Forks Tech advice

Noangel72

Hi,

I want to upgrade my Suntour SF7-XCR LO 100mm forks!
These are the specs of the bikebrakes tektro auriga com, with shimano discs 160mm, Stem Concept SL, Ahead, Rims Alex DP 17, 559-17/TD, wheels 26'

I do not know the diameter of the stem (anyway I assume new forks would come with an extra long steam that would need to be cut down to size???), I guess the hub size would be pretty standard across the market (I think I have Deore hubs M525), and the brake mounts would need to be compatible with my existing ones......if anybody could suggest an upgrade that would fit with the least of modification that would be great!

rob1891

The stem connects the handle bars to the fork via the steerer tube. The steer tube would have a 1 1/8 inch diameter. This is the standard for all forks that would be used on an XC bike like yours (some DH bikes use a larger 1.5 inch standard, some ancient bikes have a 1 inch standard). The steer tube on a new fork would be uncut and long enough to suit any bike.

Your forks / brake interface would be the I.S. mount at present, but your brakes are compatible with both Post and I.S. mount. So you can buy a fork with either type of mount. (I am assuming these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22010 are the specific brakes you have).

You have quick release hubs, so you must get a fork that has the correct drop out. No 20mm or 15mm bolt through forks.

How much money do you want to spend, prices range from 100-1000!

Noangel72

....yap....those are the brakes I have.....as for money I would want to stay in the region of e350!......

Morgan

Noangel72 wrote: »

....yap....those are the brakes I have.....as for money I would want to stay in the region of e350!......

I'd get this one:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31919

Noangel72

...thanks for the tips.....from what you said it looks like they would be easy enough to fit once I have cut down to size the stem........they will definetly go in my to-buy list for this month......I have started racing my bike this year and the suntour are useless!!!!

rob1891

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31919

This would keep you at 100mm of travel, but the quality of the travel would be a lot better than what you had with the Suntour (which is awful, it will be like night and day). The geometry of your bike would not be changed. Getting a longer fork would make the front wheel light when climbing up steep slopes. You could get away with 120mm if you reall wanted an increase in travel, but I wouldn't bother. I think the travel on the Reba can be changed with an internal spacer also, though don't count on that without verifying it first.

Rock Shox are the most reliable at the moment, Marzocchi are heavy and problematic, Manitou are flexy and problematic, Fox/DT/Magura are all a bit expensive.

Shop around too, some places have better deals on 2008 forks. merlin, actionsports, starbike.

rob1891

Morgan wrote: »

I'd get this one:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31919

fools seldom differ :-P

;-)

Noangel72

.....thanks for the good advice!

Noangel72

....actually.....would you cut the stem with a regular tube cutter or does it need a special tool? ...thanks again.....:)

SomeFool

Hacksaw would be fine.... remember... measure twice, cut once!!

Noangel72

I just received a beautiful set of Recon Race Solo Air forks....unfortunately Chainreaction forgot to mention that the steerer hade already been cut down to size.....and obviously it's too short for my bike......no wonder they were reduced by 40%!

Is there anyway I can remove the steerer and fit the one from my old forks?....otherwise they will just have to go back....

Thanks!

Morgan

You'd need to replace the whole upper assembly (steerer, crown, stanchions).

Send it back. I'd be asking them to refund postage too.

Noangel72

....yap....they are going in the post on Monday!....thanks!

Noangel72

....where's your club anyway?.....I might be interested in going MTBing with a club every now and then!

Noangel72

....in the end ChainReaction accepted to refund the cost for shipping the forks back to them... .fair played to them....but still a bit cheeky in the first place.....all I can say is that I have always been satisfied with ChainReaction except this time.....I guess in the future I will be more careful...I have now ordered a set of Reba SL from Merlin UK....the steerer is shorter by 10mm...so I guess it's another reconditioned set but at least it will fit my bike.....what bothers me is that both shops advertise new forks at discounted prices but fail to mention that these are reconditioned items........:mad:

Morgan

Noangel72 wrote: »

....where's your club anyway?

Usually somewhere between Rathfarnham and Wicklow. Also here: http://www.madmtb.com/forums/

The forks aren't reconditioned - more likely surplus OEM units which were never fitted to a bike.