Bicycle Mechanics - Suspension fork rebound elastomers?

I'm trying to firm up a 2002 Manitou Mars fork.

I contacted suspensionforkparts.com and he said he can provide a firmer suspension elastomer, which should be all I need (the fork uses a small two-inch elastomer on top of a 5 7/8" coil spring)

But he said I would also need rebound elastomers.

This is a virtually new fork and the elastomers are all in like new condition. Why would I need new rebound elastomers, too?

Is he just trying to up-sale or do i really need to replace the rebound elastomers with the compression elastomer?

When you could still get firm "ride kits" from Manitou, they didn't come with rebound elastomers...

I don't want this post to sound like a slight of suspensionforkparts.com. That was not my intention. I'm just trying to better understand how suspension forks work.

I have no reason to believe they are anything but good business people who provide quality products. Jim over there went out of his way to call me back after I left a message.

Anyway, any help is appreciated.

A ten year old fork is not new.

A ten year old fork is not new.

I think the idea is that it hasn't been used much, so it's not worn. The OP is wondering why his/her fork will require new rebound elastomers if the suspension elastomers are replaced.

OP, I suspect it's because stiffer suspension elastomers will require different rebound ones to provide the correct amount of damping.

I am using the Manitou 3 whose elastomers have melted down. So instead if buying elastomers, I bought Speed Springs and replace the elastomers with coil springs. I don't know if they are still available for old forks ilke Manitou Mars but this is how it looks like.

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/shock-upgrade/mountain-speed/speedsprings/prd_352928_143crx.aspx

Ti ... I wish they still made them for older forks. I found posts about Mountain Speed and when I googled, i found this place: http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/

I emailed them and the said no more springs ... that the best they could do was try to work on the damping.

If you have a link to another place, I'd appreciate it.

That said, this is a bit more modern a fork than your Manitou 3. It's predominantly coil sprung ... a firmer coil would be good, but I think the firmer elastomer will make just enough difference. But if I gain 20 pounds, I may be out of luck.



I am using the Manitou 3 whose elastomers have melted down. So instead if buying elastomers, I bought Speed Springs and replace the elastomers with coil springs. I don't know if they are still available for old forks ilke Manitou Mars but this is how it looks like.

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/shock-upgrade/mountain-speed/speedsprings/prd_352928_143crx.aspx