[zipster223]

I'm sick of my 2000 f500 headshok feeling like a pogo stick. Any way to dampen, or adjust this?

 

[damion]

Is it an air headshock?

I'm sick of my 2000 f500 headshok feeling like a pogo stick. Any way to dampen, or adjust this?

Does it have a schrader valve under the crown? not that it matters, I am just trying to get the fork model.

You may consider having it rebuilt, and have the shop slow down the fork. Mendon may be able to help if there is not a headshock tech in your area.

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

The big question is, were you ever happy with it? If so you can get it there again, if it's an air sprung, the lockout will most likely no longer work, as the oil has bled out. If it has no lockout, it's not air sprung, and may require additional messing around, or parts upgraded to really take control of it.

 

[zipster223]

It has an air valve underneath and a lock out. When I use the lockout it seems to reduce the travel by 90% so I'm not sure if this is working right. I am new to the headshok's so I really have no comparison as to weather it is working correctly or not.It would be nice to control the dampening. Would I be better off with another shock?

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

It has an air valve underneath and a lock out. When I use the lockout it seems to reduce the travel by 90% so I'm not sure if this is working right. I am new to the headshok's so I really have no comparison as to weather it is working correctly or not.It would be nice to control the dampening. Would I be better off with another shock?

Not that it matters, but I am assuming that you are not the original owner? If the lockout does not stop ALL the travel, you oil level is low, and as such, it has a lot of air, which mixes with the oil, creating foam, which has very poor damping characteristics. Chances are if you just got the bike, and it does this, you would be well served getting a headshock service. This will take care of the oil issue, and service the telescope at the same time, making for a very happy you. Any GOOD dealer can do this, if they talk of sending it to Cannondale, get a new shop, if they sell them, they should service them. Service should run around $25 to $35 for the work, then some for misc. parts, depending on the internals overall condition. If you have issues sourcing local labor, let me know, and I can be of help. Don't get a new fork, that one is great, just needs a little love. Good luck!

 

[damion]

Close.

The big question is, were you ever happy with it? If so you can get it there again, if it's an air sprung, the lockout will most likely no longer work, as the oil has bled out. If it has no lockout, it's not air sprung, and may require additional messing around, or parts upgraded to really take control of it.

My 98 F2000 had a headshock with 70mm travel, an air spring, and a 5 position damping dial. (no lockout) It was the FT70 cartridge, if I remember right.

 

[damion]

Quad Cities?

I am sure that there is a good Cannondale dealer close to the OP.

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

My 98 F2000 had a headshock with 70mm travel, an air spring, and a 5 position damping dial. (no lockout) It was the FT70 cartridge, if I remember right.

Maybe incorrectly, but I am assuming the fork came with the bike (as opposed to being upgraded), and at the 500 level, there was never a Damper Dial set up. True enough though, there is another option out there=

 

[Elzippo]

The 2000 F500 was spec's with a Fatty M:

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/00/cusa/model-0FS5.html

The Fatty M is supposedly a Coil Spring with a Nested MCU Elastomer.
No mention of an Air Spring. Here are the Maintenance instructions:

http://www.cannondale.com/Asset/iu_files/099h_mownman.pdf

 

[damion]

That is that.

I was not saying that the F500 may have a FT70 cartridge, but that it was possible to have an air spring HS without a lockout.

It sounds like a rebuild (possibly thicker oil/re-shimming) is in order for the OP.

 

[zipster223]

My f500 appears to be a 2002 w/ dampen dial. I'll be damned if it works. So what am I looking at here just a service?

 

[damion]

Probably.

My f500 appears to be a 2002 w/ dampen dial. I'll be damned if it works. So what am I looking at here just a service?

How do you know what fork it is? (not that it matters)

More than likely you just need to have it serviced. The amount of $ depends on where it is done, and what shape the bearings and races are in.

I am not sure of the pricing. Perhaps Mendon has an educated guess.

 

[Elzippo]

How do you know what fork it is? (not that it matters)
QUOTE]

A HeadShok Super Fatty DL was what was spec'd on the 2002 F500.
You claim it feels like a pogo stick...My suggestion is to first make sure you have the proper air pressure in it for your rider weight, then if that doesn't do it for you drop the booty & add grease. If that doesn't do it then have it completly rebuilt.
None of my Headshocks have ever felt like a pogo stick & I do have a vintage one from the 60's for comparison.

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

My f500 appears to be a 2002 w/ dampen dial. I'll be damned if it works. So what am I looking at here just a service?

If it's the original fork, yeah, it's an 80mm, with lockout. No damping adjustment is possible with this forks' knob. It's all done through oil viscosity (good for 95% of tuning needs) and shim stack mods (other 5%). My rates are $25 labor for a full rebuild, and parts extra. Typical full parts replacement job runs around $85 to $100 depending on certain things. Prices obviously will be different in other shops, but that's my deal. Good luck!

 

[Brad]

I had one of those a few years back.

It's an 80mm ealstomer/coil sprung oil damped with Lock out shock.
I'd recommend getting the Magura CCS cartridge for the Super fatty. You'll be a lot happier.

 

[zipster223]

If it's the original fork, yeah, it's an 80mm, with lockout. No damping adjustment is possible with this forks' knob. It's all done through oil viscosity (good for 95% of tuning needs) and shim stack mods (other 5%). My rates are $25 labor for a full rebuild, and parts extra. Typical full parts replacement job runs around $85 to $100 depending on certain things. Prices obviously will be different in other shops, but that's my deal. Good luck!

Mendon. I think maybe I pm'd you before. Could you send me a message with your "details" and I'll get my fork off to you.

MZ

 

[zipster223]

I had one of those a few years back.

It's an 80mm ealstomer/coil sprung oil damped with Lock out shock.
I'd recommend getting the Magura CCS cartridge for the Super fatty. You'll be a lot happier.

Yeah but where can I find one of those?

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

Mendon. I think maybe I pm'd you before. Could you send me a message with your "details" and I'll get my fork off to you.

MZ

[email protected]