Swapping forks Tora for Recon

Adamgt

Hi there.

I have just landed a great deal for a 2010 Giant XTC2 from ebay for my wife. I picked it up on Sunday and it's like new, really pleased with it. The frame is 16" and it comes with Rockshox Recon SL fork with a remote for the lockout.

My own bike, a 19" 2011 Orange G3, has Rockshox Tora TK forks. Now, I don't think there is too much difference between the two forks but I would like to swap them over so I can have the remote LO option (my wife isn't fussed). Steerer length doesn't seem to be a problem but I'll measure properly if I take them off.

My question is, are the forks on the Giant set up for 80mm travel? I've seen on loads of bike specs that smaller sized bikes sometimes have the travel set lower; I'm happy to admit this is not the case at all but that's what I'm led to believe. If I swap them over, will I need to adjust the travel somehow to 100mm, if so how? I assume that is the max for these forks anyway and not 120mm?

If there is a big difference between the forks then can anybody point to where I could find out?

Thanks,
Adam

nicklouse

it might be possible to lengthen the fork but again it might not. the only way is to open them up and see.
you will also need to swap the crown races over if the headsets are not identical.

Adamgt

Ahh, thanks for the tip about the crown races. I've replaced forks before but had used the same crown race so I didn't think of that.

oxocube1

Most forks set at 80mm travel will have a 20mm spacer, which can be removed to make them 100mm.
I Very recently changed my Recon SL from 80 to 100mm by removing the spacer in the air spring assembly. It's a fairly basic procedure as long as you have a little knowledge of how forks work and the tools to do it.

There is a PDF Here which has both Toras and Recons in it and how to change the travel. Start on page 40 for the Toras and through to 48 for the Recons.

Also Here is a video of how to remove/service the Air Spring Assembly. You will just have to take out the black rubber spacer that should be present and shown in the PDF.

Just incase you need it this is how to remove the lowers and this is how to install them.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

Good luck!

Adamgt

That's great, thanks for all the info! Some evening reading for me there. I'll let you know how I get on.

nicklouse

to add to above and to reinforce what i said before you dont know what you have until you look inside. MANY OE forks are not adjustable (costs less) so it it looks nothing like the service manual dont be surprised.