Mountain Biking - Converting solid forks to shocks.

Got me a free MTB that I'd like to put shocks on.

Is this possible, impossible, any links to pages that detail coversion?

anything is possible...

First question, is it a 1-1/8" steerer?

Second how much you wanna pay?
Colorado Cyclist has a deal on some rock shocks... beware when buying something used... there is a reason people want to sell you their old stuff.... its either not good or good enough...

Third, you realize that this will change the geometry.. slacken it quite a bit, slowing the steering and making it less nimble...?

good luck!

Thanks. I'm not sure the sizes, but I'm wondering about your comments on the geometry. Can you elaborate?>

if it has a threade headset it is probably not a 1 1/8'' steerer tube, all the stuff about the geometry means that it will make your bike slower on the turn than it is now, i went from a 80mm fork to a 80-125 mm fork and it didint change too much, just dont over do it

What year and model is the bike?

To help determine what you've got take a look at the stem (the thingy that holds the handlebars) and the headset (the bearing assembly at the fork/frame junction. Trying to explain in as simple terms as poss. if too simple please forgive me!

Is there a large nut at the top of the headset just underneath the stem? If so it's a threaded headset. If there are only spacers between the top bearing cap and the stem then it's most likely "threadless"

Another way to tell:
Take a look at the stem. Is/Are there some bolts on the side of the stem? Sometimes there is just one, some two. If you loosen these will the stem move sideways? If yes, then "threadless".

If these are not there and there is ONLY a bolt on the top of the stem that has a long bolt that extends into the steerer tube, then it's "threaded".

Either way, loosen everything up and expose the steerer tube. (i.e. remove the stem/handlebar from the bike.) Measure the diameter of the steerer. A venier caliper is best, but you can use a tape to measure the diameter. This should either be 1", 1-1/8" or if an older Klein or Gary Fisher it could be 1-1/4".

If it's a threadless headset and the steerer tube is 1-1/8" almost all new forks will fit. If not threadless, you will need to buy a new headset and a new stem. I suggest taking it to your LBS if you need to go this route as headset installs require special tools to be done right!

If its a threadless headset and only 1", then your limited in choices of new forks. Marzocchi make steerers in 1", and I believe they're it, unless you find a fork that's on closeout and a couple of years old!

If 1-1/4" then you're screwed!!! You won't find a fork anymore in 1-1/4", but you can get a headset reducer to bring it down to 1-1/8", but then you've got to get the headset and a new stem and the headsets w/reducer capabilities are pricey!

Hope this helps!
L8R

I have a friend who just bought a pile of bike parts from the children of a shop owner who passed away. There are some brand new Manitou and Rockshox forks in there, 1 inch steerer, both threaded and unthreaded I believe. I am supposed to meet him tomorrow to photograph and catalog the parts so he can sell them. If interested, drop me an email and I'll give you the details.

a2psyklnut

You rock! It wasn't too simpled, it made it really clear. Thanks.

The bike is a house brand, about 13 years old. It has one of the first early versions of index shifting (shimano deore XT or something). It was never riden. It was free, I'm a roadie (of sorts, more a comuter) and it seemed ideal for weekend fun. Shocks up front seemed a decent way to make it work for a longer while so I could decide wether I wanted a MTB or not..

Marzocchi offers a 1" fork.

http://www.marzocchimtb.com/bombers02/exr.html

With a 4 inch travel that should be good. I am thinking of grabbing a pair for my old mtb racing bike.

This shop has some 1" and 1 1/4" threadless Rockshox available.

http://www.bikeman.com/dirtydeals/dirtyforks.htm


They also have 1 1/4" headsets and headset reducers.