Replacement for Suntour XCR (2009)

LV

Hi all, I'm looking to upgrade - or more likely replace - the forks on my Mongoose Tyax Super.
I know the XCR is not considered to be any good and unfortunately being the wrong side of 125kg they are no use to me. Unlocked they fork is constantly dropped so it lives in the locked setting permanently!!!

There are a couple of sections on my commute that could really benefit from some suspension so I either need to beef up the spring or replace the forks.

I can find stiffer springs for newer XCR forks, but not the older one I have. I'm not sure where to look for new forks.

Can anyone suggest a sensible upgrade route without the inevitable suggestion of changing the bike!

The Rookie

Buy an air fork then you can set the spring rate with a pump, a Suntour Raidon or Epicon (or a latest XCR) or a Rockshox Recon/XC32 or Reba would fit the bill.

mattyfez

Depends how much spend really, I'm really impressed with the suntour epixon, which is the newer version of epicon. Massive upgrade from the XCM fork I had before.

It actually works for a start, which is always a plus, the XCM I had was so sticky /siezed that I may as well have had a rigid fork.

jeremy1

The Rookie wrote:

Buy an air fork then you can set the spring rate with a pump, a Suntour Raidon or Epicon (or a latest XCR) or a Rockshox Recon/XC32 or Reba would fit the bill.

100% I use Recons and I am not light

mattyfez

Yeh the general advice I have read is use an air fork unless your buying a really high end coil fork, cheap lower end coil forks are not that good.

larkim

All depends on £££ though you'll be limited to a degree as I presume this is for a 26inch bike and straight steerer?

You could spend £50 on a crappy low end Suntour (which still might feel better than your locked out current fork) or perhaps justify up to £200 on some of the suggestions made by Rookie. 2nd hand would probably get you more bank for your buck, and if you're only really using the bike for commuting then I suspect you might not be willing to spend too much money.

Not all of the ones listed here would work / fit, but there's a reasonable range of options:-
http://www.tredz.co.uk/bicycle-forks-80 ... ice/49-200

The Rookie

I always go second hand, yes it's a risk but a basic strip down and service is pretty easy to do, my SIDs cost me £70 with just some polishing on the stanchion, after two years I've rebuilt them using parts from the on-one fire sale of Fishers old stock plus some parts from elsewhere and now have what is to all intents a brand new SID World Cup that has cost me a total of £125.

LV

Thanks all, sorry for the late reply.
This is indeed for a 26" MTB, but I'll admit to not knowing what a straight steerer is and and assume mine is!

I have no issue looking for 2nd hand so will look at some of the options above. Much obliged.

ade555

LV wrote:

Thanks all, sorry for the late reply.
This is indeed for a 26" MTB, but I'll admit to not knowing what a straight steerer is and and assume mine is!

I have no issue looking for 2nd hand so will look at some of the options above. Much obliged.

Most likely will be straight but is always advised to double check, "steerer" is the tube that goes from forks to your handle bars, and "straight" stands for tube have the same diameter on top and bottom, "tapered" steerer have different diameter on top and bottom.

LV

That makes perfect sense, thanks.
Assuming it is straight, are there any compatibility considerations i should have? Will all straight stem forks fit all bikes fitted with straight stems as long as i observe the 26" component and disc fitments?

The Rookie

Make sure the steerer is long enough, make sure it's not an ancient 1" (we're taking pre 1998 so unlikely) otherwise yes, just wheel size and disc fitment.

You can always post some pics of yours and any link to one you think of getting for some feedback.