Upgrading Forks - compatibility issues

randy_baton

Hi,

I've started upgrading the front end of my bike. Its a hard tail Rockhopper sl2010 comp,I can't find an official spec but theres one on gumtree here (http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/mountain-bike-specialized-rockhopper-comp-2010-white-19-frame-for-sale-450).

I'm going fully rigid, but had hopped to be able to quickly swap in my old suspension forks should the need arise and I was planning to continue use my old disc brakes (Avid Juicy 3 SL).

My new forks are kinesis maxlight xlt (http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/Catalogue/Forks/Mountain-Bike/XLT

I've run into a few issues though.

Headset compatibility

This is the headset I'm currently running (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ritchey-wcs-drop-in-headset-2014/rp-prod112210). I think the upper part looks like it will fit okay but the bottom bearing has a tapered inner race and my new fork doesn't.

Old fork tapered bearing race run


Headset bottom bearing



New fork (nothing for the inner race to run against)


It looks like I need a something to go onto of my new forks but I'm not sure what its called. The tapered race on my old forks has a little gap at the back that looks like it could be used to leaver it off the forks. Its stuck pretty hard if that's the case.

Do I need anythingto go top of my new fork, presume I don't just drop the bottom headset bearing on it?

Break compatibility

I think there is no hope with this one....

My current brakes attach to the fork with bolts that run parallel to the wheel. My new fork only has fixings that would screw in perpendicular to the wheel. I thought that maybe I could get away with running longer reservoir bolts but the alignment looks off. Is there any way around this?



The breaks are end of life so needed upgrading at some point, but it means my old forks will be useless to me (unless I fancy changing the breaks every time I want to swap forks!

Thanks for any advice!

cooldad

Forks - you need the crown race from the headset on the new forks - the bit that looks tight.

Brakes - you need an IS to post mount adapter.

swod1

As Cooldad says you need to remove the crown race from the old forks.

Gently loosen it up with a thin screwdriver, to fit on the new forks I've used a piece of plastic pipe to seat the race before 22mm I think for straight 1 1/8 inch steerer tube.

The Rookie

Or you can tap it down with a hammer and screwdriver, work round so it doesn't tilt and work it down progressively.

You can see the mark on the new fork where the previous owner removed the crown race!

cooldad

I would just see if crown races are available separately for the headset - they are for most common ones.

cooldad

Something like
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Ritchey-Crown-R ... _69860.htm

Disclaimer - I have no idea if that is the actual right one, others may be available/more suitable/cheaper. Purchase at your own risk, no correspondence will be entered into if you c0ck it up.

The Rookie

He appears to still have the old forks to remove the crown race from......

cooldad

The Rookie wrote:

He appears to still have the old forks to remove the crown race from......

Are you getting senile in your dotage? Swapping crown races is a PITA.

randy_baton wrote:

I'm going fully rigid, but had hopped to be able to quickly swap in my old suspension forks should the need arise

The Rookie

I don't call it a PITA, maybe with your old fingers it is, but for most people it takes about 2 minutes.

cooldad

Just admit your error and accept your failings.

A split race maybe, otherwise it can be. Easier to spend a few £ IMHO.

The Rookie

Both split and non split if you use a smear of lube....

If he can be sure it's compatible then yes, otherwise it's just a waste of money.