What is the defining factor for fork travel?

Will_Palfrey
Will_Palfrey Posts: 15
edited October 2016 in MTB general
I am currently not riding a carrera sulcata due to headset issues(see another post) but for a while have been wondering if i could change the fork to a longer travel one. This i know has to do with the head angle and other things but i am currently riding a rockshox xc32 with the frame and was wondering if the frame would accept a 120mm fork or even a 140mm.

Probably a very stupid question
thanks in advance

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    What the frame was designed for, plus maybe a little.

    Too long will mess up the geometry, as well as putting additional stress on the frame. So it might snap and you will die.
    Not an ideal result.
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  • fat daddy
    fat daddy Posts: 2,605
    years ago, it was recommended you didn't alter the length much past 20mm .... so if you have 100mm fork currently, don't go past 120mm.

    I wouldn't say it was a hard or fast rule though, it must be bike dependant, but as above, the more you change the length the more the geo will screw up and the more risk of damage to the bike

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