Advice on choosing a sus fork
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Advice on choosing a sus fork
My introduction to mountain biking was a fully rigid Singular Swift that I've been using for bikepacking and day riding. I started with 29x2.35 tyres, then gave 27.5+ (3" tyres) a go.
Now I've got comfortable with it, I fancy giving front suspension a try (to learn about it, as much as anything). I'm moving the 27.5+ wheels over to another rigid frame, leaving me with suspension corrected Swift and the 29er wheelset to experiment with.
The Swift's designed to be used with a 100mm travel fork, and has a straight 1 1/8" steerer.
Has anybody got any tips on how to approach choosing a fork? I keep reading that there aren't many good options still available with straight steerers, but I've no idea how to identify a good one. And is a suspension fork something you really want to buy new, or should I be posting a wanted ad in the classifieds?
Cheers!
Now I've got comfortable with it, I fancy giving front suspension a try (to learn about it, as much as anything). I'm moving the 27.5+ wheels over to another rigid frame, leaving me with suspension corrected Swift and the 29er wheelset to experiment with.
The Swift's designed to be used with a 100mm travel fork, and has a straight 1 1/8" steerer.
Has anybody got any tips on how to approach choosing a fork? I keep reading that there aren't many good options still available with straight steerers, but I've no idea how to identify a good one. And is a suspension fork something you really want to buy new, or should I be posting a wanted ad in the classifieds?
Cheers!
- Bearbonesnorm
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Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Nothing wrong with buying SH (generally) and as you say, your options for a new 1 1/8 straight steerer, 100mm fork are pretty limited. Best forks I ever had were from the 'zochi Z range. Simple, easy to service, very plush and no whistles or bells ... lovely things.
May the bridges you burn light your way
Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Manitou can be had cheap. Other than that of look for a rockshox Reba as they have proven reliable for me.
Last edited by FLV on Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Keep away from xfusion. Great until they need a service.
- TheBrownDog
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Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Another vote for the Rockshox Reba SL here. Reasonably light. Easy to set up and tune. Servicing is dead easy and they just keep going. Well, mine did anyway. Bloody pricey new but as Stu says do look for second hand.
And as if by magic, here's one ebay that'd be worth a punt. Just ask the seller about any scratches or dings on the stanchions.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rock-Shox-Reb ... SwfpVZNCwM
And as if by magic, here's one ebay that'd be worth a punt. Just ask the seller about any scratches or dings on the stanchions.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rock-Shox-Reb ... SwfpVZNCwM
I'm just going outside ...
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Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Thanks folks, I had a feeling I'd get some great advice.
I've just messaged the seller...
I've just messaged the seller...
Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Just make sure the stanchions are in good condition. Then give whatever you get a lower leg service. Its really easy to do
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Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
So that pair of Reba SL's should be winging it's way to me shortly. £100, and I'm told the stanchions are perfect. How easy was that?FLV wrote:Just make sure the stanchions are in good condition. Then give whatever you get a lower leg service. Its really easy to do
I'm guessing I need to follow these instructions…
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/w ... rks-23142/
…and possibly get some new seals?
http://www.tftuned.com/rockshox-seal-kits/p2947
Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Nice.
New seals aren't always needed.
New foam rings might be nice. Definitely new crush washers.
New seals aren't always needed.
New foam rings might be nice. Definitely new crush washers.
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- Posts: 177
- Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:42 am
Re: Advice on choosing a sus fork
Thanks for that. I'm looking forward to taking it apart…FLV wrote:Nice.
New seals aren't always needed.
New foam rings might be nice. Definitely new crush washers.