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    Cracked fork fastener fixable?

    Hi I just got a new (second hand) bike for 100€ and noticed it has a crack on the top of the fork, its a Marzocchi XC 500. Is it possible to repair? What's the name of the part and can It be sourced to change it? Should I replace the whole thing? Would love to spend the least amount of money for now as possible and the main use for the bike is commuting and was considering some relaxing mountain trails but don't know if I'll be able to having that. Rest of the bike looks fine though, can take more pictures if needed

    by unknown_traveler_563

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    23 Comments

    2. Switchen on

      Not reasonably possible to repair. That’s the crown. The lowers and steerer are pressed into it. There are places that will replace each, but the most cost-effective way to repair would be to replace the whole fork or CSU (crown steerer unit). However, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to find a CSU.

    3. Historical-Sherbet37 on

      The good news is, that was a popular fork, and you can find them on eBay pretty easily.

    4. Owwwwkx on

      That part is called the fork crown. Based on the picture I think the upper legs are fixed to the crown. As a Marzocchi XC 500 is ancient, I think mid to end ‘90’s, it will be very hard to find a replacement.

    6. BobDrifter on

      Cracked fork crowns are not repairable items as far as I’m aware. You’ll need to source a straight steerer suspension fork with an appropriate headset compatibility (Threaded vs Threadless) and travel. Quick Google search suggests it’s an 1-1/8″ threaded steerer with ~50mm of travel. Those old suspension forks are worth some coin it seems, so it might be worth looking at a rigid fork with the correct axel to crown dimension to get this bike rolling again on the cheap.

      I would not ride this bike with a cracked crown, that leg is just waiting for the right amount of force to just fall out of there and give your dentist (and potentially orthopedic surgeon) a nice pay day.

    7. xc51 on

      There are guys who can press in a new crown, but not worth the money for that fork even if you could find a replacement crown. Better to get a good used compatible fork.

    8. Fun-Description-9985 on

      I’m more amazed that it’s taken 30+ years before it cracked. Back in the 90s we used to break parts pretty much every ride 😂

    10. BD59 on

      The only proper way to fix that is replacing the full steering tube, fork crown, and stanchion assembly. Which probably isn’t available any more.

      Replace the complete fork. You can likely find a used one, even if it’s a different brand that fits the frame. The dimensions that are critical are the diameter and length of the steering tube, and the travel. Try to match the travel, or up to 20mm different. More than that changes the overall geometry of the frame/fork combination and changes handling for the worse.

    11. Kaerl-Lauterschmarn on

      If that snappes mir ride youre probably gonna get hurt alot. Get a new foek, they can go as cheap as 60 bucks

    12. Dwarfzombi on

      Replace fork. You will need new tires as well and your center pull brakes cannot safely handle mountain bike trails. This bike should be used for commuting only. I recommend going for a more road friendly tire when you swap them. The knobby tires are like putting off road tires on an old Buik. This may have been a mountain bike once, but I doubt it was a good one.

    13. squirlybumrush on

      https://www.ebay.com/itm/297051996869?_skw=marzocchi+xc+500+fork&itmmeta=01JY96TZZ85PMEY3KCPYGBXSN0&hash=item4529adc2c5:g:3bsAAOSwGNxmjYsM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cHIoq%2FiM0VbfDyxMYDFI0hm8IBUWsAmMuHIW20Aqvf78R3Zs%2Fk3MMjX0004495GPnz4%2B7pr0xNaJMw4mFLp3mwu4gfUVHAane836IgMbc6kUhmCW10ZSam7SDGNSIhSXJfGU7DzYCDssBego4ZJszVaXVxQ%2FnWbuoRI8cRXCWFhfgw86Dmk%2FlzP2AOTAxQ%2Fnv87et97vR7GDTKqD282H88ALBciPfldWBKRbFn6RsNwCwWvM5qW%2B2AJ%2Br3CDo2IhgRpxZPsxbr%2F3P8K0I5eDmcCDynsDphkWqkwh2rQCH%2B%2FQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-L_66byZQ

      Make sure it’s has the correct steerer tube (threaded or threadless) and that the steerer tube is long enough.

      Edit:
      Marzocchi still make a fork for 26” wheels, but that bike seems to be in great condition and imo it seems a shame not to keep it original (I’m a sucker for an all original vintage bike).
      The down side to keeping it original would be that no one is going to have spare parts if the “original” for leaks and needs seals or something like that.

    14. unknown_traveler_563 on

      Thanks all for the help!! I’ll get it to a bike shop on Monday and check for replacements, too bad it was a shitty deal, I should have spent 100 more on another option that was newer (more industrial/commercial), but well, I’ll see if I can repair it a bit and maybe resell

    15. Single_Restaurant_10 on

      Find what size steerer is on it & start googling that steerer size fork. Might get lucky & find something like a Suntour fork to match. By the way, that bike looks in amazing condition, nice purchase!

    20. steveoa3d on

      Those forks are not worth the weight they add. A good shop should be able to find a suitable rigid fork that will work better and save a few pounds.

    21. TipPsychological3996 on

      Some forks you can buy the uppers separately, but this fork looks pretty old, so chances are slim.

    22. Bigclit_Lover22 on

      Alloy bike parts are heat treated, frames, fort, etc. You can only replace. You need a new / replacement fork. Best to take the bike back from where you brought it. Its only good for parts.

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