Fork replacement

[RizzoTheRat]

I have a Specialized Hardrock which is starting to get some play in the fork bushes. The forks are bottom of the range RST ones, which are fine for my use, and it has V-brakes.

How easy are forks to replace (I'm mechanically competent but don't have any bicycle specific tools)Presumably the key things are the wheel diameter, stem tube size and V brake lugs, how do I found out my stem size though? Where's best to buy? Evans are showing a few RockShox forks at around the 100 quid mark, while e-bay has tonnes at a range of prices, I assume some people are selling their OEM ones to upgrade?

[richardxjr]

A rigid fork will be better than some crappy spring thing. Won't break and lighter too. Evans have a range of Raleigh V-brakes ones for £30 in various steerer sizes. Yours will probably need a 1/1.8" straight steerer.

Measure from the crown to the stem cap for your mimimum steerer length if buying secondhand though.

[RizzoTheRat]

To be honest when I originally bought the bike I'd have preferred rigid forks but there was pretty much nothing on the market with them. I've got used to them now though and a bit of suspension on the front is quite nice at times.

You say measure if buying second hand, do they usually come with long stems and you cut them down then?

[richardxjr]

Lower the tyre pressure

If new, yes. Steerer that is, not stem, that's the bit that connects the fork steerer to your handlebar. You'd need to loose fit with your stem and spacers, then once you are happy with position, remove fork and carefully hacksaw off the steerer surplus. Then you fit your star nut (which should come with matching top cap and nut). Retain, clean, grease and refit the old aheadset bearings (at top and bottom of head tube that the fork steerer threads through - they might fall out when you remove the old fork)

It's all quite easy enough and readily found on the 'net. Shouldn't need any special tools, although a star nut installer is a wonderful thing.

Edited by richardxjr on Thursday 12th November 14:23

[RizzoTheRat]

Bearings might fall out? I had to cut one of the buggers off when I changed them on my motorbike

[richardxjr]

Ahh right, pop some new ones in tbh, they're cheap enough and bound to be due.

[nammynake]

I fitted some rigid carbon forks to my Hardrock for use as a touring bike. Covered around 2000 miles with no issues.

http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&c=106&p=10...

[sjj84]

I fitted some new forks to my bike a few months ago, funnily enough also a specialized hardrock. Was straight forward enough, and no bike specific tools needed.

[Liquid Knight]

One tip, make sure you buy new bearing cones and grease.



I fitted a tilting suspension fork to my bike and needed to make a horseshoe bracket for my mud guard.

As most of my cycling is at night this time of year I put white reflective tape down the front of my forks as well.