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[Closed] What forks do I need?

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[#2806849]

Building up a bike from scratch, I have a MTB frame, it's a Merida carbon race frame and need forks, I ride trails and some on road as well. What do you recommend, budget £150 for a good used set. And what size do I need?


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 4:49 pm
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Same size as the frame.


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 4:49 pm
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80 or 100mm would probably be what the frame's designed for if it's a race model but worth checking - some newer ones may be 120mm

RS Reba's or SIDs or some Fox F100's would be a reasonable choice.

getting something light and with some compression damping control or a lockout for road riding.

you need to work out stack height of headset+ stem+ headtube + a few spacers if buying second hand to make sure the fork will fit the frame.


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 4:52 pm
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RS Reba's or SIDs [s]or some Fox F100's[/s]* would be a reasonable choice.

getting something light and with some compression damping control or a lockout for road riding.

+1 Reba and (new) SID's can be had from the classified for that amount of mone.

*Purely a personnal choice, I just wouldn't waste [b]my[/b] money on em.


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 5:34 pm
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Forgot to say I will be using XTR V-Brakes on bike so forks need to accomodate those. Must admit I am confused by the sizes and what they mean. How do I know wether to get 80, 100, or 120mm? Should I base this on the size of the frame headtube?


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 5:48 pm
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XTR V-Brake?

Errr older Reba's then... (not sure new SID came with V mounts and newer Reba's definitely don't)

How do I know wether to get 80, 100, or 120mm?

Look at the manufacturers website, as to what it orignally came fitted with. Though you usually can get away with 80-120mm on a short travel (XC) frame, unless it has very steep angle.

Should I base this on the size of the frame headtube?

Nope, but this, your headset, stem & spacers will make up the minimum steerer length on the fork you'll need to buy.


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 6:00 pm
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youll want to stick to 100mm on that frame (ive got one)

its too steep with 80mm and its too slack with 120.

does the frame have V brake mounts .... mine doesnt !


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 6:24 pm
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I'd say something like a Reba Team with V-brake bosses


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 6:46 pm
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Yes my frame has v-brake mounts, when does your frame date from trail rat?


 
Posted : 31/05/2011 6:53 pm