Which forks to get?

robgall13
robgall13 Posts: 4
edited August 2012 in Commuting general
Hello

I've recently bought a Specialized Crosstrail Sport (2013) and I thinking about upgrading the fork on it. Currently it's not very supple and I find it rather stiff. I use the bike for commuting mainly however I'd like to use it more on weekends on light trails and along canals etc but it's a bit of a pain becuase the fork feels quite stiff.

As I'm new to biking I don't really know what I'm doing, I'm looking at spending under £300 pounds and wondered if anyone could tell me what type of fork to get or even make specific recommendations.

Thanks

My bike - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec041315

Comments

  • Barteos
    Barteos Posts: 657
    Before you start thinking about a new fork, make sure that you get the tyre pressure right.

    I wouldn't go higher than 50-60PSI rear and around 40PSI front on (I assume) 700x38mm tyres. Even less if you're very light.
    Overinflated tyres are slower and less comfortable.

    If that doesn't make much difference see how much room you have for wider tyres and get wider rubber.
    Schwable Big Apples 28"x2.00 would transform your bike dramatically and you wouldn't be any slower.
    Alternatively Schwalbe Marathons would be a nice all-round option. They come in almost any size.

    Comfy tyres with a stiff fork are much better than a comfy fork with stiff tyres.
  • robgall13
    robgall13 Posts: 4
    I've already upgraded tyres. I'm now using Specialized Crossroads Armadillo Elite tyres. Thanks for the tip about tyre pressures. But I'd still like to upgrade the fork, I'm just unsure about things like the headset measurments, will the fork be compatable with my quick release wheels etc.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    You need a quick release dropout fork, with a 1 1/8th inch threadless steerer. One of these will be ideal:

    http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/f ... forks.html

    You can add spacers internally to reduce travel.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • robgall13
    robgall13 Posts: 4
    Wouldn't it need to be a 29er fork?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Doesn't have to be - with narrower tyres, 700c wheels fit straight into 26er forks. The offset can be different though which can effect handling, but a 29er sus fork will be a lot longer, especially if you run more travel.

    That said the tyres do look quite chunky, so a 29er would probably be better. they cost a lot more though!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Barteos
    Barteos Posts: 657
    edited August 2012
    double post...
  • Barteos
    Barteos Posts: 657
    A 26" fork would restrict the tyre width to 28mm-32mm which would negate the benefits of suspension, especially off-road and a 29" fork would be too tall and had to be run with lots of sag.

    The choice of quality forks for hybrid bikes is limited and I don't think there is anything better available than the ones below.
    http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a62337 ... =en&cr=GBP
    http://grippedcycles.co.uk/index.php?ro ... rrency=GBP
    https://www.greyville.com/products/8893 ... ferer=true

    I still believe that squeezing in the widest possible (especially at the front) fast and supple tyres (Schwalbe variety, NOT the stiff Armadillos) would be a significantly better option than upgrading the fork. It looks to me that the frame can take tyres wider than 38mm.

    If tyres can't provide enough comfort for riding smooth trails and canal paths then the new fork isn't likely to make any meaningful difference.

Categories