Fifty Plus (50+) - N + 3/4

Had a little extra money so I ordered a MTB from bikesdirect. The Fantom Trail. Well today the UPS guy shows up. The box looks undamaged but there is an oil spot in the bottom corner. Unpack the bike it looks beautiful. I assemble it, takes a few extra minutes since it was my first time with disc brakes. I can't believe it fits me like a glove, bar height and reach are perfect, KOPS all good! Check limits on the FD and RD all good, pump up the tires. Push down on the fork and oil starts dripping out the right bottom where the rebound adjustment is. Hoping it's nothing major, I go to the Rockshox website check out the manuals and FAQ. Closest mention was that if the fork is on it's side or inverted it may take a few pumps to get the oil back where it's supposed to be inside the fork. Email Karla at bikesdirect and she tells me to send the fork back for replacement. Very nice lady, they're paying for the shipping, but I can't ride the bike!!! ARRRGH!

I think you got forked.:D

I think you got forked.:D

I was waiting to see who would come up with that one. :D

Once received you will experience a stunning rebound!

Congrat's on a new bike. Sorry about the fork. It may not need replacing, I would check with the manufacturer before sending them back. I put a stiffer spring in my and changed the adjustment knob after a crash and the manufacturer was great in helping me get through the process.

Actually, you did quite well. You're getting a replacement without an argument. If you purchased from an LBS, you wouldn't have the bike back until they got SRAM to agree to a change so you didn't lose as much as you might think. If the BD bike works for you, you're lucky.

... oil starts dripping out ...

I once lost a computer like that.

I was waiting to see who would come up with that one. :D
Yeah, it was a no-brainer.:p

But seriously, congratulations on the new bike. I have no doubt BD will fix you up and all will be well. I'm guessing you have another bike to ride 'til the new fork arrives.

Actually, you did quite well. You're getting a replacement without an argument. If you purchased from an LBS, you wouldn't have the bike back until they got SRAM to agree to a change so you didn't lose as much as you might think. If the BD bike works for you, you're lucky.

I agree, BD is being very good about taking care of the problem. It's just the impatience of wanting to play with my new toy.

Life is but one choice after another when we come to forks in the road. Now I know where those forks come from.

You'll be up and running soon so forkgetthaboutit.

(Bet you didn't see that one coming. :D)

And congratulations on the new bike.

Ask them if you can go ahead and upgrade to a Tora 318 air shock. You won't be sorry.

Louis, yes I have 3 other bikes to ride.
Smokester, no I didn't see that one coming! Good one :D
BluesDawg, I hadn't thought about asking for an upgrade, I'll have to work the budget see if a couple hundred more bucks is possible.

Finally got the replacement fork. Went for the first ride today. It takes getting used to. I've been riding an old rigid Hard Rock, the new bike is soooo different. I've ridden bikes with suspension forks before but it's been quite a while. Even though it's only a cheap Dart 3, I can't believe how much it smooths out the bumps. The bike came with clipless pedals and this was my first ride offroad with clipless. It made the climbing seem much easier. They did really make my heart rate go up on the technical descents though. The bottom bracket is higher so I wasn't scraping pedals or the big chainring in spots where I'm used to, but the handling does feel a lot different. It took most of the ride before I started having much confidence. I've always thought V brakes were as good as anyone could want, but I am really impressed with the new disc brakes. :)

Good to see a good result- but a bit surprised it took so long to get corrected. Now just go out and find your capabilities with the clipless. Falls are softer in 6" of leaves or mud.

Good bounce back from a rough problem.