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Educate me on how to buy a used fork

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nwberm

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm researching how to replace my poor-performing RockShox 35 Silver. (No one else has anything good to say about this model either.)

I don't think I need to know things like how to spec the new fork. I've already looked up my bike manufacturer's recommendations and am planning to replace the existing fork with an identical spec'ed fork anyway (29" / 15 x 110mm boost / 44mm offset / 130mm travel).

But I'm looking for general advice about how old is too old? Should I immediately have a used fork serviced? I'm finding compatible forks locally but its like "this is from 2018 and sat in my garage for two years" ... and I don't know whether stuff like that is a non-starter or OK.

TIA!
 
#2 ·
nwberm said:
Should I immediately have a used fork serviced?
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Yes. You have no idea of its history, and until it's taken apart and serviced, you also have no idea if it's even repairable. Factor that in when buying. It's even advised to have a new fork serviced, so it's no different.
Ask as many questions as you can, why are they selling, any damage, who serviced it and when. If anything sounds dodgy, don't gamble.
 
#3 ·
how to buy a used fork:

find used fork.
give money.
receive used fork.

in all seriousness, you have very little idea from an outside glance if a used fork is in good shape. DEFINITELY budget for at least a basic service and keep your wallet open in case it needs more once the tech is inside it and can see what's going on.

you absolutely should factor that in to the price you're willing to pay (which should include the service after you receive it).
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Harold said:
DEFINITELY budget for at least a basic service and keep your wallet open in case it needs more once the tech is inside it and can see what's going on.
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Ah ... all of this is making me reconsider buying used. I have found a couple good deals on new forks recently and the cost of the used fork I want (~$300) plus a service here puts the price around $500 ... and it looks like I can find a new one for not much more.
 
#6 ·
nwberm said:
Ah ... all of this is making me reconsider buying used. I have found a couple good deals on new forks recently and the cost of the used fork I want (~$300) plus a service here puts the price around $500 ... and it looks like I can find a new one for not much more.
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in some parts of the country, especially, people NEVER service their suspension parts. they just figure they're going to replace them before it becomes a problem. so they're pushing that expense onto the next owner.
 
#7 ·
Harold said:
in some parts of the country, especially, people NEVER service their suspension parts. they just figure they're going to replace them before it becomes a problem. so they're pushing that expense onto the next owner.
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I was going to say this too. You'd be surprised how many people buy a bike and never even realise they need to replace things like chains, or brake pads, let alone get suspension serviced.

Only you can decide if buying second hand is worth the hassle. Sometimes you can get a bargain, sometimes it's a minefield. Just do some due diligence and usually it's ok
 
#8 ·
I would not buy used unless I knew the person and their maintenance habits, or maybe if it is an OEM take-off. I ride with a guy who has never done a lower leg or air can service, and rides expensive kashima stuff.

You probably know this already, but if you get used, also check the fork steer tube length, in case it was cut too short for your bike.
 
#9 ·
I use to buy only used suspension components based on the perceived savings. I found out most of the items had more use than described driving up the cost w/ needed servicing. I also use to buy a lot of "new take off's" but found w/o a manufactures warranty again a faulty CSU, bushings etc again drove up the price. Better to find closeouts on previous year models w/ a warranty.
 
#10 · (Edited)
AEyogi said:
You probably know this already, but if you get used, also check the fork steer tube length, in case it was cut too short for your bike.
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This.

As a taller rider, I very quickly gave up on the idea of a used fork since all of the listings I've seen are cut to short.
 
#15 ·
nwberm said:
Yeah the steerer will be an issue. The fork I'm replacing has a steerer that's about 8" or about 203mm and most used forks I see are shorter. And I like where it's at right now.
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If you need an 8 inch steerer tube then you're almost out of luck. Most people are simply not that tall and then you gotta factor in the gamble of a used fork or if they did a service. I bought my Sid used and it's been fantastic. It actually was very lightly used and I rebuilt it annually or more if I ride a lot that year.
 
#16 ·
Harold said:
in some parts of the country, especially, people NEVER service their suspension parts. they just figure they're going to replace them before it becomes a problem. so they're pushing that expense onto the next owner.
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These people are heathens.
 
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Discussion starter · #17 ·
Rod said:
If you need an 8 inch steerer tube then you're almost out of luck. Most people are simply not that tall and then you gotta factor in the gamble of a used fork or if they did a service. I bought my Sid used and it's been fantastic. It actually was very lightly used and I rebuilt it annually or more if I ride a lot that year.
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"Not that tall." I'm surely missing something. I'm only 5'9" and on a medium Salsa Timberjack, this is how it came set up, and I haven't changed it because it seems great to me? Maybe this head tube is just long?

Image
 
#19 ·
nwberm said:
"Not that tall." I'm surely missing something. I'm only 5'9" and on a medium Salsa Timberjack, this is how it came set up, and I haven't changed it because it seems great to me? Maybe this head tube is just long?
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Steerers on new bikes are like belts, when they're new they are as long as they come, but you cut off what you don't need. Nothing stopping you from riding around like that, but if you go through pictures of riders' bikes, you'll see most will have one or two spacers below the stem.

Not a great pic, but it's easy enough for you to test if you like the stem lower. Then it will tell you want length steerer you can get away with

Image
 
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