Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Bike upgrade - New Frame/New fork

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 33 Posts
B

bikeman1

· Registered
Joined
·
214 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
So after cracking my RST Gila fork (left arch snapped) I've decided to upgrade to something a bit better.

My current frame is an Apollo Ascent 2008 model (http://goo.gl/E3z0a) in small.

I found this Rockshox Tora 302 U-Turn. (RockShox Tora 302 | Trade Me) Due to that fork being 130mm max travel, my current frame could get damaged because the current fork is 100mm.

I could pickup a GT Chucker 1.0 (2005) Frame for $55 (GT Chucker 1.0 Frame (Medium) | Trade Me), then transfer everything over to the Chucker frame.

Will this combination work well? Will the steerer tube need to be cut? What about the headset/bearings?

I guess I could just shorten the travel on the fork to 100mm-120mm and just use my current frame.

I will use it for mostly cross country, and *some* downhill.

Specs: Apollo Ascent 2008 frame, Avid BB5 brakes, XT shifters, LX rear der, RST Gila(broken), Truvativ cranks, Alex Ace 17 rims, Easton bars, Cane Creek headset.
 
#2 ·
Weird spec. They don't give you much of a fork.

I'd just throw the Tora in there. People go +/- 20 mm pretty frequently. You're doing more than that, but you also have the U-turn knob.

I think you'll run into funky handling before you actually damage the head tube. And if you do, you can look for a new frame then.

I don't know the answer to your compatibility questions. Or rather, I'm pretty sure you're fine for head tube diameter/steerer diameter/headset. But the seller doesn't say anything about how long the fork's steerer tube is and neither do you. So it would be good to find out how much steerer tube that Tora has, and figure out how much you need it to have.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
The RockShox Tora 302's steerer length is 240mm. I'll have to check my current forks, but it seems like it should be fine.

I don't think the GT Chucker has a headset installed.. Would I just transfer the headset somehow out of my current frame?

Thanks for the input!
 
#5 ·
Headsets have a million different standards lately. If your bike and the GT frame have matching headsets, you can move it over. If they don't, you need a new headset. There are only a few standards for steerer tube diameter, though, so at least that's still not too hard.

I don't think a frame swap is a good way forward here. In order for that to work, you also need matching seat tube sizing, matching routing and clamp placement for the front derailleur, and matching bottom bracket standards. You're almost guaranteed to run into some extra costs. You're also rolling the dice on frame sizing.

If you're really worried about the fork, why not just get one that's the spec travel?

What's "*some* downhill?" Do you mean shuttle days, or just that you like it when trails go back down the mountain?
 
#8 ·
bikeman1 said:
Just checked the steerer of my forks ; they are 185mm. The Tora are 240mm, so would I just use some spacers or would I just get it cut off?
Click to expand...
If you keep the stem you have now, and if you don't want another 55mm of height adjustability, cut it off. I would likely cut it down some. Make sure you have assembled everything before marking to cut the excess off. It is hard to add it back.:)
 
#10 ·
Steerer tubes don't have to be cut, spacers can be added in at the top of the stem if the are too long.

bikeman1 said:
Thanks. Another question, At what height should the handle bars be placed once I've got the new forks installed?
Click to expand...
Depends on where you are comfortable with them.

BTW, never post your auction finds. ;)
 
#12 ·
I like air personally, and are lighter. So I like the Recon. With the stem, I normally cut my forks with 40mm spacers added to the stem (20mm/10mm/10mm) so I can always have the option to adjust them up or down. If you cut to stem length thats all you got and your
stuck with only that hieght.
 
#17 ·
Read some reviews on the damping systems before you spend your money.

Last time I researched it, I decided I'd want to go with the Recon Gold. It comes out of the box with a much better-regarded and more tunable damper.
 
#19 ·
AndrwSwitch said:
Read some reviews on the damping systems before you spend your money.

Last time I researched it, I decided I'd want to go with the Recon Gold. It comes out of the box with a much better-regarded and more tunable damper.
Click to expand...
I believe it is a budgetary issue for the OP at this point.... :p
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
Haha, yep, I'll try and get a deal on the Tora's tomorrow, if not, I'll get the Recon's.

What do you guys think is a good offer for the Tora 302's? - just been serviced, seals dampers replaced.
And what about the Recon Silver TK Air Solos? - had about 6 hours use.

Thanks for the input :)
 
1 - 20 of 33 Posts
About this Discussion
32 Replies
6 Participants
Last post:
shibiwan
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion