Installing suspension forks on a Specialised 1998 Rockhopper

carlrockhopper · Sep 9, 2018

Hi,
I want to modify my 1998 specialised rock hopper. How would I go about selecting and installing new suspension forks for it?

I am looking at budget forks less than £150

Should be photo attached, p.s isn't a photo of my bike but its pretty much identical

Cheers

ishaw · Sep 9, 2018

Re:

Based on the age of the bike, you probably want a fork with 80mm travel, 100mm max. You'll also need one with brake bosses on the lower legs for your v brakes.

You have an ahead stem/headset fitted so you'll be looking for a 1 1/8 threadless steerer tube on the forks. If you are happy with your current set up, measure your existing steerer tube, or at least from the lower cup of your headset to the top of your stem, and buy a fork with a steerer tube at least that length (you can always cut down if you need to). Its useful to have a star but fitted within the fork steerer tube already, so look out for ones without, as you'll need to fit one.

That's about it really,aside depending you buy one in good working condition. £150 is a healthy budget, but good forks with v bosses are getting harder to find.

Nearly forgot. If you plan to reuse your current headset you'll need to remove the crown race from your existing fork and fit to your new set.

tintin40 · Sep 9, 2018

i wouldn't it will spoil how a nice mtb rides as that frame was not made for such forks.

ishaw · Sep 9, 2018

tintin40":20a3quty said:
i wouldn't it will spoil how a nice mtb rides as that frame was not made for such forks.

By 98, surely geometry was catering for suspension forks? It was probably harder to buy a bike without them.

CassidyAce · Sep 9, 2018

Re:

ishaw":1v0pdrnu said:
Based on the age of the bike, you probably want a fork with 80mm travel, 100mm max. You'll also need one with brake bosses on the lower legs for your v brakes.

You have an ahead stem/headset fitted so you'll be looking for a 1 1/8 threadless steerer tube on the forks. If you are happy with your current set up, measure your existing steerer tube, or at least from the lower cup of your headset to the top of your stem, and buy a fork with a steerer tube at least that length (you can always cut down if you need to). Its useful to have a star but fitted within the fork steerer tube already, so look out for ones without, as you'll need to fit one.

That's about it really,aside depending you buy one in good working condition. £150 is a healthy budget, but good forks with v bosses are getting harder to find.

Nearly forgot. If you plan to reuse your current headset you'll need to remove the crown race from your existing fork and fit to your new set.

Everything he said, plus: keep hold of the original forks and store them safely. You might want to go back to the rigid fork at some point, or if you ever sell the bike, the buyer might want the original fork. A suspension fork might seem like an upgrade at the moment but, as with most things, there are pros and cons to having front suspension.

shinobi · Sep 10, 2018

Re:

Pretty sure there was an fs version of that so shouldnt be a problem ,Spesh were using Manitou sx around that era .
Paul

fotorat1 · Sep 13, 2018

These are from a 2008 Hardrock 21"

22cm steerer/ 95mm travel

Looking for £30 + postage

pigman · Sep 13, 2018

Re:

i had the identical frame and it is designed for suspension forks like someone above said around 80mm. Hence the massive clearance for a rigid fork. I put RST mozo pros on and it rode fine.

I still have the frame now and ride it to work/pub/etc, back with the original rigid fork as its for road use only.

Installing suspension forks on a Specialised 1998 Rockhopper

carlrockhopper

Retro Newbie

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ishaw

tintin40

ishaw

CassidyAce

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shinobi

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pigman

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