Sizing
Do I need a 1” or 1 1/8” fork?
You can measure the diameter of the steerer tube of your current fork, which comes down out of your frame where your fork blades meet above the wheel. This is the part that runs up into your head tube. Most mountain bikes require 1 1/8". To be sure, simply measure the diameter of the tube, the distance from one side of the outside wall of the tube to the other.
What else do I need to know to determine fork compatibility for my bike?
Older forks are usually threaded. If your bike is newer, it may be outfitted with a threadless style fork. If this is the case, you need only worry about the diameter of the steerer tube (1-, 1 1/8, 1 ¼ or 1 ½ -inch). You can measure this by loosening and removing your stem from the fork and measuring the outer diameter of the steerer directly. Threadless forks need to use a threadless headset and stem. Threaded forks use a threaded headset and a stem with a quill.
In a threadless system the fork's steerer tube will pass through the head tube of your bike and the stem will clamp on to the portion of the steerer tube that rises above the headset. In a threaded system the fork's steerer tube goes into the head tube but does not pass through the top of your headset. In this system the stem (somewhat "L" shaped) inserts directly into the headset and fork's steerer tube.
The two systems are not compatible and you must use a threadless stem with a threadless fork, and a threaded stem with a threaded fork.
Threadless forks generally come with a steerer tube that is a standard length and must be cut once you determine the proper length for your bike.
Will I need any other parts to install my new fork?
All the new forks are set up for V-brakes and do not have a cable hanger on the brake arch. Since cantilever style brakes will not work without the cable hanger on the brake arc, you may need to upgrade to V-brakes (note you will also need to get V-brake levers). As long as you ordered the correct size fork, everything else should transfer over.
Threaded vs. Threadless
Is my fork threaded or threadless?
In a threadless system the fork's steerer tube will pass through the head tube of your bike and the stem will clamp on to the portion of the steerer tube that rises above the headset. In a threaded system the fork's steerer tube goes into the head tube but does not pass through the top of your headset. In this system the stem (somewhat "L" shaped) inserts directly into the headset and fork's steerer tube.
If your stem is threadless so is your fork. Older forks are usually threaded. If your bike is newer, it may be outfitted with a threadless style fork. If this is the case, you need only worry about the diameter of the steerer tube (1-, 1 1/8, 1 ¼, 1 ½ -inch). You can measure this by loosening and removing your stem from the fork and measuring the outer diameter of the steerer directly. Threadless forks need to use a threadless headset and stem. Threaded forks use a threaded headset and a stem with a quill.
Do you sell threaded forks?
No, all our forks are threadless. You can easily convert your bike to threadless by installing a new headset and new stem. Then you can get a threadless fork.
Travel/Damping
Would a long-travel fork or a short-travel fork be best for me?
It all depends on the kind of riding you do. Generally, long-travel forks are designed for downhilling and taking really big hits. But to be able to withstand this kind of abuse, they have to be a little beefier and therefore heavier. Most cross-country riders prefer the compromise of a shorter-travel fork – it will still smooth out the ride, but without adding as much weight as a true downhill fork will.
What is Damping?
Damping is how the fork controls the speed of movement through its travel. There are two kinds: Compression Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock compresses as it hits a bump. Rebound Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock extends back to its relaxed position.
Fork Selection
What kind of fork can I install on my bike?
The first thing you need to do is to determine what size of headset you have. To do this, measure the diameter of the steerer tube, which comes up out of where your fork blades meet above the wheel. This is the part that runs up into your head tube. Most mountain bikes require 1 1/8", while 1" is standard for most road applications.
This measurement, which is usually 1", 1 1/8" or 1 1/4", and will determine what fork you can mount on your bike. The standard size for '02 mountain forks is 1 1/8". The new forks will also require a "threadless" headset that will fit your head tube size and a new stem.
The new "threadless" system has several advantages over the old threaded system as it is a lighter weight and stiffer connection, meaning that you will have better control of your front end. Because of the complexity of mounting the new headset and cutting the new fork steerer, it is recommended that you have your local shop install your new fork for you.
We have several headsets and stems available on our web site when you are ready to proceed with that part of your conversion.
How will a new fork affect my frame geometry and the overall ride of my bike?
Before purchasing a fork, carefully consider the geometry of your frame. Unless your frame was designed specifically for a suspension fork, adding a shock with a large amount of travel will dramatically change the handling and geometry of your bike. If you do want to add a suspension fork, consider one with a travel of 80mm or less.
Similarly, if you already have a frame with a long travel rear suspension setup, you'll want to choose a suitable long travel front fork to complement the rear suspension.
How do I choose between a conventional and thru-axle fork?
A thru-axle fork provides maximum stiffness and better overall performance for downhill bikes. A conventional axle fork provides compatibility with older wheels and faster wheels changes in the event of a flat. Typically, a thru-axle fork will only be used on a downhill specific bike. Remember that your front hub must match your choice of fork.
Accessories
What kind of accessories are available for my suspension fork?
Pumps for specific brands of forks are available to maintain the proper air pressure, as well as shock boots fitted to specific brands/models.
Advantages of Suspension
What is the difference between a cross-country and a downhill fork?
Mt. Forks come in two general varieties, cross-country or downhill. Cross-country forks will vary from 63mm to 100 travel and are mainly mounted on front suspension frames. Downhill forks usually have a dual crown to beef up rigidity. Travel is from 100mm to 180mm and are mounted on full suspension frames built to handle this type of fork.
.................an article posted by sepedaku.com's moderator at sepedaku.com
Do I need a 1” or 1 1/8” fork?
You can measure the diameter of the steerer tube of your current fork, which comes down out of your frame where your fork blades meet above the wheel. This is the part that runs up into your head tube. Most mountain bikes require 1 1/8". To be sure, simply measure the diameter of the tube, the distance from one side of the outside wall of the tube to the other.
What else do I need to know to determine fork compatibility for my bike?
Older forks are usually threaded. If your bike is newer, it may be outfitted with a threadless style fork. If this is the case, you need only worry about the diameter of the steerer tube (1-, 1 1/8, 1 ¼ or 1 ½ -inch). You can measure this by loosening and removing your stem from the fork and measuring the outer diameter of the steerer directly. Threadless forks need to use a threadless headset and stem. Threaded forks use a threaded headset and a stem with a quill.
In a threadless system the fork's steerer tube will pass through the head tube of your bike and the stem will clamp on to the portion of the steerer tube that rises above the headset. In a threaded system the fork's steerer tube goes into the head tube but does not pass through the top of your headset. In this system the stem (somewhat "L" shaped) inserts directly into the headset and fork's steerer tube.
The two systems are not compatible and you must use a threadless stem with a threadless fork, and a threaded stem with a threaded fork.
Threadless forks generally come with a steerer tube that is a standard length and must be cut once you determine the proper length for your bike.
Will I need any other parts to install my new fork?
All the new forks are set up for V-brakes and do not have a cable hanger on the brake arch. Since cantilever style brakes will not work without the cable hanger on the brake arc, you may need to upgrade to V-brakes (note you will also need to get V-brake levers). As long as you ordered the correct size fork, everything else should transfer over.
Threaded vs. Threadless
Is my fork threaded or threadless?
In a threadless system the fork's steerer tube will pass through the head tube of your bike and the stem will clamp on to the portion of the steerer tube that rises above the headset. In a threaded system the fork's steerer tube goes into the head tube but does not pass through the top of your headset. In this system the stem (somewhat "L" shaped) inserts directly into the headset and fork's steerer tube.
If your stem is threadless so is your fork. Older forks are usually threaded. If your bike is newer, it may be outfitted with a threadless style fork. If this is the case, you need only worry about the diameter of the steerer tube (1-, 1 1/8, 1 ¼, 1 ½ -inch). You can measure this by loosening and removing your stem from the fork and measuring the outer diameter of the steerer directly. Threadless forks need to use a threadless headset and stem. Threaded forks use a threaded headset and a stem with a quill.
Do you sell threaded forks?
No, all our forks are threadless. You can easily convert your bike to threadless by installing a new headset and new stem. Then you can get a threadless fork.
Travel/Damping
Would a long-travel fork or a short-travel fork be best for me?
It all depends on the kind of riding you do. Generally, long-travel forks are designed for downhilling and taking really big hits. But to be able to withstand this kind of abuse, they have to be a little beefier and therefore heavier. Most cross-country riders prefer the compromise of a shorter-travel fork – it will still smooth out the ride, but without adding as much weight as a true downhill fork will.
What is Damping?
Damping is how the fork controls the speed of movement through its travel. There are two kinds: Compression Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock compresses as it hits a bump. Rebound Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock extends back to its relaxed position.
Fork Selection
What kind of fork can I install on my bike?
The first thing you need to do is to determine what size of headset you have. To do this, measure the diameter of the steerer tube, which comes up out of where your fork blades meet above the wheel. This is the part that runs up into your head tube. Most mountain bikes require 1 1/8", while 1" is standard for most road applications.
This measurement, which is usually 1", 1 1/8" or 1 1/4", and will determine what fork you can mount on your bike. The standard size for '02 mountain forks is 1 1/8". The new forks will also require a "threadless" headset that will fit your head tube size and a new stem.
The new "threadless" system has several advantages over the old threaded system as it is a lighter weight and stiffer connection, meaning that you will have better control of your front end. Because of the complexity of mounting the new headset and cutting the new fork steerer, it is recommended that you have your local shop install your new fork for you.
We have several headsets and stems available on our web site when you are ready to proceed with that part of your conversion.
How will a new fork affect my frame geometry and the overall ride of my bike?
Before purchasing a fork, carefully consider the geometry of your frame. Unless your frame was designed specifically for a suspension fork, adding a shock with a large amount of travel will dramatically change the handling and geometry of your bike. If you do want to add a suspension fork, consider one with a travel of 80mm or less.
Similarly, if you already have a frame with a long travel rear suspension setup, you'll want to choose a suitable long travel front fork to complement the rear suspension.
How do I choose between a conventional and thru-axle fork?
A thru-axle fork provides maximum stiffness and better overall performance for downhill bikes. A conventional axle fork provides compatibility with older wheels and faster wheels changes in the event of a flat. Typically, a thru-axle fork will only be used on a downhill specific bike. Remember that your front hub must match your choice of fork.
Accessories
What kind of accessories are available for my suspension fork?
Pumps for specific brands of forks are available to maintain the proper air pressure, as well as shock boots fitted to specific brands/models.
Advantages of Suspension
What is the difference between a cross-country and a downhill fork?
Mt. Forks come in two general varieties, cross-country or downhill. Cross-country forks will vary from 63mm to 100 travel and are mainly mounted on front suspension frames. Downhill forks usually have a dual crown to beef up rigidity. Travel is from 100mm to 180mm and are mounted on full suspension frames built to handle this type of fork.
.................an article posted by sepedaku.com's moderator at sepedaku.com
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