suspension fork

rafcio

Few weeks ago i got new bike (cube acid) i am very happy with everything that came with the bike except fork. It seems like its not working properly (its very stiff, it doesnt absorb bumps properly and basically not working after being locked). What is the best suspension fork that i could get for about 500€ and do i have to keep the same 100 mm of travel or can i get one with 120mm?

ravendude

rafcio wrote: »

Few weeks ago i got new bike (cube acid) i am very happy with everything that came with the bike except fork. It seems like its not working properly (its very stiff, it doesnt absorb bumps properly and basically not working after being locked). What is the best suspension fork that i could get for about 500€ and do i have to keep the same 100 mm of travel or can i get one with 120mm?

What kind of fork is it?
Some are truly junk, but it might just be not set up properly.
Hmm, when the fork is locked out, it shouldn't really be "working". ie. it should be rigid.
If its too stiff, you might just need to let out a little air. You should see a valve at the top of one of the stanchions just like a schrader valve on a tyre tube. When you let the air out it might empty so fast that there's no air left. In this case you'll need a shock pump to pump it up. (Other pumps will fit, but will probably not work properly, ie. air may escape when you disconnect it). A shock pump is a handy thing to have anyway and are fairly cheap.

You'd probably get away with 120mm on an acid. Check your warranty though as usually the manufacturer will only cover the frame with a range of forks (so the frame isn't stressed).

You should pick something up on special on chainreaction if you keep an eye out. You'd probably pick up a decent fox float at that price, definitely on ebay. If buying second hand make sure the steerer tube (will often be cut) is long enough for your headtube and headset stack height(ie. headtube length + headset stack height).

petethedrummer

Before you go buying, have you had an expert look at it?

rafcio

Thanks for the advice ravendude.

Its a rock shox dart 3... I read a bit about it and it seems to be an entry level suspension fork...

When I say not working after being locked I mean I unlocked a fork after being locked and its not working properly or at all.

I havent had anyone looking at it yet i have a bike service booked for next week and i am planning to get it checked there (cycle superstore).

davey101

What type of fork is it? If its only new bring it back to the shop or as petethedrummer mentioned get an expert to look at it, its probably not set up correctly.
if you are still not happy with them, check these out.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=54593