does happen.

supersonic

Seen a lot of failed frames, but hard to tell what did it.

ride_whenever

I don't know of any frames failing with +20mm, but i know of frames riding like a crock of $hite because of it.

Just don't do it.

supersonic

It must have rode bad to start then lol. Most frames handle fine at +/- 20mm, as talking about a degree difference in head and seat angle. The 456 is such an example. But if very slack to start, it may just make it too slack etc.

tilt

supersonic wrote:

It must have rode bad to start then lol. Most frames handle fine at +/- 20mm, as talking about a degree difference in head and seat angle. The 456 is such an example. But if very slack to start, it may just make it too slack etc.

See that was my thinking, you're talking such a small change in the angles from the extra 20mm up front. Surely frames are built with certain tolerances?

ride_whenever

my housemates rockhopper certainly doesn't like the extra 20mm.

supersonic

What year hopper is it? The 2010 has 70/73 angles at 100mm. This would drop to 69/72 with a 5 inch fork.

ride_whenever

older, i think '07...

jairaj

tilt wrote:

supersonic wrote:

It must have rode bad to start then lol. Most frames handle fine at +/- 20mm, as talking about a degree difference in head and seat angle. The 456 is such an example. But if very slack to start, it may just make it too slack etc.

See that was my thinking, you're talking such a small change in the angles from the extra 20mm up front. Surely frames are built with certain tolerances?

One degree difference in head angle is quite noticeable. My bike is designed for 140mm fork, if I run my u-turn Revs at 150mm and with my new slightly higher stack headset the bike defiantly feels different. A bit slacker and a bit slower into the corners but also more confident when pointing downwards.

If you like the way the bike handles try to keep the angles the same.

supersonic

It is noticable yes - I guess it is up to the rider to decide whether it is good or bad for them.

OnOne and Cotic have for years played on the fact, and rightly too, that by designing the bike to work with middling geometry for an average length fork, but giving it the strength to cope with bigger forks, the rider can get a lot of set ups for the frame. This extends to many other frames too, but they rarely market them that way.

Interesting to see how much xc frames differ too. Some have 71.5 head angles, some as slack as 68.5 with 100mm forks.

glauciaregina9

nathanmanc wrote:

What do you mean 120 'at a push'? Im new so don't really understand. I don't have a warranty (bought bike 2nd hand).

Do you recommend buying new forks over 2nd hand ones?

Getting back on-topic for a moment ... :-)



If you're on a budget, 2nd hand is often the way to go, however:

- make sure you can inspect them before handing over any cash (ideally you'd want a test ride but they'll probably not be on a bike if they're up for sale)

- check the steerer length is sufficient for your frame & is long enough to give you the desired riding position

- check they are smooth, have full travel

- check any adjusters work (rebound/compression damping)

- if they're air-sprung check the fork pump works & the air-chamber can be pressurised

- if they're over 6 months old, make sure the owner has had them serviced properly (do they have a receipt for example)

- you can often get an idea from the manner of the seller as to whether they seem to be the kind of person who would look after their stuff


I'm sure other readers will have some helpful hints that I've missed...

nathanmanc

Cheers for the reply's...

Iv had a look around and it looks like I have a choice between;

Recon Silver TK for £125
Tora 318 Solo Air for £150
2nd hand Reba's for around 200.

Any other options? Which are the lightest? Not looked into other brands yet.

EnduroChris

sent you pm matey

supersonic

Rebas lightest, then the Tora, then the Recon Silver.

The Tora 318 is better than the Recon TK.

Fram

Hi Nathanmanc,
Have you found solo air's for £150, please let me know where, as I am looking for a set of 'better forks' and these sound like a cracking deal.

Thanks mate

Fram.

nathanmanc

They do seem like a great deal...

I saw the price here;
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/marzocchi-and-rockshox-suspension-forks/rockshox-suspension-forks/rockshox-tora-318-forks.html

However it looks like they dont have any left...

Also found some good deals on "Ribblecycles" but it seems they are selling the tora 318 air's with no disc mounts? Or am I being stupid? http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/mtb-bmx-bike/Rock-Shox-Tora-318-26-Solo-Air-Forks/ROCKFORM430

Fram

Your right, the Ribble ones look like rim brakes only.....Bugger!!

Cheers mate.

Fram.

Fram

Another blimmin double post.....????........GRRRRR......

nathanmanc

I ended up spending a little more than expected on a set of Reba Team Air U-Turn's. Second hand, but as new (hope I haven't been screwed over!) for £195 which I thought was a good price.. we shall see