txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) I am looking to upgrade my fork on a XXL (23") 2016 (I think) Specialized Hardrock https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/3062483/. It is currently a SR Suntour Fork. What measurements should I be looking for when I purchase a new fork? So far, I know it is 9mm QR. I need to find out the Steerer Tube size. I have thought about changing to Thru Axle, but that means I would need to purchase new wheels. To make things easy and cheaper, I am assuming stick to 9mm QR Forks, but I want to make sure I buy the right fork. What should I be looking for? Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 to clarify, a shock is the suspension component on the rear end of a full suspension frame. you're looking for a fork. it's a single fork, not forks. and there's effectively no such thing as a "rear fork" on a bicycle, so there's no point in specifying the "front fork." look through Bikepedia.com and find the specific bike that you have and share that link. that will tell us exactly what specifications you need, before anyone gets carried away with suggestions that might not help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 this is what comes up for a 2015 Hard Rock https://bikepedia.com/Quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?item=1596571. there is no 29" version listed among 2015 bikes of that model. I'm curious to see where this leads, but I am going to say from the start that spending money on a fork for a 5 year old bottom-of-the-barrel entry-level 26" bkes with rim brakes is a waste of money. you probably will not be able to find a better fork except perhaps on the used market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 1 minute ago, mack_turtle said: to clarify, a shock is the suspension component on the rear end of a full suspension frame. you're looking for a fork. it's a single fork, not forks. and there's effectively no such thing as a "rear fork" on a bicycle, so there's no point in specifying the "front fork." look through Bikepedia.com and find the specific bike that you have and share that link. that will tell us exactly what specifications you need, before anyone gets carried away with suggestions that might not help. Bikepedia does not have the specific bike. This is the bike. https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/3062483/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) 7 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: this is what comes up for a 2015 Hard Rock https://bikepedia.com/Quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?item=1596571. there is no 29" version listed among 2015 bikes of that model. I'm curious to see where this leads, but I am going to say from the start that spending money on a fork for a 5 year old bottom-of-the-barrel entry-level 26" bkes with rim brakes is a waste of money. you probably will not be able to find a better fork except perhaps on the used market. I like the XXL Frame and fit, and this is going my backup bike and I want to make it more comfortable when I ride it. I have upgraded the brakes to Guide RSC and 180mm rotors. I am already purchasing a new bike. Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) you need a fork designed for a 29er tire with 80mm of travel. you need a "straight" (not tapered) steerer tube, and dropouts for a 9mm quick release. there are very few forks on the market that meet these qualifications any more. you MIGHT get away with putting a 100mm travel fork on there, but I wouldn't chopper out your bike any more than that. what's wrong with the current fork? it's several years old and should be serviced at least once a season. when did you service it last? Edited October 16, 2020 by mack_turtle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olddbrider Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 mack_turtle beat me to it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) 8 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: you need a fork designed for a 29" tire with 80mm of travel. you need a "straight" (not tapered) steerer tube, and dropouts for a 9mm quick release. there are very few forks on the market that meet these qualifications any more. you MIGHT get away with putting a 100mm travel fork on there, but I wouldn't chopper out your bike any more than that. what's wrong with the current fork? it's several years old and should be serviced at least once a season. when did you service it last? Thank you for the information, Straight tube. I have learned other Hardrock owners upgraded to Rockshox Recon Gold, but I want to learn more before I make my purchase. There are tube sizes like 1 1/8th, how would I figure out which one I have? Measure the opening I assume? The current fork was serviced in October of last year, it is too springy, the lockout cap has broken off and I want to try something new. Again, I really like this frame and have found no lower-end frames that compare for fit. I appreciate your time. Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamsloan Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 I completely agree with Mackturtle. You’re going to end up being forced in to looking at either new fairly low end forks from suntour of x-Fusion that aren’t going to be a big upgrade, or you will be looking on the used market for old 26er forks that are on the rare occasion totally great but mostly clapped out and needing service. Unless you’ve done a ton of research and know what to look for, you’re likely going to waste your money and very possibly make your bike perform worse.Ride your bike as long as you can. Save up for a new one that is more readily upgradable to modern parts. I just don’t think it’s worth pursuing an upgrade that still has 26’er wheels, QR skewers, and rim brakes if that’s what it has. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 I think these would work: RS Judy 100mm Manitou Markhor look for something with a "straight" steerer, which also might be listed as having a 30mm crown race. you could also look into putting a rigid fork and a big old tire on it. lots of people in Austin ride rigid forks and it does not stop them from having fun and kicking ass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 4 minutes ago, txtraining said: Thank you for the information, Straight tube. I have learned other Hardrock owners upgraded to Rockshox Recon Gold, but I want to learn more before I make my purchase. There are tube sizes like 1 1/8th, how would I figure out which one I have? Measure the opening I assume? the top of the fork is 1-1/8" (28.6mm) where the stem mounts. the bottom of the steerer tube where the crown race of the headset sits is 30mm on a straight steerer tube fork. the bottom of a tapered fork is 40mm and will not fit on your frame under any conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 Just now, mack_turtle said: the top of the fork is 1-1/8" (28.6mm) where the stem mounts. the bottom of the steerer tube where the crown race of the headset sits is 30mm on a straight steerer tube fork. the bottom of a tapered fork is 40mm and will not fit on your frame under any conditions. Thank you, this is exactly the information I was looking for and will help me learn more about bikes. I am trying to learn to work on my cheap bike before I get my higher end bike. This helped a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamsloan Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 Ah, just saw the post about what bike it was. That’s not as bad as I assumed, but the options are still limited. Look for X-Fusion on Jenson. They have some straight steerer 29er forks that still have QR dropouts. Probably have to go 100mm though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 you could sell that bike as-is right now and buy two new forks for it. not that you'd gain anything by that, but it's a very, very low-end bike that is worth less than any fork you want to put on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) 4 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: you could sell that bike as-is right now and buy two new forks for it. not that you'd gain anything by that, but it's a very, very low-end bike that is worth less than any fork you want to put on it. I don't want to sell the bike, again I like the frame. I am upgrading the bike because of the frame. It is very difficult to find a frame for me that I like. Money isn't really an issue other than practicality. I do not mind putting $2,000 into this frame and then spending $8,000 on my new bike. 4 minutes ago, Teamsloan said: Ah, just saw the post about what bike it was. That’s not as bad as I assumed, but the options are still limited. Look for X-Fusion on Jenson. They have some straight steerer 29er forks that still have QR dropouts. Probably have to go 100mm though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thank you. Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 that's fine. it's your money to throw away spend. I just wanted to give you fair warning because many people don't realize how much a new fork costs and how little benefit they will get from it compared to the cost. I never know what someone's level of experience is when they ask a question, so I give it to them straight so they're not surprised and disappointed when they look at the price tag of fork that costs almost as much as the bike when it was new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) 9 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: that's fine. it's your money to throw away spend. I just wanted to give you fair warning because many people don't realize how much a new fork costs and how little benefit they will get from it compared to the cost. I never know what someone's level of experience is when they ask a question, so I give it to them straight so they're not surprised and disappointed when they look at the price tag of fork that costs almost as much as the bike when it was new. I understand. I was riding Walnut Creek x2 almost every day for 3 years on this bike until I moved south; I am on the spectrum and do not like to change routines, so I will likely continue riding the same trails over and over again. I had to always bring my bike to the shop for fixes, tuneups or to inflate my tubeless tires. I want to learn to do it on my own so I have as little downtime as possible and I actually know what my bike is, not just how to ride it. Thank you for the information regarding the sizes, now I know what to google and learn about. I did not know what a crown race, or straight steerer/tapered was until you guys mentioned them and I googled it. Thank you for your help and helping me use the correct terminology. Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 34 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: you're looking for a fork. it's a single fork, not forks. Right! A single "fork" has tines. Modern mountain bike forks have 2 tines. Unless they only have 1 tine. I'm looking at you, Cannondale! 38 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: and there's effectively no such thing as a "rear fork" on a bicycle, so there's no point in specifying the "front fork." And bonus points for using the term "effectively" because you're likely aware of this: And you're right...it seems I have nothing put snark and pedantry to add to this thread. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 4 minutes ago, Barry said: And bonus points for using the term "effectively" because you're likely aware of this: Yes, I use the word "effectively" because I know there's an Oscar Nunez in every bunch. I'm on top of my pedantic game today! 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonSurly Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 Welcome txtraining! i’d recommend the fork in the link below, it’s an upgrade and being an air fork you can adjust it to your preferred stiffness https://www.srsuntour.us/collections/xc-marathon-forks/products/xcr-32-lo-r-air?variant=27528271811 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 you might be able to take advantage of the Suntour upgrade program as well, and save a few bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txtraining Posted October 16, 2020 Author Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) 3 minutes ago, RonSurly said: Welcome txtraining! i’d recommend the fork in the link below, it’s an upgrade and being an air fork you can adjust it to your preferred stiffness https://www.srsuntour.us/collections/xc-marathon-forks/products/xcr-32-lo-r-air?variant=27528271811 Thank you. I understand Suntour has an upgrade program (I have emailed them about it), and I think I would prefer upgrading to an air fork. I appreciate you taking the time to look this up for me. The listing of specs on the website helps me learn a lot as well. 80-100-120mm travel Ships 100mm travel setting Hydraulic lockout Adjustable rebound Air spring adjust for preload Forged aluminum crown and lightweight steerer 1-1/8" steerer 32mm stanchion tubes 9mm open dropout design Lower magnesium monocoque design Direct mount 160mm disc design Internally adjustable travel setting 2300g Fully serviceable 2 year limited manufacturing warranty 2 minutes ago, mack_turtle said: you might be able to take advantage of the Suntour upgrade program as well, and save a few bucks. Thank you, yes I emailed them about it last night. https://www.srsuntour.us/pages/upgrade-program The only downside is a lot of their size 29 is preorder until February 2021 Edited October 16, 2020 by txtraining Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 12 minutes ago, txtraining said: Thank you, yes I emailed them about it last night. https://www.srsuntour.us/pages/upgrade-program The only downside is a lot of their size 29 is preorder until February 2021 Man, that sucks. You're probably aware that most of the bike industry is way behind due to COVID-19 delays in the supply chain. February is pretty good compared to a lot of the delays I have seen. an air fork would definitely be a worthwhile upgrade if it's not too expensive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circuitbreaker Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 (edited) worldwide actually has 7 options that should work for you: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/collections/forks?page=1&rb_filter_metafield_3883f81773510aafb5af3051e677a186=Straight&rb_filter_metafield_e3340eefd1dde7c50e120732da26f0da=29"|29er&rb_filter_metafield_3c22d54491b063656b441887440c30fc=100 edit, so only the Judy Gold is actually in stock. if you are looking to spend a little less. here is an option on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RockShox-Recon-RL-Fork-29-100mm-SA-9QR-1-1-8-Disc-Remote-/284043901260?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0 Edited October 16, 2020 by circuitbreaker 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinBike Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 OK, let me be the grumpy old guy because that is totally my scene. Why are we recommending that someone put a $300 fork on a $250 bike? He posted a bike blue book value on the bike that is under the cost of a fork. Seriously. Save your money, put it towards a new bike. You'll spend the $300 on a fork and then after a few months you'll be looking at new bikes because, honestly, your experience will not be radically different. That massive change you think a fork will bring is not gonna happen. I have years of experience over equipping bikes, only to buy a new one and regretting all of the purchases that I made. Ride the shit out of your bike now, save your pennies, get a new awesome bike that you'll love even more. More than anything else, as Mack pointed out, the industry is messed up right now. Anything you buy you are overpaying for at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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