Manitou R7 MRD steerer/crown to replace Manitou R7 Pro steerer/crown?

[ikdo01]

As the title suggests - I need to replace the steerer on my 2011 Manitou R7 Pro, but cannot find anyone who sells these. I have found a 2010 Manitou R7 MRD steerer and crown assembly from CRC and wondered if anyone knew whether I could use these instead?

I'm loathe to get a new fork as I cannot find any decent, lightweight suspension fork with V brakes bosses - they all seem to be disk brake only now and as this is for my lightweight summer XC racing bike I have no desire to change my old, but perfectly functional XTR hubs and V brake combo.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I agree with you about the R7, they are probably the best rim brake forks available today.

If you examine the seals/parts model/size from here you might get an idea whether they are interchangeable. Failing that order it from CRC, measure it when it arrives and if it won't work you can always return it unused.

 

[ikdo01]

Many thanks for your suggestion - I had a chat with Manitou who said they weren't compatible, but stated it was because the Pro was 100mm and the MRD was 80mm. However, my Pro is 80 mm and when I had a look at the service guides the only components that differ for the 80 mm Pro/MRD models are the steerer/crown and the damper cartridge - the outer castings, seals, bushes and pistons are identical so I will take a gamble they fit.

Once again many thanks for taking the time to help.