Rusty cheap fork
asdfhjkl
Posts: 333
Hey folks,
My old Carrera Vulcan has hardly any travel from the Suntour XCM (2008/9 I think) fork. I know it's a crap fork with steel legs so I wasn't overly surprised to find them looking like this when I took them apart for a service:
:shock: I've done this a couple of times to keep them running well but they've never been in this bad a state.
I tried to take the fork out of the frame to give it a more thorough cleaning but the steerer tube is pretty rusty too - I can't actually remove the last spacer for rust and didn't want to force the fork out with a mallet in case I damage the headset (which is probably knackered too, although it still runs smoothly).
Cleaned up as best I could, greased what needs greased and reassembled. Fork is working again but is this dangerous? Does the rust just affect the fork action or does it point to structural integrity issues? I'm torn between upgrading the fork (probably a 2nd hand Tora/Recon off eBay) or just putting the money aside for a new bike. If riding a fork in this state is dangerous then I'd probably go for the first option. Otherwise I'm happy to ride it out until I can afford a new bike.
Ta for any advice
My old Carrera Vulcan has hardly any travel from the Suntour XCM (2008/9 I think) fork. I know it's a crap fork with steel legs so I wasn't overly surprised to find them looking like this when I took them apart for a service:
:shock: I've done this a couple of times to keep them running well but they've never been in this bad a state.
I tried to take the fork out of the frame to give it a more thorough cleaning but the steerer tube is pretty rusty too - I can't actually remove the last spacer for rust and didn't want to force the fork out with a mallet in case I damage the headset (which is probably knackered too, although it still runs smoothly).
Cleaned up as best I could, greased what needs greased and reassembled. Fork is working again but is this dangerous? Does the rust just affect the fork action or does it point to structural integrity issues? I'm torn between upgrading the fork (probably a 2nd hand Tora/Recon off eBay) or just putting the money aside for a new bike. If riding a fork in this state is dangerous then I'd probably go for the first option. Otherwise I'm happy to ride it out until I can afford a new bike.
Ta for any advice
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Comments
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Looks like surface corrosion - though I can't say it hasn't penetrated. If in doubt, replace them.0
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Get a small metal brush and give the rust a rub, you will be able to tell if it is surface rust or penetrating. If the latter, bin. It week eventually weaken and snap.0
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You won't, just smack it one.asdfhjkl wrote:I can't actually remove the last spacer for rust and didn't want to force the fork out with a mallet in case I damage the headsetCurrently 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.0 -
Wasn't the late lamented Rubez looking for a set of forks just like this? We never did find out what sort of bike he ended up with . . .Specialized Roubaix Elite 2015
XM-057 rigid 29er0 -
Thanks all. New forks on the way. Recon gold RL - should be a massive step up over the rusty XCMs
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