Replacing MTB forks - trying to decypher the spec

[AC43]

I've bought a 2005 Rockhopper frame and forks so I can make up a pub bike with a load of parts off my dead Diamondback.

I'd like to scour eBay for some better front forks at some point and need to know what to look for in the spec;

So far I've established that the current forks are RST Gila T5's

- 100mm travel
- 28.6mm stanchion
- 1-1/8 steerer

Are there any other attributes I need to be aware of when searching online?

All constructive suggestions welcome.

[shouldbworking]

you don't need to care about stanchion diameter.

Other things you might need to consider would be if its a standard quick release or a maxle variant, and if it has the same type brake caliper mount as your current system (although you can get adapters if need be)

[Steve7777]

Whether it's old school quick release, 15mm or 20mm axle, and that they haven't cut the steerer shorter than your current one. You might also want to check the axle-crown length isn't too different to your old fork, but if you buy another 100mm travel one it will be similar, and if it has a star nut fitted as that will save you the bother if your headset uses one.

[AC43]

shouldbworking said:

you don't need to care about stanchion diameter.

OK ta

shouldbworking said:

Other things you might need to consider would be if its a standard quick release or a maxle variant,

Standard, I guess. Based on the fact I don't even know what a maxle variant is

shouldbworking said:

and if it has the same type brake caliper mount as your current system (although you can get adapters if need be)

We're talking V brakes here.

[shouldbworking]

[quote]

shouldbworking said:

Other things you might need to consider would be if its a standard quick release or a maxle variant,

Standard, I guess. Based on the fact I don't even know what a maxle variant is

shouldbworking said:

and if it has the same type brake caliper mount as your current system (although you can get adapters if need be)

We're talking V brakes here.

you need to look for 9mm quick release then.

Not many new forks come with v-brake mounts, you might do well to look for some older rockshox recons that still have them.

[AC43]

Steve7777 said:

Whether it's old school quick release

OK ta

Steve7777 said:

15mm or 20mm axle

OK

Steve7777 said:

and that they haven't cut the steerer shorter than your current one.

OK

Steve7777 said:

You might also want to check the axle-crown length isn't too different to your old fork, but if you buy another 100mm travel one it will be similar, and if it has a star nut fitted as that will save you the bother if your headset uses one.

Thanks!

[AC43]

shouldbworking said:

you need to look for 9mm quick release then.

Not many new forks come with v-brake mounts, you might do well to look for some older rockshox recons that still have them.

Thanks SBW.

I'm not sure that I'd buy new (although the entry level Rox Shocks are pretty cheap new)

I'm assuming that there are often decent used bargains to be had. (maybe?)

[Justin S]

You should worry about steerer diameter, as some were 1 inch, especially Pace forks and I had some rockshoxs at that too. You need 1 1/8 steerer, so check this is the case before buying, although they are rare, it may cause a problem, if you win them off ebay. You will also need to know what headset you have and whether you are using a quill stem or aheadset. If you have a quill stem and normal threaded headset, you will need a threaded steel steerer.
If you are looking for modern forks, beware that probably any you should consider are more than likely to be disc brake only. This may involve a disc brake and a front wheel in the budget too.
Personally, I would get some Exotic rigid forks, which can come with V brake mounts and with a short length leg, will work well with the frame you have.

[AC43]

Justin S said:

You should worry about steerer diameter, as some were 1 inch, especially Pace forks and I had some rockshoxs at that too. You need 1 1/8 steerer, so check this is the case before buying, although they are rare, it may cause a problem, if you win them off ebay. You will also need to know what headset you have and whether you are using a quill stem or aheadset. If you have a quill stem and normal threaded headset, you will need a threaded steel steerer.

OK cool

Justin S said:

If you are looking for modern forks, beware that probably any you should consider are more than likely to be disc brake only. This may involve a disc brake and a front wheel in the budget too.

Yes I've noticed that a lot of them are now disc only - for this bike it's not worth the cost - this is a clunker.

Justin S said:

Personally, I would get some Exotic rigid forks, which can come with V brake mounts and with a short length leg, will work well with the frame you have.

Top suggestion, thanks. If I'm going to spend some (limited) cash on a bike to occasionally use locally then this actually makes a lot of sense. Never knew these existed.