Suspension fork too stiff even after adjusting preload.
05-31-18 | 07:44 AM
#1
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Joined: Apr 2018
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Suspension fork too stiff even after adjusting preload.
I have a B'TWIN Rockrider 520, a 27,5" hardtail with aggressive geometry and amazing handling. It is everything I could have asked for, since it's good for trails and for street. However, it comes with a 80mm fork which (for me at least) is way too stiff. My friend has the same bike with no upgrades on it and his fork is fine, but mine requires a LOT of force to compress, no matter how low I set the preload to. I'm not such a light guy, so that is definitely not the issue. Do I have to buy a new fork or is there something else I can do to help with this?
05-31-18 | 12:34 PM
#3
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Joined: Apr 2018
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Fork is the SR Suntour XCT 80mm (unknown fork to me tbh), it's a coil. I weigh 92 kg, and it has no setting for locking out. I saw a video on YouTube of some guy showing how to adjust the fork and I realized that when I adjust the preload it doesn't click. Also it's really hard to turn the preload knob, had to use pliers to do it.
05-31-18 | 12:41 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 323
From: Mt Shasta, CA, USA
Bikes: Too many. Giant Trance X 29, Surly Midnight Special get the most time.
Honest talk: that's a really cheap bike. No idea about the fork. It could be excessive friction in the seals, the hydraulic damper (if it has one) could be malfunctioning, or it could indeed be too stiff of a spring. A good mechanic might be able to resolve the issue but unless you can warranty the fork its in no way worth getting repaired.
Generally speaking you'd be best served by buying a higher quality bike--the relative value will be greater than buying a new fork. If you really are otherwise happy with the bike, something like a Rockshox Recon or even a Suntour XCM.
Generally speaking you'd be best served by buying a higher quality bike--the relative value will be greater than buying a new fork. If you really are otherwise happy with the bike, something like a Rockshox Recon or even a Suntour XCM.
06-01-18 | 08:23 AM
#5
Advanced Slacker
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,286
Likes: 2,602
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Fork is the SR Suntour XCT 80mm (unknown fork to me tbh), it's a coil. I weigh 92 kg, and it has no setting for locking out. I saw a video on YouTube of some guy showing how to adjust the fork and I realized that when I adjust the preload it doesn't click. Also it's really hard to turn the preload knob, had to use pliers to do it.
1- That is a really cheap fork. Do not expect the adjustments to do much. And 80mm is not much to start with. Some nicer forks can be tuned to your specific weight and riding style to make the most of 80mm, but that is not the case with this one.
2- As a general rule, if an adjustment knob on a fork is so stuck that you need pliers to turn it, something is wrong with it, and you likely made it worse by taking a pair of pliers to it.
3- if this is a coil fork, you can’t really stiffen or soften the suspension action much without swapping the stock coil spring for a stiffer or softer one.
EDIT: oops, that was three....
Last edited by Kapusta; 06-01-18 at 11:00 AM.
06-08-18 | 11:19 AM
#8
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,350
Likes: 3,551
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I echo inexpensive but I don’t say bad. A cheap fork can take a hit or land a wheelie, even if it’s not damped. And they are simple and durable. Something is likely broken in yours. If you feel competent to take it apart yourself there’s exploded views and manuals and parts for sale on SR Suntour’s site. It’s about as complicated as a shower curtain rod. If you don’t, take it to a shop... especially if it’s still under warranty
06-12-18 | 03:26 PM
#9
Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Rochester Washington
Bikes: Giant Talon 2, Specialized Enduro Pro
You might want to look into the Suntour fork trade in program. I did it on my first bike which was a Giant Talon. They will give you a trade in towards upgrading your forks. If you love the rest of the bike that would be the best bang for your buck.
