[z1r]

I'm considering a new wheelset and fork upgrade for my bike, a Scott Scale 970.

Problem is, it is hard to find a decent fork with a straight 1 1/8" steerer. The OEM Suntour XCR RL-R fork is decent but a tank and lacks adjustment. Looking for some input on better budget shocks compatible with this bike. Axle type isn't a big deal since I can specify that on the new wheelset.

If I can find a better shock for up to about $300 it is probably worth upgrading the bike as it suits my needs otherwise.

 

[gregnash]

What year is your bike that it still requires a straight steerer 1 1/8??? Most modern bikes for at least the last 10yrs have moved over to tapered headtubes.

One thing you could do if it truly is a straight steerer is use the SR Suntour upgrade program to grab an Epixon or Raidon which are both known as good XC/Trail forks. Past that the only other companies that I can think of that MAY make a straight steerer fork are Manitou (think the Machete is) and X-Fusion (believe the Loop).

 

[z1r]

The Bike is a 2014. It replaced my ancient Diamondback Ascent 26".

 

[z1r]

Hmm, came across this old post: https://forums.mtbr.com/beginners-corner/straight-steerer-entry-level-fork-tapered-reba-938886.html

Might make for more possibilities?

 

[TwiceHorn]

The Manitou Markhor seems to be tailor made for folks with older-tech bikes, 26, straight steerer, 9mmQR, etc.

 

[huckleberry hound]

X-Fusion Slide is still available with straight steer tube. I have one on my Breezer and I like it quite well.

 

[z1r]

Thanks all.

Looked at the Suntour Upgrade site and see the EPIXON 9 RL R 27.5/29" for $319.95 USD. I didn't realize that I still qualified for this upgrade.

Seems a fair deal to me, substantially lighter and seemingly more adjustable than the current fork. Seems to be about on par with the Rockshox Recon?

Any reasons one would be better than the other?

 

[z1r]

Bear with me hear but the last suspension fork I had prior to this Suntour was an OLD Rockshox Judy with the elastomers. So, I suppose I'm a noob when it comes to suspension.

So, if a bike comes with a 100mm travel fork from the factory, are there any benefits/drawbacks to getting a fork with more travel? So far, I've confined my search to 100-120mm forks.

 

[gregnash]

Better bet than those would be to pick up an older fork like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MANITOU-MA...681890&hash=item546c1c2d35:g:wngAAOSw-wJaL6j5

Has more and better adjustability, damping, etc.

As for changing the travel, well that really depends on the bike. Some bike mfg. build the bike for a range of travel with a maximum number, something that can only be verified on their site. However, the biggest drawback of "overforking" your bike is that it will change the geometry. This can lead to many different things, variables and feelings while riding.

 

[russinthecascades]

So, if a bike comes with a 100mm travel fork from the factory, are there any benefits/drawbacks to getting a fork with more travel? So far, I've confined my search to 100-120mm forks.

I have a 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.6 that came with a boost Recon 29" 100mm. I'm not wild about the fork so chatted directly with Trek regarding replacing with a Fox Step-Cast 34 120mm fork. Trek said it would void my warranty, and from a performance point recommended staying with 100mm.

That said I changed my 2014 Santa Cruz 5010 from a 130mm Fox float 32 to a Pike dual 130/160 with no issues. LBS said don't worry about the warranty, they would take care of me. Manufacturer's take the conservative approach....

 

[Redlands R&C]

Several of the MRP forks allow for the option of straight 1 1/8" steerer tube options.

 

[huckleberry hound]

Several of the MRP forks allow for the option of straight 1 1/8" steerer tube options.

For around $300 ?

 

[huckleberry hound]

https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/pr...rk-120mm-travel-1-1-8-steerer-15mm-axle-black
Travel can be easily set at 80,100 or 120mm. They also have them with QR dropouts if you want but if you are getting a new wheelset then go with the 15mm axle.
My Breezer originally came with a 100mm travel fork but I run it with the travel set at 120mm.

 

[Undescended]

Ooooor, if the head tube is 44mm, install an external lower cup to use tapered steerer forks...

http://https://www.jensonusa.com/Cane-Creek-40-Series-EC4440-Bottom-Cup