Question about forks...

mcgyver74

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum here, Have a quick question about for the gurus out there.

I have a 2009 Specialized hardrock sport, did a few mod's to it (better wheels, high pressure tires, etc, I use it as a commuter bike in NYC so I don't need the knobby tires..) over the last month, I've noticed a wobble in the bars that got progressively worse,

Took it into the bike shop for a yearly tuneup, (plus my front derailleur isn't working and needs a cable) etc. they looked at it and pointed out that my front forks are shot (Lot of play where the suspension moves and they are leaking fluid)

They told me that it wasn't really worth fixing given that it's not a very expensive bike and the recommended I find a used set of forks on craigslist etc and swap them out.

Ultimately I decided to buy a new bike due to time constraints but I do want to try to fix the old one myself.. Both for the experience, and I am going to give the bike to a friend who cannot afford a bike of his own

My questions are:

1) Is it common for these forks to go that fast or did I beat them up badly with my weight? ( when I first bought the bike I was VERY overweight , lost about 120 lbs just pedaling )

2) What "Size" forks should I be looking for to replace them? My friend and I don't mountain bike but we do ride around NYC so I don't care if I can find suspension forks or not

3) How hard is it to swap the forks? I've done tire changes, basic brake adjustments so I'm not without skills with tools, but I've never attempted a fork change before


Thanks in advance!!

flet©h

1) Can't help you there I'm afraid

2) You will need forks the same size as the old ones, or similar else the bike won't handle correctly. Also the steerer tube will need to be the correct diameter (probably 1 1/8th) and long enough to fit your head tube and stem. Measure the old one to be sure.

3) Very easy. Just unbolt the top cap, stem and brakes and bolt in the new one. You may need a bit of help cut the steerer and fit the star nut but neither are hard if you have a hack saw and a hammer.

supersonic

1) Yes, but you had very cheap budget forks on there. Better forks last much longer

2) As above. Make sure the brake fittings match.

3) As above, but you need to swap the headset crown race too.

mcgyver74

Thanks Guys,
I am looking for an el-cheapo set of forks, I have a hacksaw so trimming is not a big deal, hoping I can do this

supersonic

Have a look at the Recon Silver TK

cavegiant

Recon or Tora are good buys.

I think the Tora is slightly stiffer, but heavier.
If you are a big guy still (like me), you may appreciate the added stiffness and not notice the weight increase.

Super is the RS expert here though =-)

supersonic

Lol. The Recon Silver TK uses the butted upper steel tubes of last years Tora Race and 318, but the 302, 289 and SL versions used plain gauge so are indeed stiffer.

Plus the numbered Toras have pre 2009 Rev lowers which are stiffer too.