http://forums.mtbr.com/ Sponsored by Go-Ride.com en Thu, 23 May 2013 22:41:47 GMT vBulletin 60 http://ficdn.mtbr.com/images/misc/rss.png http://forums.mtbr.com/ http://forums.mtbr.com/bike-frame-discussion/upgrading-old-fork-advice-frame-geometry-needed-856335.html Thu, 23 May 2013 13:10:49 GMT I have a Rockshox Quadra 5 (c. 1994) that has seen it's last day. It's in need of a rebuild, however I would rather invest in newer technology. Complicating this are two issues - 1. My frameset is also old (Giant Yukon 21" from 1993) and 2. I'm completely clueless about issues of frame geometry - I just like to ride - mostly single track and bike paths. The single track can get a little tricky (small stump jumps, rocky stream crossings, etc.) but nothing overly complicated. Basically I am a lard puppy / recreational biker.

What I do have going for me right now is that I have a very knowledgeable local small bike shop dealer who is working with me on this. I do have a 1 1/8 inch headtube/steerertube however the quadra has an axle to crown measurement of about 410 mm. Obviously forks (and travel) got a good deal longer since 1994 and he immediately raised concerns about replacing this fork.

He is looking diligently, however the shortest fork we can find is in the 450 mm range. I see 2 options aside from buying a new bike outright (which I want to avoid as the Yukon is an old friend).

Option 1 - Go ahead and buy a 450 mm fork, put it on, and hope for the best. I understand how this will affect the bike angle, however I do not understand to what degree it will affect handling / frame integrity. Will this make the bike slightly more squirly or will it make it un - ridable? Will the frame integrity be an issue?

Does anyone know of any sub 400$ forks that are closer to 410 than what I have yet seen (shortest being 450)

Option 2 - buy a new frame and transfer all my components over to the new frame. I am seeing Ghost and Ridley frames online for under 300 (I am in the US). Any suggestions on a good cheap frameset?

Thanks in advance for your expertise from a longtime n00b who wants to bike with his son. ]]> Bike and Frame discussion zwaaa http://forums.mtbr.com/bike-frame-discussion/upgrading-old-fork-advice-frame-geometry-needed-856335.html