Fork Travel and frame type
Discussion
Dear All,
Would it make a massive difference to bike handling if i used only 100mm travel forks on a frame (Cove Stiffee) that recommends 130mm travel? I am rather short and i do not weigh too much, so my thinking is that a 100mm fork set quite rigid would be OK for me, but i have heard that shorter travel forks can seriously affect bike handling due to it affecting the angle of the headtube
regards
Greg
Would it make a massive difference to bike handling if i used only 100mm travel forks on a frame (Cove Stiffee) that recommends 130mm travel? I am rather short and i do not weigh too much, so my thinking is that a 100mm fork set quite rigid would be OK for me, but i have heard that shorter travel forks can seriously affect bike handling due to it affecting the angle of the headtube
regards
Greg
yep thats gonna steepen your heading angle a touch which will mean quicker twitchier steering. Im not sure what the HA on the stiffee is as stock but its worth checking.
Setting you fork harder to compensate will work abit, but then whats the point in getting a suspenion fork if it barely works.
The difference will only be small and some people would prefer the ride that way anyway.I run a 30mm long than suggested fork on my hardtail because I prefer a slack head angle and the stability that comes with it.
Setting you fork harder to compensate will work abit, but then whats the point in getting a suspenion fork if it barely works.
The difference will only be small and some people would prefer the ride that way anyway.I run a 30mm long than suggested fork on my hardtail because I prefer a slack head angle and the stability that comes with it.
The Stiffee's frame is designed to accept a fork from between 100mm and 140mm (new 2007). My 2003 frame accepts 100 - 130mm. It does change the character of the bike a lot. I run a pait of Fox Talas forks and with them fully extended (130mm) the bike is a great Trail rider with plenty of travel for drops, jumps etc... At 100mm travel the bike is a lot more XC racer feel and really needed a 90mm stem rather than the 70mm I use.
No probs using a 100mm fork, but if you're planning on doing more 'Trail' that 'XC' then use a 130mm fork.
It isn't the length of travel you adjust for the weight of the rider is the 'spring weight' so using a 130mm fork won't cause you any problems. If fact the set up of the fork is way more important than the travel it gives.
Hows the build going?
No probs using a 100mm fork, but if you're planning on doing more 'Trail' that 'XC' then use a 130mm fork.
It isn't the length of travel you adjust for the weight of the rider is the 'spring weight' so using a 130mm fork won't cause you any problems. If fact the set up of the fork is way more important than the travel it gives.
Hows the build going?
Thanks all,
The building is going well - basically have been buying all my bits and pieces. Wheels and disk brakes are on order, and i should be receiving a Deore chainset and BB today (silly me forgot to buy the BB cups so i'll have tyo get hold of some of them at some point), so all i have left to buy still are the gears stuff.
Headset, stem, bars and seatpost are now in place, plus i have temporarily installed some Rockshox Dart 3 forks (which a woprk colleague gave me, unused, for nothing). I know they are not the most expensive fork around, but to be honest it is one less thing to have to by for now, until i save up and treat myself to some Fox shocks later on.
All in all, going well.
The building is going well - basically have been buying all my bits and pieces. Wheels and disk brakes are on order, and i should be receiving a Deore chainset and BB today (silly me forgot to buy the BB cups so i'll have tyo get hold of some of them at some point), so all i have left to buy still are the gears stuff.
Headset, stem, bars and seatpost are now in place, plus i have temporarily installed some Rockshox Dart 3 forks (which a woprk colleague gave me, unused, for nothing). I know they are not the most expensive fork around, but to be honest it is one less thing to have to by for now, until i save up and treat myself to some Fox shocks later on.
All in all, going well.
looks nice,
i would advise you go for 130mm of travel on your stiffee in my opinion, or a rockshoc that you can vary the travel by winding up and down with out affecting the spring rate, rebound, damping,etc,
its good to have the extra travel when things get rough, and it feels so sweet with 130, and differnt with less.
what ever, you are going to love that bike, have fun.
i would advise you go for 130mm of travel on your stiffee in my opinion, or a rockshoc that you can vary the travel by winding up and down with out affecting the spring rate, rebound, damping,etc,
its good to have the extra travel when things get rough, and it feels so sweet with 130, and differnt with less.
what ever, you are going to love that bike, have fun.
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