I picked up this frame because it has an integrated rack and I'm a sucker for those. I want to use it for low-key bikepacking on rocky trails and singletrack. The original fork only had like 2 inches of travel so I was glad to get one without it, even though the original fork is also a very interesting design.
If I went up to 27.5 wheel and 120mm travel on the front, would that be too much? I thought maybe it could use more head tube angle, but apparently that also puts more force on the headtube, and I'll have to carry stuff on the handlebars too to balance out the weight in the rear, especially if I tip it back even more by putting a bigger front wheel and fork. I'm not that worried about raising the bb up a little bit, I think I could handle that, but I really don't want to break the frame.
Would you go with a 26 inch fork instead? 100mm, 120mm, or what? Thanks for your help, I have no experience with suspension. My budget is whatever I have to spend to make it nice, but no need to waste money if a budget option will work fine. Apparently the Manitou's from AliExpress are pretty highly rated, would that be crazy?
by mbpr01
3 Comments
I’m aware that branded bikes like this are extremely boomer and fred. I just thought this one was neat.
It’s probably got a 1 1/8” straight head tube and that is going to severely limit your options. As someone with an older bike in this predicament, a Fox 32 100mm is the best I could find new.
Amp also made parallelogram forks at that time. I had one. Worked well but not durable. See if you can find one of those. Outside of that, an older 80mm or 100mm fork should work. Try to find a mid 2000s Rock Shox SID or Judy or a Fox 32 Talas. You’ll want a straight 1 1/8” steerer (make sure it’s long enough) and IS disk tabs to match the frame. FYI – I think that bike would make a terrible bikepacking bike. It’s fragile and if anything brakes it’ll be very hard to get parts. The rear shock probably needs service as well and just finding someone to do that will be a huge challenge. For me, that’s a cafe cruise.