Rebuilding front forks
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
I finally heard back fro race tech today they recommended 1.0kg springs only because those are the max spring they sell according to the web sight I needed 1.38kg spring so now I'm waiting to hear back from patriot suspension. Now I'm not a small man 6'4" 250lbs I'm sure there are plenty of riders my size or larger I guess to use the race tech springs I must be under 200 and I haven't seen that in a long time
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
I've been looking at those too will probably order something next week not sure what yet but seeing I'm in Michigan I have some time but I want to get it done soon. Are you rebuilding or just changing springs?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 668
Likes: 246
From: San Diego, CA.
I am with “notgrownup”
hey big-mike, why not look into fork cartridges instead of replacing the springs with new springs?
i am installing new rear shocks soon, hopefully this weekend, and based on most feedback, I am likely going to have a new front fork suspension in th near future, so I am watching your thread here with much anticipation.
as near as I can tell the investment for cartridges is very very similar to the cost of quality replacement springs with intiminator valves. So then, if replacement springs and valves costs about the same $$$ as a new set of fork cartridges, and labor, whether you do it yourself or have someone do it, is arguably the same, then consider cartridges, because there is ZERO maintenance with cartridges. New Gee whiz springs and valves will still require oil changes at regular intervals.
just curious if you have considered the advantages of not replacing springs with springs.
hey big-mike, why not look into fork cartridges instead of replacing the springs with new springs?
i am installing new rear shocks soon, hopefully this weekend, and based on most feedback, I am likely going to have a new front fork suspension in th near future, so I am watching your thread here with much anticipation.
as near as I can tell the investment for cartridges is very very similar to the cost of quality replacement springs with intiminator valves. So then, if replacement springs and valves costs about the same $$$ as a new set of fork cartridges, and labor, whether you do it yourself or have someone do it, is arguably the same, then consider cartridges, because there is ZERO maintenance with cartridges. New Gee whiz springs and valves will still require oil changes at regular intervals.
just curious if you have considered the advantages of not replacing springs with springs.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
I have looked at cartridges some were pretty pricey I have to buy the rebuild kit either way found one from drag specialties for 59.00 progressive hd springs are around 100.00 or maybe the patriot springs that looked pretty cool they are a double spring jut waiting to hear back from them now if I go cartridges I think the least expensive I found were just under 300
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
Not that I'm cheep but I just upgraded the audio system then I found a set of 13" rears of a 2017 touring bike now I'm doing the fronts too this years upgrades are way over budget so any improvement would be a good thing
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 668
Likes: 246
From: San Diego, CA.
Big-Mike
i urge you to read the DK Customs review of front fork spring kits.
if you are on a budget, and absolutely must stick to it, rebuilding the forks with new (better springs), and better fork oil will make a difference, and will still require periodic fork oil changes.
So springs and oil, and rebuild kit looks to be roughly $200.00
Springs, oil, intiminator valves, and rebuild kit should be roughly $300
Progressive mono tube cartridge kits, with considerably less oil (only for lubrication) are roughly $350
Of the 3 options, ONLY the monotube kit becomes maintenance free - either of the first 2 options still require fork oil changes periodically, which means more time and money.
So, while the monotube cartridge option is marginally more money in the beginning, in the long run I believe it means saving money and hassle with the forks.
i agree, that if you need a rebuild kit no matter which direction, then that is another common cost.
That said, I would inquire with one of the recommended resources about the cartridge kit, and exactly what it includes or needs in addition.
I called and spoke to eastern performance cycles about the progressive mono tube kit for my bike, and they were the best price, delivered, and no sales tax. I will be ordering from them when I am ready to pull the trigger.
some cartridge kits are more expensive, and the best of the best are $1200-$1500 or more, but for my money, the budget minded monotube kit is the most cost effective and best balanced performance upgrade choice for me.
i urge you to read the DK Customs review of front fork spring kits.
if you are on a budget, and absolutely must stick to it, rebuilding the forks with new (better springs), and better fork oil will make a difference, and will still require periodic fork oil changes.
So springs and oil, and rebuild kit looks to be roughly $200.00
Springs, oil, intiminator valves, and rebuild kit should be roughly $300
Progressive mono tube cartridge kits, with considerably less oil (only for lubrication) are roughly $350
Of the 3 options, ONLY the monotube kit becomes maintenance free - either of the first 2 options still require fork oil changes periodically, which means more time and money.
So, while the monotube cartridge option is marginally more money in the beginning, in the long run I believe it means saving money and hassle with the forks.
i agree, that if you need a rebuild kit no matter which direction, then that is another common cost.
That said, I would inquire with one of the recommended resources about the cartridge kit, and exactly what it includes or needs in addition.
I called and spoke to eastern performance cycles about the progressive mono tube kit for my bike, and they were the best price, delivered, and no sales tax. I will be ordering from them when I am ready to pull the trigger.
some cartridge kits are more expensive, and the best of the best are $1200-$1500 or more, but for my money, the budget minded monotube kit is the most cost effective and best balanced performance upgrade choice for me.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
I will check into the mono tubes I agreed they would be the overall best choice that being said what ever I do I want to make sure that's the right choice for my size and bike. As I research this project I seems that most springs are one size fits all that why I was looking at race tech but they fall short for my weight and bike. I found where progressive makes a heavy duty spring but not in a monotube. Maybe the monotube doesn't have to be but I will find out.