Fitting front suspension to an old Rockhopper
08-28-16, 07:41 AM
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Fitting front suspension to an old Rockhopper
I have an old Rockhopper dating back to about 1992. It's in good shape, and I'd like to fit front suspension - it has no suspension currently. I've been told it may be tricky to get forks to fit as the steerer diameter standard has changed since then. I don't know much about this stuff - can anyone clarify the situation for me, and maybe suggest what I should be looking for ? Don't mind looking for refurbished older shocks, but I don't want to let myself in for for more trouble than this may be worth.
Thanks,
R.
Thanks,
R.
08-28-16, 08:05 AM
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Yes, your bike has a 1" fork steerer compared to the 1 1/8" that is common now. You will be hard pressed finding anything worth buying new at this point, so you will have to scour eBay etc.
Even if you find a fork to fit, you will have the problem of changing the geometry of the bike that may affect handling negatively. When you add the new fork it will have a longer axle to crown length which will make the front of the bike sit higher and effectively changes the head tube angle and trail. Some have done the switch and felt it was fine, others say the opposite.
I wouldn't do it. May I ask why do you want to do this? Are you trail riding?
Even if you find a fork to fit, you will have the problem of changing the geometry of the bike that may affect handling negatively. When you add the new fork it will have a longer axle to crown length which will make the front of the bike sit higher and effectively changes the head tube angle and trail. Some have done the switch and felt it was fine, others say the opposite.
I wouldn't do it. May I ask why do you want to do this? Are you trail riding?
08-28-16, 08:38 AM
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[QUOTE=...more trouble than this may be worth.
R.[/QUOTE]
In a nutshell!
R.[/QUOTE]
In a nutshell!
08-28-16, 08:44 AM
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It'd be cheaper to buy a used front suspension bike than to hunt down a used 1" threaded suspension fork and get it installed.
08-28-16, 09:12 AM
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Keep an eye out for an early Specialized Future Shock in good working condition. These were very good air/oil shocks back in the early-mid 90s. You'll need to make sure there is enough steering tube left to fit or cut down.
Here's a picture of one on a frame currently for sale on eBay.
Here's a picture of one on a frame currently for sale on eBay.
