Buying second hand forks?...

DanDax1990

Hi guys, looking at replacing my horrible Suntour Epicons with something decent.

I've decided to go for some used DT Swiss XMC130s, recently been serviced and look in great condition.

From reviews I've read they sound like really good forks. Very plush, stiff and very light.

What are your opinions on buying used forks?

They're 2010 model by the way.

warpcow

Get a look at them in person if you can. Try and get an assurance that the stanchions are good (they should have noticed any wear at the last service). Also, what do they mean by 'service'; did they just drop the lowers and replace the oil or did it get a full service? If paying by paypal, do not pay by 'gift'. And last, but by no means least, check and double check that the steerer is long enough.

I've bought 2 sets of used forks without issues, but with both I collected them in person and opened them up to check they were fine as soon as I got them home.

DanDax1990

Serviced by Pace, including new crown and steerer. Stanchions look like they're in great condition.

No damage to the carbon just a bit to the stickers but they can be replaced?...

warpcow

Sounds alright, assuming the price is right. Crown and steerer should include stanchions. No idea about stickers, but I'd guess they'll be harder to come by than Fox and Rockshox.

supersonic

Don't expect a big difference over the Epicon.

DanDax1990

Why's that supersonic? The Epicons feel horrible...

supersonic

Service it then. Is a good fork.

cooldad

My opinion - stick to RS (or Fox if you must) if you want a change, easier to get parts, some excellent people around if you need servicing (TF, Loco, Mojo).

The Rookie

+1 for RS, very impressed with my daughters, although we also have two older Manitous in the family and both are still in great condition and working well at 6 years old.....but anything other than seals means they would be scrap as parts are impossible, but then they only cost £55 each!

DanDax1990

Well that's thrown a spanner in the works lol I thought Epicons were proper budget forks...

Where would best to get them serviced?

supersonic

Try yourself ;-)

Full exploded diagrams available at Suntour. Basic strip clean and oil will work wonders.

But if you must get a new fork, RS as above.

DanDax1990

Thanks a lot sonic, Never came to mind about availability of spares.

May give them a miss, service mine and get a new wheelset instead of waiting a couple of months for new wheels and see how the Epicons gets on after a service...

What do I need to service them? Any special tools? Oils? Seals? Etc...

supersonic

have a look at the website ;-)

DanDax1990

Probably just me being stupid but I can't find any 'how to's' about doing a full service on their website

cooldad

First link that came up in Google
http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/index. ... =979&sid=1

The Rookie

Very easy to do, big spanners (or adjustable) for the top caps, allen keys and some fork oil, lots of kitchen roll and someIPA.