2004 Junior T fork, QR - 20mm conversion

*AJ*
*AJ* Posts: 1,080
edited March 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
Not sure if anyone will be able to help here but worth a try....

Ive got an 04 junior t fork 'quick release version' on my 6" travel patriot. I'm wanting to change to a 20mm thru axle. I've looked at new forks, but the majority of new downhill forks are 200mm travel, which is too much for my patriot. I think the 170mm junior t's are as big as I'd want to go.

Looking on eBay, there's a few junior t's and drop offs which are spares or repair, but have a 20mm axel. My question is, could I swap the lowers or not? Meaning I could keep my fork but retrofit a 20mm axle?

I hope the above makes sense. Anyone got any advise?

Another option is a 180mm travel boxxer I've been offered which actually has a smaller axle to crown length than my 170mm junior T. I assume the actual axle to crown length is more important to strains & stresses on the frame than the forks travel?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    yes make sure the travel was the same and the year is the same and you should have no probs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • *AJ*
    *AJ* Posts: 1,080
    The drop offs I can find are single crown, 150mm travel ones.
    I have these forks on my hardtail and the lowers measure the same length even though there's a 20mm travel difference.

    Do you still think it would be ok? Or should I hold out until i find a 170mm fork from 04 as you suggest?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    they will be fine. the 150 ones are the same.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • *AJ*
    *AJ* Posts: 1,080
    Brilliant Nick! Thanks for this! A great help.
  • RevellRider
    RevellRider Posts: 1,794
    Didn't Marzocchi make the 20mm bolt through forks 10mm wider to use the 110mm hubs? So they're wider at the crown and brace
    Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    nope.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • RevellRider
    RevellRider Posts: 1,794
    Was that only QR20, as I remember Avid doing thicker mounts for 20mm Marzocchi forks due to the calliper being 5mm further from the centre of the hub
    Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Didn't Marzocchi make the 20mm bolt through forks 10mm wider

    nope it was just the mounts. the forks are no different sizing.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    Wouldn't it just be easier to sell your forks and buy new ones, rather than faffing about swapping the lowers?
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    ilovedirt
    it is not hard to do and the 03-04 Marz are some of the better ones.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

Categories