Fitting period correct suspension forks onto a 1993 Raleigh.

Kona-Ian

Senior Retro Guru
Done a lot of miles on the Raleigh Peak now and I do suffer from wrist problems.

I would like to fit some period correct Rock Shox, like the ones fitted to the Summit maybe.

I have done compression forks lost of times and it's easy to cut the right length for the bike but I'm clueless about threaded, never done it.

Does the length of the fork need to be specific to the size of the frame?
I'm guessing yes as it's threaded.

Any info on this would be great, thanks.
 
Well, yes, that's the same as compression.

More importantly asking would the fork need to be for the same size frame?

Or if needed can I cut the thread down?
Rethread with a dye if I have to cut it down losing thread?
 
If my memory serves me well the Rock Shox MAG30 as fitted to the Summit had a butted steerer tube so the diameter or the fork below the threaded section was less. So in that particular instance you couldn’t cut the thread further down. I think Pace RC35 use the same gauge all the way though, which probably means you can unless there is some funky heat treatment etc.
 
Well, yes, that's the same as compression.

More importantly asking would the fork need to be for the same size frame?

Or if needed can I cut the thread down?
Rethread with a dye if I have to cut it down losing thread?

Assuming the steerer is the same gauge all the way then it's no problem getting the threaded portion extended. A lot of bike shops don't have the tools to do that these days, especially for 1" steerers, but you'll find people on here who can help you, if you get stuck.
 
Well, yes, that's the same as compression.

More importantly asking would the fork need to be for the same size frame?

Or if needed can I cut the thread down?
Rethread with a dye if I have to cut it down losing thread?
It's not the same as there is no stem and you don't fix it with spacers.

On RockShox you can't thread them any more. (unless later mag/quadra changed that)
But you just buy the length you need. They came in step sizes.

So measure up. Headtube plus 35 to 40 is a good start.

Some other forks had butted tubes (internally too) but not sure which.

I would go either Mag21 (later 1995/6) because they tend to still work without the spring/elastomer faff.
Plus there should be loads of them.

They're one of the shorter A2C forks, it was one of their targets, but honestly don't worry about it.

So go measure your headtube, or if using the same headset, measure the steerer length of the current fork.
 
Thanks Splatter Paint, Raiden and Chicken.

Cheers for the help and info.

Might have some more questions to ask soon.
 
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