Mountain Biking - Fork Swapping

Hey guys. I'm new, obviously, to the board and the sport. Although I do have some biking and mtbiking experience. I was wondering about fork swapping. I saw an older GT at a pawn shop yesterday with some brand new Duke's on it. I can get the setup for about $150. I was thinking about buying it and taking the forks, replacing them with some others I have, and reselling the bike. How likely is it that I'll be able to use the forks on another bike? For example, a Stumpjumper M4 I was thinking of buying. I know that the steering tube is cut when you install the forks but I don't know how standard that measurement is, or how to tell if it will fit another frame (other than measure the headtube??).

edit - forgot to say thanks. so... thanks :D for any and all responses that is...

I know that the steering tube is cut when you install the forks but I don't know how standard that measurement is, or how to tell if it will fit another frame (other than measure the headtube??).


The steerer tube length is not standardized. It depends on fram size, type of stem, and preference of the rider. Getting the headtube measurement for both bikes would be the best way (you could get them online perhaps instead of literally measuring them yourself).

Thanks for the reply. BTW apparently they're Pike's not Duke's. Have you successfully "transplanted" forks before?

Most stuff nowaday's is 1 1/8" threadless, so if you just unscrew the top cap and throw a ruler across there you should be able to tell. Most threadless to my knowledge will be 1 1/8" so it's not totally necessary. The trick's with forks is the crown race and figureing out how to put the headset back together, everything else is pretty easy. If you search the mechanics forums you should definitely find some stuff there.

Thanks for the reply. BTW apparently they're Pike's not Duke's. Have you successfully "transplanted" forks before?

yes, BUT it was not what you are thinking. I wanted a different fork for my '95 Attitude. The problem is my Attitude has a huge headtube diameter (and combo stem/handlebar - mission control II). So, I bought the fork I wanted and swapped the legs. It was basically the same fork, it just had some major upgrades due primarily to weight savings.

That was back in the day when I had more disposable income (than sense some would argue :) ).

Pike forks are new, you should leave them on. Sounds like a great deal for 150.

Pike forks are new, you should leave them on. Sounds like a great deal for 150.

Ditto.

Pike Forks are very good. They have been getting some very good reviews. Unless you want more travel there is no need to get rid of them.

Pikes!!! For $150??? Somone got their bike stolen and pawned.