Replacement suspension forks

ghorswill
ghorswill Posts: 98
edited April 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
I have a circa 1994 specialised Rockhopper A1 comp that is fitted with Future Shock front suspension. The bike rides OK with the exception of the front forks. As they are slightly corroded and have never been serviced I'm looking to replace them with something newer. But I have know idea what I need. How do I identify the size of the steering tube/head tube without taking it apart? If I get something newer will I need to replace the headset and then stem. I don't mind this if its an option, I have a stem and bars off another bike I could use. I mainly use the bike when I'm out with the kids on cycle paths or local trails nothing heavy off road so only looking for something with short 80 - 100 mm travel.

Thanks
2010 Specialised Sirrus Pro (drop bar conversion)
1993 Specialised Rockhopper A1
Voodoo Limba - for out with the kids

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    What sort of headset does it have - threadless or threaded? That might narrow it down.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    At that age it will almost certainly be threaded, may be 1" or 1 1/8" which should be easy enough to measure.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    One inch is a bugger to find decent forks for though.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    According to Bikepedia it's a 1 1/8 threadless for a 1995, first one I can find with sus forks.
    http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... VytGFtwazA
    But specs can differ. According to Bikepedia it's a triple crown? Awesome oldness.
    I thought the Future Shock was 1" threaded.
    '94 Rockhopper was also threadless, so...

    Rambling. Goodnight.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • ghorswill
    ghorswill Posts: 98
    Right it's definitely a threaded headset that is fitted and based on a bit of research it's and an external measurement of the stem (1") my assumption is its a 1 1/8 inch steerer.

    So can I replace the headset, stem and fork with a threadless setup as long as the steerer is 1 1/8 diameter.

    Sorry I may be being dumb or obvious but thanks for all the responses so far.
    2010 Specialised Sirrus Pro (drop bar conversion)
    1993 Specialised Rockhopper A1
    Voodoo Limba - for out with the kids
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Yes the OD of the quill stem for a 1 1/8" steerer is 1" (22.2mm for a 1" steerer as it happens).

    Yes you can use a 1 1/8" steerer ahead (threadless) fork as long as you get a threadless headset and an ahead stem (plus spacers and top cap/bolt/SFN).
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • ghorswill
    ghorswill Posts: 98
    Thanks for the quick response, guess I need to change forums now to get advice on some cheap but reasonable forks. :D
    2010 Specialised Sirrus Pro (drop bar conversion)
    1993 Specialised Rockhopper A1
    Voodoo Limba - for out with the kids
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Yup! Classifieds/ebay will be your friend in terms of VFM!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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