Front Fork Change

[aBear87]

Hi Guys,

I've recently got back on my bike to try and shift some weight.

the bike its self is a Specialized Hybrid bike with front suspension. (cant remember the exact model) similar to this but it doesn't have disc brakes


.

when im on the bike the front suspension is taking alot of weight, I've read in places that this would have a negative effective on my output.

My question is how easy is it to change the front fork to one without suspension ? Would it help with my riding ?

I mostly ride on cycle paths and in the quieter roads.

Thanks

 

[Globalti]

It's pretty easy. You will save a lot of weight and if you fit a carbon fork from eXotic, you will find the ride so smooth that you probably won't miss the suspension. Be careful to get a fork the same length as the suspension fork when under its normal load or the frame will be canted up or down at the nose, messing up the handling. If you like the rigid fork, sell the bouncy one on Ebay.

You will also get a lot more speed - and fun - out of the bike if you fit some slick tyres and pump them up hard.

 

[aBear87]

Thanks for the reply.

im not sure about carbon, im a heavy guy and i dont know if it would take my weight ?

 

[Globalti]

Ha ha! Have you any idea how strong carbon actually is?

If you happened to live near Blackburn you'd be more than welcome to try my hardtail mountain bike that's fitted with an eXotic carbon fork.

 

[aBear87]

Ha ha! Have you any idea how strong carbon actually is?

If you happened to live near Blackburn you'd be more than welcome to try my hardtail mountain bike that's fitted with an eXotic carbon fork.

Sorry i dont.

Im fairly new to biking, and so alot of this all new to me.

this is the bike i currently have.

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/archive/2012/crosstrail/crosstrail

Not sure on how to find the right rigid fork. Any suggestions on what details i need to look for ?

 

[Globalti]

As you can see from this, there's a bewildering variety of good carbon forks available from just one manufacturer: http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=2&c=43&

I wouldn't be able to advise you on the best fork for your bike but I'm sure a quick phone call or email to the seller would get that sorted. Then there's the problem of fitting the fork to your bike, cutting the steerer down and setting up the brake - all easy enough but rather daunting for a beginner. My advice would be to go along to a good bike shop (not Halfrauds) and ask them to quote you for the job, with you supplying the fork.