How can I tell how much travel I've got?
 

I have an older pair of Marzochi DJ 2's. Is there a way to tell what the travel is? I know they have been lowered since they were purchased..

thanks.

Put a zip tie just above the slider on the stantion and go for a ride. As you ride your fork travel will push the zip tie up on the stantion leg. That'll tell you how much travel you're actually using. You'd like for the zip tie to get just barely pushed all the way to the top on your biggest hit.

so it's the amount of stanchon that is showing, basicly? because I can bottom the fork out if I try... or damm near. even with the heavy spring and only weighing 155.

I'm curious what the travel is because I'm looking at buying another frame and want them to be compatable..

Basically, yeah.

If the travel has been shortened, you'll have to take apart the fork to remove some travel limiters. Those Marzocchi DJ's are relatively easy to work with. Just download their tech guide.

The amount of travel is only part of the equation, the axle to crown height varies among forks with the same amount of travel...

If you're bottoming out when you don't think that you should you probably should check fork sag to ensure that you have it set correctly for your weight. Basically, you want to use about 1/4 to 1/5 of your travel to support your bodies static weight. If you're using more travel supporting your own weight there's less there to absorb hits and bumps on the trail. If you're using too much travel increase the preload in your fork. Not using enough, decrease the amount of preload in the fork. I suspect that you're going to find that you're using too much travel which is causing you to bottom out on the trail. Check with your fork manufacturers website for specific details on setting sag for your fork.

Mike