My dog and I owe you much thanks!!! My ex always worked on our bikes and refused to teach me anything, despite my repeated requests. When he moved out, he left my bike in pieces and with the wrong forks on it. My dog has been begging for a run, and now he'll get one! I can manage everything but the forks. I thought I'd need to take it to a bike shop, but with your help, I'm now ready to take my dog out. You rock!
I just started to learn how to fix my own bike and I would like to thank you Mr RJ for making all your videos on bike repair, overhaul, how to change parts on bicycle it has truly help me a lot and that your videos are very informative and clear for beginners like me to understand. Once again thank you so much for all the tutorials and knowledge you have pass on.
Hi. Yes I loved this video. Took old seized shocks from a Marin 1999 Enduro Bike and replaed with a fat bike fork, Loved your attention to detail and thanks for taking the TIME to show us each individual part both in removing and replacing, so helpful for a novice like me...
I’m going to install an air fork on my son’s bike and replace the spring loaded fork. The guys at the bike shop didn’t want to do it. So now I have the courage to do it myself. Thanks!
@@larrybrinley8222 Happened to me.. I had stuck shocks and the repair guy said that it's too much work.. Anyways, I still have to figure out how to fix them by myself
@@richard_from_england333 one of the local shops are helpful. The other shop seems kind of snobby- I was asking about my kid’s old Trek and they weren’t really interested. It pays to look around
Thanks for explaining it all simply and thoroughly. I'm 30 and just taught myself to ride (and loving it) and now I'm keen to learn as much as possible about bike maintenance
Thank you for the content. Tremendously useful and very well presented. The other day I was doing a change of brake handles and wondered why I knew what to do. Double checked your channel and saw I had watched your video on the specifics about a year back.
Hello from an englishman in need of training.I have cycled for 40 years and never had to fit a set of forks.Your video sorts out all my questions.well done i can sort out my trek navigator no prblem.
I changed my fork but forgetting one of the spacers, I re-fix it properly in the same way of your video. Thanks mister ! ( Pascal from FRANCE, just a little bit...).
Thank you very much for your time to make these videos. You are my guy to watch so I can work on mine. I found an abandoned trek fuel 80 from 2003 on the side of the road and it was pretty chingered but it is now my favorite bike. I have a brand new Schwinn accent DP that I like a lot. But because my new trek, at least new to me, takes 26 inch tires. It is my favorite.
ive watched this several times getting ready to do this to one of my bikes. I bought one of those chopper forks and i am looking to put it on an older 90's bike for an ebike project ive been working on. Love the DIY stuff people put out. I myself have done alot of diy projects over the years from computers to bicycles. Anyways thanks for the informative video. :D
Hey, I know it's an older video but I just wanted to say thanks for making it! I recently swapped out a suspension fork with a rigid one and your video helped out immensely! :)
@@Diego-oy6en I am pretty late but if you want to convert into rigid fork you have to consider the length of the fork blade (specifically buy a 26er fork for for 26er wheels) but in some cases you can fit a 27er wheel on a 26er fork but tyre width wil be limited and you'll change the geometry of the bike (might result to good or bad but that depends on the structure of the frame).
I didn't know about the crown racer being taken off the old forks and onto new ones. Thanks for this as I've just changed my forks for some Mozo ones. It was lucky the crown racer happened to the same fitting. To check for play on the front shocks I apply the front brake and push down on the suspension which reveals any looseness.
Great vid. Thanks. I have an 820 with those old RST forks. I pull them apart once in a while and clean them up, but they're pretty much garbage, and I've wondered how to replace them.
I saw other videos on installing forks and some of them didn't grease the steerer tubes but i think i'm gonna follow your suggestion so thks! i am building my 1st bike packing rig from scratch and selecting every part myself wee~
Hey RJ, your videos have helped me tons, thanks. I am actually looking to replace exactly the same fork as you are replacing in this video, the Omni 191 cl... so i was so happy you suggesting the suntour M3030... i immediately looked to buy one... Guess what.. ALSO NOT AVAILABLE haha, just my luck.. Perhaps anyone out there has a (not too expensive)alternative?? :)
I know this is a mountain bike, but I am wondering if I should swap out my rigid forks on my hybrid for a Suntour shock absorbing fork. I ride a lot of rail trails, and uneven terrain in on my daily commute. Great video, this helps me see how it's done!
StormLaker1975 You would have to find shocks meant for a 700c wheel. I wouldn't bother though. Most of the hybrid shocks are low quality. I have done some pretty hard riding on rigid forks.
Hey buddie I am a bike mechanic you can definitely do that. We have a bunch of hybrid bikes with front shocks on are hybrid bikes. You just have to find a shock comparable with your head tube and make sure it will have clearance for your wheel size.
A year later...I ended up buying a lower $$ fat bike. Already sold it. now I am looking at old Trek's/Specialized bikes like this one in the video. Would I be able to replace the suspension forks with rigid forks with no change in geometry?? The handlebars in the bikes I am seeing are the older style- easy to find replacement forks for those still??
My entry level bike I bouth last year (for around 400 €) had the M3030 fork and i replaced it as fast as possible. they were just aweful. although they were supposed to have 75mm of travel, the would barely move and started to squeek after a couple of rides (normal rides, no trails or other rough terrain). I replaced them with Rock Shox Recon Silver RL 120 mm and it is like night and day.
Thank you for keeping it simple. I have a spare Rock Shox pike shock from a different bike but realised it does not have the v brake adapters. I bought a 2006 Giant boulder with cheap Suntour xct. Can you recommend some forks that will be fit the bike please? As long as the size is the same as in 1 1/8 threadless and has the v brake adapters, is that all that matters? Thank you.
Hi. Very nice video. I will be starting a replacement fork repairs as you did. I have a question, it is the PVC pipe, what size is length and diameter you used. Thanks in advance.
Rim brakes do have their purpose though, for example my friends 24 inch trek mt220. The bike would fit disc brakes with some adapters, new forks, and new hubs, but my friend is a rougher rider and a 160mm+ disc on a 24 inch frame is quite close to the ground, so most likely he would be replacing the discs often, even I ride a 27.5 frame with 160mm rotors and I manage to screw up a rotor once a month.
Thanks you saved me about 6 hours of bewilderment. I got an old Schwinn static I was thinking of swapping the shocks off my Huffy Mt. bike onto it do you see any problems?
Hi, Thank you for sharing all these helpful videos. I find myself binge watching like a Netflix show. I have been planning on replacing the rigid curved front forks on my Trek 800 mountain bike with suspension forks. I recently picked up a never ridden Raleigh M30 mountain bike that was practically being given away. The Trek has a 1″ threaded stem and the Raleigh appears to have the same. So my question is, how do I measure the forks to make sure they will fit without removing either. Both have 26″ wheels but the Raleigh has a smaller frame.
The problem with replacing rigid forks with suspension forks is the frame is made for rigid forks. The suspension forks will raise the front end of the bike and change the handling. Maybe not for the better. As far as fit, the main thing is the length and diameter of the steerer tube.
Thanks for training we viewers, RJ. I noted that the replacement fork had plus "+" and minus "-" dials. are these for adjusting the amount of pressure it takes to compress the fork suspension? Which direction increases resistance, clockwise turn or counterclockwise? Is there a different function for the + and the - dials or is the function the same for both ...just one is left and the other is right? Thank you.
RJ I liked this video on replacing front fork. But I DO have a question on other bike maintenance. I have a Mongoose Dolomite. I just recently replaced the shifter. At which time I tried to readjust the rear derailleur (Shamano Tourney - from the Mongoose factory). The B-tensìon screw has no effect on making adjustments. Almost seems it isn't connected to anything. I'm NOT a mechanic but is there an interior spring here that I could be having a problem with ? Or what do you think I can do now ??? Thank you for your time !!! Have great day !!!
Sorry, I can't tell you without seeing or working on the bike. The B screw only has a minor affect on shifting and is like the last thing to adjusted. It's for fine tuning and most times I don't even mess with it. My recommendation is don't buy a Walmart bike. They are generally junk with cheap components that cause problems and break.
Great Video! I followed your instructions and did great however, the tangs(?) on the new fork are much thicker and they are only supported halfway by the axle. Can I replace just the hollow axle so it extends to the outer edge of the fork tangs?
I have a 26 inch Mongoose Sector (2006 year model) I'm thinking about upgrading the front fork on it. Right now it has a Mozo Vibe R on it. I'm a newbie to the MTB world. Is it a good fork? If not what would be a good upgrade for it? I like the bike but I've gained weight since I bought it and I want to use it for getting back into some form of shape besides "pear" or "ball". Thanks for any help you can offer.
Gravity for one as the bike is pushing down onto the fork. The stem clamps onto the steerer to keep the the bearings and adjusted. There is also a wedge that locks into place.
I want to learn about mtn fixing repair and whatnot but I need new shocks anddddd dont know,if they will fit my bike. I'm not really sure about it (it was my brothers old one) I need to find out what shocks I need for it to replace it. Its a Haro bike hardtail and stock shocks I need to replace for better ones. Thanks!
There are several things you need to check here. Steerer tube width and length (is it the same?), whether or not you have a tapered headset (does the base of the steerer tube flare out?), and the axle type ( Quick release or through axle?). If all of these match your old forks than you should be fine. If the new fork has significantly longer or shorter travel don't put it on, even if all the other things match. It will change the geometry.
It’s so hard to find decent forks that work on older 26” rims, straight steer tube and 100mm dropout spacing. The only decent one I could find was RockShox Recon Silver TK. I wish the rim brake bosses were removed tho.
i just recently bought an older trek navigator 200, great bike to me but my RST shocks on front fork the seals ride up to the top of the shock. it doesn't seem to affect anything they still work just fine, but how can i keep the seals from moving up with every bump i hit?
another great video, a question I have involved that i just bought a bike with roxshox dart 1 forks, the suspension seems really soft, I have seen a video of yours to service similar and a tip gleened from that is that I have the manual, so the question is two fold are dart 1 shocks designed to be really bouncy? 2nd is it is possible to firm up shocks economically & safely such as the (name escapes me I think elastomer, the plastic rods) if they come in firmness options, (yet to look up purchasable options). this question is for your own consideration RJ as well as any viewers with experience of dart 1's, it could well be their intended feel I am just used to quite firm usually suntour shocks so different experience and preference opinions appreciated.
RJ, your teespring offers jsut miraculously popped up under one of your vids for me... just from my point of view- add some lower price gadgets like key tags or such- would like to contribute, but as others, i`m on a budget here...just my 2 cents- keep it up
@@RJTheBikeGuy the tune that goes threw the headset, i see you measured the height that was 8-1/4" i was curious to the diameter i didn't want to order the wrong shock Size lol
Great video, thanks for the help. Just got a free two nine , 29 inch genesis mountain bike from friend. The upper fork is missing the bolts too secure it. It's only a 200 dollar walmart bike but do i just buy new fork like you said and where? And will it come with the upper secure bolt to mount the forks onto the bike? Thanks alot for your help as well. Charlie. Oh yea or should i take it too a cheap bike shop and ask them for the upper fork bolt if they even have that is.
charleysturbos I am not sure what bolts it is missing. If they are common bolts, that would be the way to go. Being a Walmart bike, I wouldn't put a lot of money into it. You can check ebay or craigslist for used forks.
Ok well thanks. Yea my other friend will give me a swhinn mountain bike that is really nice as well. Yea he has like carbon fiber bikes and is insane. I dont need all that. Id worry about them getting stollen all the time and couldnt' even enjoy them as much you know.
It's whatever is missing where the shocks go into the bike where the cylanders are and the forks slide up at the top. has nothing to hold them in. I'll just take it too a bike shop and see what they say i need then look online if they cannot fix it. Thanks for your help though.
Hi RJ, i bought a RST suspension that has a diameter of 1-1/8 but i needed a 1". Is it possible to change out the steer tubes itself rather than the whole fork? Ive seen 1" tubes being sold with shims so it'll fit in the 1-1/8 suspension forks.
Have You ever made a video about overhauling Fork/Shocks? I have a Manitou Minute Fork on bike and cant't find any video about how to do that. Is there a general rule You could tell me about for DIY, or shoul I give that fork to a professional service? Thanks for the good work!
I have a GT Avalanche Comp 29 from 2018. It has a tapered frame. I would like to upgrade the Suntour forks to RockShox. My current Suntour forks are straight. My question is can I replace my straight Suntour forks with Tapered RockShox forks on my bike that has a tapered frame and if so what do I require to do this?
Hey RJ, got a situation wherein the dropout width of my new fork is wider (7mm compared to the 4mm width of the old fork). So the problem now is that the axle only covers half the dropout. Is this safe? Does it damage the dropout? I tried to check online if they sell a 114+ length axle for front wheel but most online stores sell it at 108mm. Thanks for any info/reply
Is it possible to turn a Mongoose Crossway (road bike) into a mountain bike? You know, putting on shocks, mountain tires, and possibly a new gear system?
I have a GT Outpost Trail mountain bike from aroundd 1996, it doesnt have any front shocks, just standard fork. How do i know which shocks will fit my bike ?
Is it possible, or easy to purchase and upgrade a standard suspension fork and stem assembly to a solid one piece suspension fork/handlebar assembly similar in style to that on a motorcycle/motocross bike? I've seen some bikes that have them but only at high end shops and not big box stores and am curious since I recently bought a genesis V2100 bike the other day..
First, I wouldn't spend money upgrading a low end bike like that. And if you are talking about converting a regular fork to a Cannondale Lefty kind of fork, no you can't.
sir one silly question i have a cheap apollo phaze MTB i picked up for a ebike conversion the conversions went well the handle bars is too low and i get backache but i noticed the forks was sloppy and done and dangerous. i want to know what i need to do to higher the handle bars i see people cutting the tubes down why ? or if i buy a new set of forks do i simply leave the tube alone for more height
How do I determine the length of my current steering tube? Preferably not having to remove it from the bike first. Or do I need to disassemble it first.
Replacing a rigid fork with a suspension fork raises the front end of the bike and will change the geometry, probably not for the better. Replacing a suspension fork with a rigid fork, you will want a suspension corrected fork.
Thanks for the video! i am about to install my 1st air fork on my fatty so this helps! One question tho...why upgrade your forks and NOT upgrade you brakes to hydraulic for like $40? I'd never run cantilevers again after going hydraulic...just me.
Well, first, the fork didn't have disc brake mounts. I think the frame might have had mounts. I suppose I could have mounted a fork is disc brake mounts on the bike instead. But that would would have raised the cost. You are completely missing that wheels are not made for disc rotors. So I would have had to get a new pair of wheels. And it would not raise the value of the bike enough. I would never get that money back out of the bike. Just because you CAN add disc brakes, doesn't mean you should.
@@RJTheBikeGuy jeez, even my old 1992 GT Avalanche had hydraulic disk brakes standard. Rock those rim brakes all you want, bruh. What's life without adventure???
@@glockasauruswrex6362 My personal mountain bike has disc brakes. But I am not going to install them on every mountain bike I work on. I do have some videos where I install disc brakes.
Thanks man, i inspire with your video, i want to restore my old MTB, just want to know the type and size of the headset if compatible to the newly released fork sizes? thanks man
Hi, i'm very new to mountain biking, but i recently purchased a used Giant Talon 3 2014 (look it up) and i want to ride downhill, though it is an XC bike. The three upgrades i need to get are: a shorter stem, new tires and a longer travel suspension. I was wondering if i could go to a bike shop and they could change the fork and what fork would be good for downhill. Also the tires on it are 27.5 x 2.10 and i can't find any good tires of that size. Could i put a 27.5 x 2.20 tire on my rims? Any help is really appreciated Thanks so much!!!
William Beitzel Thanks for the info, on giant's website it says its a trail bike.It has a strong frame but i feel like its xc (long stem 100mm travel) in what way would i break my bike? thanks!
PorkChopGaming DH frames have a lot of reinforcement around the head tube and other parts such as the rear triangle and bb. I couldn't live with the fear of the frame snapping 30 km/hr on a 20% descent, it's not for sure it will break but there's a chance. Be cautious.
Luciano Narno Thank you for the help! You should search up Giant Talon 3 it has actually a very thick head tube and frame! they consider it a trail bike but I think it's XC due to the stem, the suspension and the drivetrain. Thanks for the help!!! :)
will any fork work or only certian types? How do I pick the right ones? I working on a walmart bike and Im t[putting high quality parts on the frame, why? just for funs. Anyways any help you can give me would be great! Im working on the front first, forks, tires, brakes, handle bars.
For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy
How do i follow you on instagram..👍
@@arasukrishna instagram.com/rjthebikeguy/
My dog and I owe you much thanks!!! My ex always worked on our bikes and refused to teach me anything, despite my repeated requests. When he moved out, he left my bike in pieces and with the wrong forks on it. My dog has been begging for a run, and now he'll get one! I can manage everything but the forks. I thought I'd need to take it to a bike shop, but with your help, I'm now ready to take my dog out. You rock!
Awesome!
Good he's an ex... probably
Well done you! Now stear clear of the NPD Narcissistic Personality Disorder assholes
I enjoyed reading that ❤️
Good for you hun !!
And its his loss, your gain , & You Rock !!
I just started to learn how to fix my own bike and I would like to thank you Mr RJ for making all your videos on bike repair, overhaul, how to change parts on bicycle it has truly help me a lot and that your videos are very informative and clear for beginners like me to understand. Once again thank you so much for all the tutorials and knowledge you have pass on.
Hi. Yes I loved this video. Took old seized shocks from a Marin 1999 Enduro Bike and replaed with a fat bike fork, Loved your attention to detail and thanks for taking the TIME to show us each individual part both in removing and replacing, so helpful for a novice like me...
I’m going to install an air fork on my son’s bike and replace the spring loaded fork. The guys at the bike shop didn’t want to do it. So now I have the courage to do it myself. Thanks!
shandke cool
The guys at the bike shop didn't want a potential repeat customer? Nuts !!
@@larrybrinley8222 Happened to me.. I had stuck shocks and the repair guy said that it's too much work.. Anyways, I still have to figure out how to fix them by myself
@@richard_from_england333 one of the local shops are helpful. The other shop seems kind of snobby- I was asking about my kid’s old Trek and they weren’t really interested. It pays to look around
Thanks for explaining it all simply and thoroughly. I'm 30 and just taught myself to ride (and loving it) and now I'm keen to learn as much as possible about bike maintenance
Love how your just chilin in your socks at the end of the video.
Every video I've watched... No shoes
Ik
Anyone else had to reread this comment 3 times to finally understand?
RJ needs a sock endorsement deal!
In America, shoes are expensive than bikes!
Thank you for the content. Tremendously useful and very well presented. The other day I was doing a change of brake handles and wondered why I knew what to do. Double checked your channel and saw I had watched your video on the specifics about a year back.
Hello from an englishman in need of training.I have cycled for 40 years and never had to fit a set of forks.Your video sorts out all my questions.well done i can sort out my trek navigator no prblem.
Thanks. These videos are a big help for all us doityourselfers.
I changed my fork but forgetting one of the spacers, I re-fix it properly in the same way of your video.
Thanks mister ! ( Pascal from FRANCE, just a little bit...).
Thank you very much for your time to make these videos. You are my guy to watch so I can work on mine. I found an abandoned trek fuel 80 from 2003 on the side of the road and it was pretty chingered but it is now my favorite bike. I have a brand new Schwinn accent DP that I like a lot. But because my new trek, at least new to me, takes 26 inch tires. It is my favorite.
I’m learning how to fix bikes and with your videos, you’ve helped me a great deal!! I still have a lot to learn. Thank you sir.
It's been years since i've had a bike, but watching these videos bring me back to the many repairs i had to perform 👌
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Cheers for the video,thought I bought the wrong fork for my bike because I couldn't remove the crown just needed a bit more persuasion.
VeggeMight Me too!
ive watched this several times getting ready to do this to one of my bikes. I bought one of those chopper forks and i am looking to put it on an older 90's bike for an ebike project ive been working on. Love the DIY stuff people put out. I myself have done alot of diy projects over the years from computers to bicycles. Anyways thanks for the informative video. :D
Hey, I know it's an older video but I just wanted to say thanks for making it! I recently swapped out a suspension fork with a rigid one and your video helped out immensely! :)
Mat Billings any advice on doing this? I have an 820 trek that I want to make into a commuter
@@Diego-oy6en I am pretty late but if you want to convert into rigid fork you have to consider the length of the fork blade (specifically buy a 26er fork for for 26er wheels) but in some cases you can fit a 27er wheel on a 26er fork but tyre width wil be limited and you'll change the geometry of the bike (might result to good or bad but that depends on the structure of the frame).
I didn't know about the crown racer being taken off the old forks and onto new ones. Thanks for this as I've just changed my forks for some Mozo ones. It was lucky the crown racer happened to the same fitting. To check for play on the front shocks I apply the front brake and push down on the suspension which reveals any looseness.
THAT Crown Race tool is VERY clever. Definitely need to make myself one of them.
Another very interesting video with lots of straightforward advice. Thanks RJ.
I just bought the same bike. Looking forward to this video
Thank you!
Tomorrow i will try to remove my fork and clean it up. Wish me luck :))
that's cool what you did with the PVC pipe
Great vid. Thanks. I have an 820 with those old RST forks. I pull them apart once in a while and clean them up, but they're pretty much garbage, and I've wondered how to replace them.
Great tutorial.My Mangoos forks are starting to rust pretty bad.Exsact setup
I saw other videos on installing forks and some of them didn't grease the steerer tubes but i think i'm gonna follow your suggestion so thks! i am building my 1st bike packing rig from scratch and selecting every part myself wee~
How is it coming Along?
Great work RJ The Bike Guy. I have some challenges know which front and rear shock spec's to buy to upgrade my bike ( 26 inch Bike) .
The new Trek 820 comes with the same SR Suntour fork.I'd really like one of these forks for my vintage MTB, especially because it isn't expensive.
Hey RJ, your videos have helped me tons, thanks. I am actually looking to replace exactly the same fork as you are replacing in this video, the Omni 191 cl... so i was so happy you suggesting the suntour M3030... i immediately looked to buy one... Guess what.. ALSO NOT AVAILABLE haha, just my luck.. Perhaps anyone out there has a (not too expensive)alternative?? :)
Shrug. Search ebay and craigslist and facebook marketplace, etc.
I know this is a mountain bike, but I am wondering if I should swap out my rigid forks on my hybrid for a Suntour shock absorbing fork. I ride a lot of rail trails, and uneven terrain in on my daily commute. Great video, this helps me see how it's done!
StormLaker1975 You would have to find shocks meant for a 700c wheel. I wouldn't bother though. Most of the hybrid shocks are low quality. I have done some pretty hard riding on rigid forks.
Hey buddie I am a bike mechanic you can definitely do that. We have a bunch of hybrid bikes with front shocks on are hybrid bikes. You just have to find a shock comparable with your head tube and make sure it will have clearance for your wheel size.
+RJ The Bike Guy maybe a 27.5 or 29 fork?
A year later...I ended up buying a lower $$ fat bike. Already sold it. now I am looking at old Trek's/Specialized bikes like this one in the video. Would I be able to replace the suspension forks with rigid forks with no change in geometry?? The handlebars in the bikes I am seeing are the older style- easy to find replacement forks for those still??
You would need a "Suspension Corrected Rigid Fork".
Thanks for the video. I have a 2000 gt rebound with rockshox judy xc shocks. How do I even know what to look for on replacements?
My entry level bike I bouth last year (for around 400 €) had the M3030 fork and i replaced it as fast as possible. they were just aweful. although they were supposed to have 75mm of travel, the would barely move and started to squeek after a couple of rides (normal rides, no trails or other rough terrain). I replaced them with Rock Shox Recon Silver RL 120 mm and it is like night and day.
Thanks RJ taken the advice on board.
Thank you for keeping it simple. I have a spare Rock Shox pike shock from a different bike but realised it does not have the v brake adapters. I bought a 2006 Giant boulder with cheap Suntour xct. Can you recommend some forks that will be fit the bike please? As long as the size is the same as in 1 1/8 threadless and has the v brake adapters, is that all that matters? Thank you.
Drew Rockstarr Shocks for 26" wheel with 1 1/8" steerer about the same length or longer. Rock Shox are generally pretty good. quality.
Hi RJ great instructional video is doing in just socks optional as I don't have any that funky 👍🏻
Hi. Very nice video. I will be starting a replacement fork repairs as you did. I have a question, it is the PVC pipe, what size is length and diameter you used. Thanks in advance.
Thanks brother. You answered my question quickly.
I couldn't image a MB without disc brakes, they've saved me 100 times.
Rim brakes do have their purpose though, for example my friends 24 inch trek mt220. The bike would fit disc brakes with some adapters, new forks, and new hubs, but my friend is a rougher rider and a 160mm+ disc on a 24 inch frame is quite close to the ground, so most likely he would be replacing the discs often, even I ride a 27.5 frame with 160mm rotors and I manage to screw up a rotor once a month.
Thanks you saved me about 6 hours of bewilderment. I got an old Schwinn static I was thinking of swapping the shocks off my Huffy Mt. bike onto it do you see any problems?
This helped. Thanks RJ 👍
Hi,
Thank you for sharing all these helpful videos. I find myself binge watching like a Netflix show.
I have been planning on replacing the rigid curved front forks on my Trek 800 mountain bike with suspension forks. I recently picked up a never ridden Raleigh M30 mountain bike that was practically being given away. The Trek has a 1″ threaded stem and the Raleigh appears to have the same.
So my question is, how do I measure the forks to make sure they will fit without removing either. Both have 26″ wheels but the Raleigh has a smaller frame.
The problem with replacing rigid forks with suspension forks is the frame is made for rigid forks. The suspension forks will raise the front end of the bike and change the handling. Maybe not for the better.
As far as fit, the main thing is the length and diameter of the steerer tube.
OK. Thank you. I guess I'll scrap that project.
i went from an 820 to a 3700 recently...world of difference
Davey Morgan, I didn't take them out, but I believe they are cartidge bearings: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004GSSBGC/ref=nosim/youtube25-20
Thankyou!:)
Hello RJ. I would like to ask, is the suspension (forks & rear) most expencive things if you want to make your bike ride different and feel
clear explanation 👍. How can I fill oil filled front shox??
+Rafael Van Belkom That varies with the shocks.
Thanks for the walkthrough!
Razor blade also works well as a ghetto crown race removal tool. Just to get it started.
Thanks for training we viewers, RJ. I noted that the replacement fork had plus "+" and minus "-" dials. are these for adjusting the amount of pressure it takes to compress the fork suspension? Which direction increases resistance, clockwise turn or counterclockwise? Is there a different function for the + and the - dials or is the function the same for both ...just one is left and the other is right? Thank you.
Turning it clockwise makes it stiffer, counter-clockwise makes it less stiff.
RJ The Bike Guy Than I should, RJ!!
Thank you! I like your tools!
RJ I liked this video on replacing front fork. But I DO have a question on other bike maintenance. I have a Mongoose Dolomite. I just recently replaced the shifter. At which time I tried to readjust the rear derailleur (Shamano Tourney - from the Mongoose factory). The B-tensìon screw has no effect on making adjustments. Almost seems it isn't connected to anything. I'm NOT a mechanic but is there an interior spring here that I could be having a problem with ? Or what do you think I can do now ??? Thank you for your time !!! Have great day !!!
Sorry, I can't tell you without seeing or working on the bike. The B screw only has a minor affect on shifting and is like the last thing to adjusted. It's for fine tuning and most times I don't even mess with it. My recommendation is don't buy a Walmart bike. They are generally junk with cheap components that cause problems and break.
Can swapping out a fork alter a bikes geometry ? I'm looking to change some busted short travel shocks for some rigid forks.
Yes. If you are replacing a suspension fork with a rigid fork, you will want a suspension corrected rigid fork.
i like the video compared to other its not that complicated and its simple no expensive tools needed...
Great Video! I followed your instructions and did great however, the tangs(?) on the new fork are much thicker and they are only supported halfway by the axle. Can I replace just the hollow axle so it extends to the outer edge of the fork tangs?
It's probably fine as is.
I have a 26 inch Mongoose Sector (2006 year model) I'm thinking about upgrading the front fork on it. Right now it has a Mozo Vibe R on it. I'm a newbie to the MTB world. Is it a good fork? If not what would be a good upgrade for it? I like the bike but I've gained weight since I bought it and I want to use it for getting back into some form of shape besides "pear" or "ball". Thanks for any help you can offer.
nice socks...how is the suntour holding up...I've spent too much restoring my fsr...but I need to replace my manitou spider...
+Gregory Graziano Probably well. I sold that bike not too long after the video.
What holds the forks onto this bike ?
Is the clamp on the handle bar the clamp that also holds the forks from sliding down and off ?
Gravity for one as the bike is pushing down onto the fork. The stem clamps onto the steerer to keep the the bearings and adjusted. There is also a wedge that locks into place.
I want to learn about mtn fixing repair and whatnot but I need new shocks anddddd dont know,if they will fit my bike. I'm not really sure about it (it was my brothers old one) I need to find out what shocks I need for it to replace it. Its a Haro bike hardtail and stock shocks I need to replace for better ones. Thanks!
There are several things you need to check here. Steerer tube width and length (is it the same?), whether or not you have a tapered headset (does the base of the steerer tube flare out?), and the axle type ( Quick release or through axle?). If all of these match your old forks than you should be fine. If the new fork has significantly longer or shorter travel don't put it on, even if all the other things match. It will change the geometry.
It’s so hard to find decent forks that work on older 26” rims, straight steer tube and 100mm dropout spacing. The only decent one I could find was RockShox Recon Silver TK. I wish the rim brake bosses were removed tho.
Great video. What is the torque / NM settings for the screws? You look like you just know what tightness.
I tightened them by feel. www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/torque-specifications-and-concepts
i just recently bought an older trek navigator 200, great bike to me but my RST shocks on front fork the seals ride up to the top of the shock. it doesn't seem to affect anything they still work just fine, but how can i keep the seals from moving up with every bump i hit?
another great video, a question I have involved that i just bought a bike with roxshox dart 1 forks, the suspension seems really soft, I have seen a video of yours to service similar and a tip gleened from that is that I have the manual, so the question is two fold are dart 1 shocks designed to be really bouncy? 2nd is it is possible to firm up shocks economically & safely such as the (name escapes me I think elastomer, the plastic rods) if they come in firmness options, (yet to look up purchasable options). this question is for your own consideration RJ as well as any viewers with experience of dart 1's, it could well be their intended feel I am just used to quite firm usually suntour shocks so different experience and preference opinions appreciated.
Hey RJ, is their any upgrades that can be done to my ranger polaris to make it enduro worthy??? Besides buying a new full suspension bike?
RJ, your teespring offers jsut miraculously popped up under one of your vids for me...
just from my point of view- add some lower price gadgets like key tags or such- would like to contribute, but as others, i`m on a budget here...just my 2 cents- keep it up
Sweet video...I got the same bike and due for shocks over the winter, what diameter are they do
You recall ? Thanks
Diameter of what?
@@RJTheBikeGuy the tune that goes threw the headset, i see you measured the height that was 8-1/4" i was curious to the diameter i didn't want to order the wrong shock
Size lol
@@tattedup1189 Mine was 1 1/8" which is pretty common. I don't know what yours is. Measure YOURS.
@@RJTheBikeGuy will do man thanks for your time
Great video, thanks for the help. Just got a free two nine , 29 inch genesis mountain bike from friend. The upper fork is missing the bolts too secure it. It's only a 200 dollar walmart bike but do i just buy new fork like you said and where? And will it come with the upper secure bolt to mount the forks onto the bike? Thanks alot for your help as well. Charlie. Oh yea or should i take it too a cheap bike shop and ask them for the upper fork bolt if they even have that is.
charleysturbos I am not sure what bolts it is missing. If they are common bolts, that would be the way to go. Being a Walmart bike, I wouldn't put a lot of money into it. You can check ebay or craigslist for used forks.
Ok well thanks. Yea my other friend will give me a swhinn mountain bike that is really nice as well. Yea he has like carbon fiber bikes and is insane. I dont need all that. Id worry about them getting stollen all the time and couldnt' even enjoy them as much you know.
It's whatever is missing where the shocks go into the bike where the cylanders are and the forks slide up at the top. has nothing to hold them in. I'll just take it too a bike shop and see what they say i need then look online if they cannot fix it. Thanks for your help though.
Hi RJ, i bought a RST suspension that has a diameter of 1-1/8 but i needed a 1". Is it possible to change out the steer tubes itself rather than the whole fork?
Ive seen 1" tubes being sold with shims so it'll fit in the 1-1/8 suspension forks.
I know this is an older video but I have a question is it possible to put shock absorbers on a bike without them?
It will raise the front of the bike changing the geometry of the bike.
Thanks! Also, you're really close to a 100k subscribers now!
Have You ever made a video about overhauling Fork/Shocks?
I have a Manitou Minute Fork on bike and cant't find any video about how to do that.
Is there a general rule You could tell me about for DIY, or shoul I give that fork to a professional service?
Thanks for the good work!
I multiples videos on overhauling shocks. Not any Manitou shocks though. But they might give you some ideas of what might be inside.
I have a GT Avalanche Comp 29 from 2018. It has a tapered frame. I would like to upgrade the Suntour forks to RockShox. My current Suntour forks are straight. My question is can I replace my straight Suntour forks with Tapered RockShox forks on my bike that has a tapered frame and if so what do I require to do this?
I think it's possible, but I haven't done it. You will need a different headset.
Hey RJ, got a situation wherein the dropout width of my new fork is wider (7mm compared to the 4mm width of the old fork). So the problem now is that the axle only covers half the dropout. Is this safe? Does it damage the dropout? I tried to check online if they sell a 114+ length axle for front wheel but most online stores sell it at 108mm. Thanks for any info/reply
Is it possible to turn a Mongoose Crossway (road bike) into a mountain bike? You know, putting on shocks, mountain tires, and possibly a new gear system?
I have a GT Outpost Trail mountain bike from aroundd 1996, it doesnt have any front shocks, just standard fork. How do i know which shocks will fit my bike ?
Goog and find out what forks it had and find forks with similar specs.
Is it possible, or easy to purchase and upgrade a standard suspension fork and stem assembly to a solid one piece suspension fork/handlebar assembly similar in style to that on a motorcycle/motocross bike? I've seen some bikes that have them but only at high end shops and not big box stores and am curious since I recently bought a genesis V2100 bike the other day..
First, I wouldn't spend money upgrading a low end bike like that. And if you are talking about converting a regular fork to a Cannondale Lefty kind of fork, no you can't.
sir one silly question i have a cheap apollo phaze MTB i picked up for a ebike conversion the conversions went well the handle bars is too low and i get backache but i noticed the forks was sloppy and done and dangerous. i want to know what i need to do to higher the handle bars i see people cutting the tubes down why ? or if i buy a new set of forks do i simply leave the tube alone for more height
Have you ever done a video on those bearings? I recently took my forks out to clean and renew them and wanted to regrease the bearings as well.
Do you have the same cartridge bearings like in this video? I have done several videos overhauling headsets.
Could u link me its for a 3900 trek pretty sure the site says the same cartridge bearing not 100% though
shyflirt1 Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed is whats listed for my bike on trek archive.
I haven't done a video specificaly on those, but let me see if I still have that bike, or another one that will work.
I found your 4300 one on the headset. I believe thats what mine were like. Il send photos on fb.
How do I determine the length of my current steering tube? Preferably not having to remove it from the bike first. Or do I need to disassemble it first.
Measure from the top of the crown to the top of the steerer.
@@RJTheBikeGuy So no need for tube diameter?
Can these always be taken apart lubed up and be fixed or Is it when they don't suspend anymore they need replacing?
Forks can be overhauled. But this fork was toast.
thank You verry much for making this video it helped me a lot.
Can suntour air forks fit and replace old coil shocks with the caged bearings...?
I wondered if you could make a tutorial on how to change a rigid fork with a suspension fork. By the I'm a big fan of your video's
Replacing a rigid fork with a suspension fork raises the front end of the bike and will change the geometry, probably not for the better. Replacing a suspension fork with a rigid fork, you will want a suspension corrected fork.
why replace the headset? did i miss something? thanks rj!
I don't remember replacing the headset in this video. Just the fork. And moving the crown race over.
Hello RJ. Is it possible to order replacement crown races of specific diameters, or do you pretty much HAVE to get the one off the old forks?
The crown race generally comes as part of the headset. But you can buy them separate.
@@RJTheBikeGuy Thank you.
I baby the rst shocks on my trek
3700,the new ones have longer travel than the stock shocks
Thanks for the video! i am about to install my 1st air fork on my fatty so this helps! One question tho...why upgrade your forks and NOT upgrade you brakes to hydraulic for like $40? I'd never run cantilevers again after going hydraulic...just me.
What kind of hydraulic brakes are you taking about for $40?
@@RJTheBikeGuy Shimano BR MT200 with disks for $42 on Ebay
Well, first, the fork didn't have disc brake mounts. I think the frame might have had mounts. I suppose I could have mounted a fork is disc brake mounts on the bike instead. But that would would have raised the cost. You are completely missing that wheels are not made for disc rotors. So I would have had to get a new pair of wheels. And it would not raise the value of the bike enough. I would never get that money back out of the bike. Just because you CAN add disc brakes, doesn't mean you should.
@@RJTheBikeGuy jeez, even my old 1992 GT Avalanche had hydraulic disk brakes standard. Rock those rim brakes all you want, bruh. What's life without adventure???
@@glockasauruswrex6362 My personal mountain bike has disc brakes. But I am not going to install them on every mountain bike I work on. I do have some videos where I install disc brakes.
have you done any videos on changing bottom crown steerer on triple clamp forks ?
Nope.
RJ The Bike Guy
will you be doing any for the triple clamp forks ( dual crown ) in the future ?
Maybe. I don't see a lot of bike with them.
RJ The Bike Guy
they're becoming more popular now as more people getting into downhill racing
EXCELLENT VIDEO
Thanks man, i inspire with your video, i want to restore my old MTB, just want to know the type and size of the headset if compatible to the newly released fork sizes? thanks man
I think this is what you are looking for: ruclips.net/video/OHcjh4O20ko/видео.html
thanks
RJ The Bike Guy in
I have a Trek 820 from 00' or 01'. What forks (size) you recommend. Some say 63mm or i can use an 80mm...your thoughts?? also steering..
ooscarg1 It's up to you. The better the fork, the more money you might be spending.
thanks, learned some good stuff from your video.
Hi, i'm very new to mountain biking, but i recently purchased a used Giant Talon 3 2014 (look it up) and i want to ride downhill, though it is an XC bike. The three upgrades i need to get are: a shorter stem, new tires and a longer travel suspension. I was wondering if i could go to a bike shop and they could change the fork and what fork would be good for downhill. Also the tires on it are 27.5 x 2.10 and i can't find any good tires of that size. Could i put a 27.5 x 2.20 tire on my rims? Any help is really appreciated Thanks so much!!!
Maybe. Keep in mind downhill bikes typically also have heavier duty frames than XC bikes.
RJ The Bike Guy Yes i know search up Giant Talon 3 it has a very strong frame.
William Beitzel Thanks for the info, on giant's website it says its a trail bike.It has a strong frame but i feel like its xc (long stem 100mm travel) in what way would i break my bike? thanks!
PorkChopGaming DH frames have a lot of reinforcement around the head tube and other parts such as the rear triangle and bb. I couldn't live with the fear of the frame snapping 30 km/hr on a 20% descent, it's not for sure it will break but there's a chance. Be cautious.
Luciano Narno Thank you for the help! You should search up Giant Talon 3 it has actually a very thick head tube and frame! they consider it a trail bike but I think it's XC due to the stem, the suspension and the drivetrain. Thanks for the help!!! :)
*I wonder if the crown race would benefit from anti-seize grease.*
No. It's pressed on.
what the bike stand you have out there ? it's pretty sturdy.
+Tahoe0512 It's an older Minoura that I bought used.
Tnx bro for the vedio i learn alot this day.🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩God bls.
How do you take off the top cap leading to the fork if it doesnt have an alan wrench slot?
I have an early Trek 4100 with insync 320 shock,70mm travel. Any idea of a straight swap replacement? Im new to biking by the way lol.
Just try to find some decent shocks with the same type of steerer tube, same diameter, same length or longer (not too much longer if it is threaded).
Can you do a conversion video of a front suspension mountain bike to a rigid city commuter, a 26er particularly. thanks
It's basically the same thing except you need a suspension corrected fork.
cebuanostud its the same process
will any fork work or only certian types? How do I pick the right ones? I working on a walmart bike and Im t[putting high quality parts on the frame, why? just for funs. Anyways any help you can give me would be great! Im working on the front first, forks, tires, brakes, handle bars.
Does a rigid fork can be replaced by suspension?
It will raise the front of the bike changing the geometry and handling.
Ok it's not good
hey i have a mongoose xr 75 is there a way t convert that to rock shock fork or do i need to make the thredded fork thredless
Older RockShox were threaded.
ok thats cooli just wanna know doi have to get a stem adaptor i just dont knw what size the stem would be
To match the size of the fork. You either need a 1' - 1 1/8" or a 1 1/8" to 1 1/8".
absolutely fantastic