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Hi All, I'm a noob looking for a little advice.
I've been riding properly for 3 months on a cheap battered 2015 801, and now it's clear I'm riding past the forks capabilities (and brakes) The current fork is 100mm XC-30. I've been told that a reba is the 'entry' point for decent forks, and it seems that I can pick up 120mm 15mm Maxle ones on wiggle under £250. 100mm QR ones seem to be more or less sold out everywhere, or much more expensive.
I'm a competent tool wielder but have never built a bike before. Can anyone tell me whether my existing hub (stock) will need changing for the axle?
Secondly, will adding 20mm mess up the ride in any way? Seems like I could use the travel, but need a heads up if messing with this is a noob mistake?
Any advice greatly appreciated, and suggestions of alternative upgrades welcome. I'll post separately in 'Wanted' but but anyone selling suitable forks, please get in touch. Also looking for slx or similar brakes.
Hub wise... You’re correct, your stock hub will need changing as it can’t be upgraded to 15mm internals. So you’ll have to budget for a new hub and build (or new wheel) as well.
Travel wise... 120 should be fine on an 801. They were designed around 100mm back then, but an extra 20mm should be ok and not mess up the handling. I wouldn’t go any longer though.
Appreciate the advice, thanks!