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>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.
Go
Back
>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 .
Go Back
>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.
Go Back
>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.
Go Back
>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.
Go Back
>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.
Go Back
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Pricepoint.com is the premier internet bicycle retailer for mountain bike parts and road bike parts, including the latest tires, disc brakes wheelsets, accessories, frames and complete bikes at up to 80% discount from retail prices. We also proudly carry an extensive range of cycling clothing, including mountain and road biking jerseys, shorts, cycle shoes and riding apparel.
Along with general Cross Country mountain bike and road bike parts, Price Point carries a wide range of specialty mountain bike parts such as Freeride, Downhill, Trail and All Mountain specific parts along with the ever growing niche market of Single Speed, 29er, Track and Fixed Gear bikes, frames, conversion kits, wheels and tires. As with our general mountain bike and road bike parts, you can expect to find the cheapest prices and widest selection of in stock specialty items ready to ship the same day, from your favorite online bike shop, Pricepoint.com.
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