forks for nukeproof mega tr frame

swod1

As the title suggests I'm after some forks for a used nukeproof mega tr frame I've just got.

What size travel is ideal for the frame 150 or 160?

It's 26 and I'm taking off parts from my boardman hardtail and 120 forks won't suit it.

I've heard a lot about flex on forks like revelations so am I best looking out for some pikes rct3 or marzocchi 350s?

I see a lot of rockshox and fox about but not many marzocchi forks.

What about rear shock monarch rt3 is this any good or is it better to upgrade this too?

it's my first venture into full suss bikes so I'm not clued up and just going by what people have told me.

rockmonkeysc

I used to have a Mega TR. Revelations are too flexy to get the best out of it.
I replaced the Revs with a Marzocchi 350CR. It's a decent enough fork for UK riding but go to the Alps on it and those half hour long descents soo show up the lack of small bump sensitivity. I had the wrists of a teenager who's just discovered porno by the second day in the Alps. Never had a problem here though on the 2-4 minute descents.
I've since replaced the 350CR with a Pike RCT3 which is certainly better but you'll pay a lot more to get one.
I did try the Marzocchi fork at 160mm, it's too long and ruined the steering. 140mm is ideal for this bike. More isn't better in this case.
The standard Monarch shock is terrible, really harsh. I replaced mine with a Cane Creek DB Inline which just transformed the bike and made the rear suspension feel bottomless and super smooth.

swod1

Thanks for that, for now it will be uk riding mostly Peak District where lads I ride with go.

saw the frame for a good price and bought it, tried a few bikes out and havent decided what I want yet.

I've been looking at forks and most seem to be either 150 or 160.

If I get some 150s it's just air spring to change.

Does the mega use a standard size rear shock if there is such a thing?

poah

doesn't matter which 26 pike you get you can change the air spring part number 11.4018.010.133 for the 140mm 26 air shaft

this is a pretty good buy although only in white.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mani ... prod115307

can change to 140mm with the bits in the box

rockmonkeysc

The shock is 190x51 You need to get the correct tune as well unless you get something more tuneable like the Cane Creek.
The Mega TR eats bearings so make sure they're all good before you build it up. The cable guide screws are made of some extremely soft aluminium, the hex sockets round off very easily.

swod1

RockmonkeySC wrote:

The shock is 190x51 You need to get the correct tune as well unless you get something more tuneable like the Cane Creek.

I'll bare that in mind for time being will try the shock n see.

RockmonkeySC wrote:

The Mega TR eats bearings so make sure they're all good before you build it up. The cable guide screws are made of some extremely soft aluminium, the hex sockets round off very easily.

I was wondering about pivot bearings and have already looked at bearing kits which would you recommend I hear a lot about enduro bearings.

The cable guide bolts did you change them out for something stronger stainless maybe?

Suppose I could get some new from crc if they still stock bits for old frames, haven't checked yet.

rockmonkeysc

Yes, I put in stainless cable guide bolts. M5 x 10 countersunk I think. Don't buy new ones from CRC, you'll just end up with the same aluminium rubbish.
The main pivot bearings last forever. It's the upper linkage bearings that don't last. Enduro bearings will last a lot better. The Nukeproof website has an exploded frame drawing which lists bearing sizes. The 27.5 frame is still basically the same as the 26".

whyamihere

I recently paid £320 for a brand new 2016 Pike RCT3 off Amazon. Worth having a look on there to see what you can get.

dirkpitt74

I've just built the same frame up - link in my signature.

CRC stock limited parts for the frame now.
It took me ages to track down a front mech mount - I basically emailed every Nukeproof dealer I could to see if they had one lying around.
Worth getting a spare drop-out/mech hanger as these seem hard to get too.

I've got 140 travel Fox 32's on mine - have played around with the pressures and rebound etc. and aren't too bad at the moment. Will probably swap for Pikes or Lyriks at some point.

rockmonkeysc

CRC don't list spares but any shop with a Hotlines account (that's most shops) can get them. Mech hangers are the same as the current model.

swod1

RockmonkeySC wrote:

CRC don't list spares but any shop with a Hotlines account (that's most shops) can get them. Mech hangers are the same as the current model.

Cheers for that, I will get a spare rear mech hanger but will get some cable guide bolts from a hardware shop.

Think I'm going to put 1x11 XT on it can't decide yet or maybe 10 speed 11-42t cassette with a XT 11speed rear mech seems it will work with the 10spd shifter for better gear shifting up to the 42t.

dirkpitt74

Bit of a bump on this.

I'm looking to replace my Fox's 32's and have started looking at the Marzocchi 55CR's - any experience with these?
Baring in mind it'll only be trail centres, Peaks and Wales I'll be riding and not the Alps.

rockmonkeysc

The 55CR weighs as much as a cow. The 350cr is much better and lighter.
Don't go longer than 150mm. The steering feels terrible with a 160mm fork, 150mm works better but 140mm is the sweet spot.

dirkpitt74

RockmonkeySC wrote:

The 55CR weighs as much as a cow. The 350cr is much better and lighter.
Don't go longer than 150mm. The steering feels terrible with a 160mm fork, 150mm works better but 140mm is the sweet spot.

According to the Marzocchi website the 55cr & 350cr weigh the same.
Can get the 55's reduced to 150.
Also looking at x-fusion sweeps - can be reduced to 140 from 160.

dirkpitt74

Picked up a new set of xfusion sweeps.

swod1

DirkPitt74 wrote:

Picked up a new set of xfusion sweeps.

where'd you get them from, are they 34mm stanchions?

I'm using a some revelations at 140mm I got off a mate so I could get the bike usable but after some better forks was thinking pikes or fox 36s if I could get hold of some for a good price.

dirkpitt74

Got them of pinkbike. Bloke had taken them straight off his bike and put something else on.
Yeah they're 34mm stanchions.

I was really tempted with the Marzocchi 55's on CRC, but with factoring in cost of getting the travel reduced the Sweeps worked out cheaper.