Replace the forks on a Samebike LO26?

[Sander_Koop]

Hi, has anybody done this?

The stock forks are awful, feel like they might snap if I ever took the bike off road. I know I'd need a 1 1/8ths fork, but do I need threaded or not? I'd rather not dismantle the whole front end to find out I bought the wrong forks...

I know the LO26 is only cheap, but I'm trying to improve it a bit at a time, mainly shedding weight & improving components. New gear set is on the way, going to replace the bars & seat post for carbon fibre ones, so that eventually I can maybe bring the weight down to under 25kg's (28, stock). Fit hydraulic brakes instead of the mechanicals it has now. Maybe even replace the wheels (front first).

I know it's never going to be a great MTB, but it's enough for me!

 

[vfr400]

Hi, has anybody done this?

The stock forks are awful, feel like they might snap if I ever took the bike off road. I know I'd need a 1 1/8ths fork, but do I need threaded or not? I'd rather not dismantle the whole front end to find out I bought the wrong forks...

I know the LO26 is only cheap, but I'm trying to improve it a bit at a time, mainly shedding weight & improving components. New gear set is on the way, going to replace the bars & seat post for carbon fibre ones, so that eventually I can maybe bring the weight down to under 25kg's (28, stock). Fit hydraulic brakes instead of the mechanicals it has now. Maybe even replace the wheels (front first).

I know it's never going to be a great MTB, but it's enough for me!

You have an Ahead type stem and headset, so a plain steerer would be easier. Alternatively, if you want to use threaded forks, you only need a new threaded headset and stem that don't cost much. threaded forks tend to be crappier.

 

[Sander_Koop]

Thanks!

So - would something like these work for me?

SR Suntour SF9 NCX D-LO Suspension Fork 26 black | Bikester.co.uk

Buy the SR Suntour SF9 NCX D-LO Suspension Fork 26 black today at Bikester.co.uk ✓ Quick dispatch and delivery with free returns ✓ Find what you need with Bikester.co.uk

www.bikester.co.uk

 

[vfr400]

Yes, they should work, but they don't look much of an improvement. Chrome stanchions go rusty. If you're want to upgrade, you nshould look for air forks. You can often find good used ones on Ebay, and people are often dumping old stock of new 26" ones because they're out of fashion.

These look interesting, though I don't know if they're any good. They're air forks, thicker stanchions, so stronger and they're lighter than the ones you proposed.

MTB Front Fork 26 27.5 29 Inch Ultralight Aluminum Alloy Remote Control Mountain Bike Suspension Air Pressure Bicycle Shock Absorber Forks Rebound Adjust Straight Tube:100mm : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Shop MTB Front Fork 26 27.5 29 Inch Ultralight Aluminum Alloy Remote Control Mountain Bike Suspension Air Pressure Bicycle Shock Absorber Forks Rebound Adjust Straight Tube:100mm. Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

I always used to go for used Fox Floats or Rockshox Rebas from Ebay.

 

[Sander_Koop]

Got a set of Fox Floats - should be arriving tomorrow. Guess I'm dismantling and rebuilding my bike next weekend, with the freewheel, forks, tyres, new disc brakes...