Bicycle Mechanics - Buying new fork

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Buying new fork

jseverson218
06-18-12, 02:13 PM
Hello,

I have a 2001 6500 Trek. The current fork on it is a Manitou Magnum R that is shot. I am looking to buy a new, relatively cheap, front fork. What size do I need? What should I look for? I am just looking at the Rockshox xc28 or something like that.

dabac
06-18-12, 02:43 PM
You want to match brake compatibility, headset type, travel, steerer tube diameter, and if you're buying used -steerer tube length. These days, don't forget wheel axle type.
CACycling
06-18-12, 03:12 PM
Also, depending on what you plan to do with the bike, you might consider buying a suspension-corrected rigid fork in place of a cheap suspension fork.

jseverson218
06-18-12, 03:36 PM
You want to match brake compatibility, headset type, travel, steerer tube diameter, and if you're buying used -steerer tube length. These days, don't forget wheel axle type.

I know my steerer is a threadless. and does that mean I can buy a fork without a steerer? or does each company have a different steerer?
jseverson218
06-18-12, 03:40 PM
I plan on mountain biking. But also using it as a commuter too. Anyone know anything about the RST Gila ML?
bellweatherman
06-19-12, 05:55 AM
Axle to crown height is very important unless you like screwing up your current frame geometry.
dabac
06-19-12, 07:17 AM
I know my steerer is a threadless. and does that mean I can buy a fork without a steerer? or does each company have a different steerer?

These days you can't buy a fork w/o a steerer. And it's not readily replaceable either
And as steerers are cut to fit according to bike and rider preferences, you do need to make sure that you get one that's long enough for your needs if you buy used.
jseverson218
06-19-12, 02:40 PM
These days you can't buy a fork w/o a steerer. And it's not readily replaceable either
And as steerers are cut to fit according to bike and rider preferences, you do need to make sure that you get one that's long enough for your needs if you buy used.

Here are the specs I could find on my Magnum R:

1 1/8 threadless steerer
Travel: 76.2mm (3")
Damping: TPC Sport
Spring: Coil and MCU
Outer: 1-piece Magnesium with leading drop outs
Adjustments: External preload

So do all I need to look for is a fork that is 1 1/8 threadless, 80mm travel, and v brakes? I can't find anything with the axle..

Here is what I am looking at: http://www.amazon.com/RST-Gila-Suspension-Fork-Threadless/dp/B00736UWZ2/ref=sr_1_20?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1340054735&sr=1-20&keywords=rst+suspension+fork

Does that look like it will fit? If I buy new do I just need to cut the steerer to the correct size?