I know the Mastodon is the fork of choice. I have a Magnum that I run with 27.5x3.8 and dig it. But the RST renegade is so so cheap, I am intrigued as I would like to run 29+ and bigger fat tires than my current set up allows. Any feedback from long term users?
RST Renegade Feedback
telejefe
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Yeah, very strange how badly that fork corroded. I guess I didn't realize that salt was that corrosive to magnesium alloy.
I live in Michigan so rock salt is the answer to all road conditions if our DOT is to be trusted. It's painful to do, but I have to transport my bikes on a rear mounted bike rack, so they get a thorough salt water misting whenever I transport them in the winter months.
After a two years of regular use, my Renegades look almost as good as new. I recently removed the stanchions from the lowers to clean and load with Slickoleum and they look pretty fresh. But I have the 120 mm version (with the black stanchions)....not sure if that may have anything to do with it. I also remove my suspension fork and put a rigid on for winter use.
So far I haven't had any issues, but am sorry to see that you are.
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dahedd sed,
Oh dear. That buggers that plan then. Given the near whole year mud & slop I ride in here in northern Scotland I doubt these will cope well at all.
Pity
I wouldn't worry that much about mud and slop. It sounds like road salt is the main culprit.
My fork is exposed to a lot of mud and water and remains sparkling clean after two years of fairly hard use.
To be honest, I'd rather destroy a $300 fork than a $600 anyway. I guess I subscribe a bit to the "buy cheap, buy often" philosophy.
Oh dear. That buggers that plan then. Given the near whole year mud & slop I ride in here in northern Scotland I doubt these will cope well at all.
Pity
I wouldn't worry that much about mud and slop. It sounds like road salt is the main culprit.
My fork is exposed to a lot of mud and water and remains sparkling clean after two years of fairly hard use.
To be honest, I'd rather destroy a $300 fork than a $600 anyway. I guess I subscribe a bit to the "buy cheap, buy often" philosophy.
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I looked at the purchase as a gamble anyway, knowing their customer service isn't reputable. Figured a couple seasons use would justify the price. Basically run it till something fails and move on. The corrosion I've noted hasn't hurt the fork function yet, so that still remains the same. I don't like it, but as long as it works... I don't care about the cosmetics.
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If I was transporting my bike externally in those kind of (salt) conditions, I'd wash it after every ride, then get it somewhere warm to dry to cut down on rust/oxidation.
I'm pretty careful to carry my bike over any salt, but I have to watch my cleats and clean them when I get home.
I'm pretty careful to carry my bike over any salt, but I have to watch my cleats and clean them when I get home.
I am looking at the 120mm versionw ith black stanchions. Would you be able to measure the axle to arch clearance? I wanted to run a 27.5x4.0 vanhelga which is about 30.3" tall. So guessing I need about 15.25" or so to clear.
Thanks!
How about clean and degrease the pitting, sand/peel the paint back a bit from the pitting to ensure it's not spreading on the metal right under the paint, then fill and seal with an epoxy, or JB Weld?
Do they salt or salt&sand with salt crystals, or have they gone over to the liquid salts?
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I can do that. Give me a day or two and I'll get back.
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I kind of thought about that myself and it's a big part of the reason that I switch my main driver over to a rigid fork for winter riding since I have to transport my bike externally....that and it gives me an opportunity to PM the bikes between seasons.
any semi-ferrous parts look pretty gnarly by the time spring rolls around.
Do you recall if the Bluto or Renegade had more clearance to the top arch? i want to run 29+ and 27.5x4.0 vanhelga. The 120 renegade is $275 new and can get a 100 bluto in great condition for 240 (but woudl need to swap airspring to get to 120)...Trying to decide on which one. I am also a heavy rider if that matters. Thansk.
Have you tried the Fluid Film that fared well in the salt then battery acid tests that was posted here in mtbr fat bikes? Spray those parts and some on a cloth and wipe everything else down. It seems to be popular for motorcycle chains. It freed up and protected some friend's kids bike chains.
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According to my highly precise Stanley tape measure and some math, I have an axle center to crown height of 312 mm.....
Sorry that it took so long. Due to some relocation activities and misplacing all 3 of my tape measures, I had to go buy yet another one. I literally measured it this morning.
Hope it works out for you. Despite the brand, it's a decent fork.
Thanks! Maybe math is off - I was expecting about 390 or so. 312 is only 12.25" so would not fit a 24" tire. 25.4mm per inch. Hopeing it would be 15.5" or so. But I can use a gnarwhal if it doesn't fit. Thanks for looking appreciate it.
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