Looking for a *practical* suspension fork for a Zaskar

[PurpleFrog]

I was going to keep my Zaskar all-rigid, but it's behaving so well I'm finding it hard to resist a suspension fork on. But:

- I need to stay inside a one bike limit! So the Zaskar needs to stay rideable for commutes. Which means a lockout and a fork that doesn't need too frequent servicing - at least for locked out hours. If a fork needs an oil change after 30 hours of bouncing, that's fine

- It's a Zaskar, so I need a low travel fork.

- I don't know anything about forks and servicing. So the less servicing and the simpler it is with the fewer tools needed and the more parts and guides available, the better

- I'd prefer a v-brake option; the bike's steerer is 1 1/8 and I'm willing to threadless

- I want a fork that preserves the character of the bike as much as possible - sharp and agile and controlled; I don't need a fork that will get me down Everest (which is just as well with the limits on travel on a Zaskar)

- Hard to answer question: will a suspension fork increase the theft risk? The answer is probably yes, of course..

- Oh - and I weigh 220lbs, so strength is a priority

I was thinking a Fox F80, but the servicing cost sounds terrifying and makes me think its unlikely I could do the job myself??

Any ideas, suggestions? I'm no hurry at all on this, but I like to think ahead.

 

[ishaw]

Fox forks are pretty simple to service. If you aren't abusing it, an oil change and some float fluid are all you'll need, and to do that you just need spanners. I run an 80mm fox on my rts from 93 and on my dbr, again 93 and they do a great job. You could go for some marzocchis as they are said to be bomb proof, long lasting and very good at what they do but not sure if you'll get a short travel one with lockout. SIDs would suit a Zaskar but are apparently flexy but you could get newer 80mm ones, or keep an eye out for rebas with brake mounts. You can reduce the travel internally down to 80mm and these are easy to service too and have a much longer service interval than a fox.

All forks should last of you look after them and treat to some oil and lube every now and again.

 

[PurpleFrog]

Fox forks are pretty simple to service. If you aren't abusing it, an oil change and some float fluid are all you'll need, and to do that you just need spanners. I run an 80mm fox on my rts from 93 and on my dbr, again 93

That's very encouraging. But if you mean the forks are from 93, won't the design have changed a lot since then? The F80 is a 2011ish fork, I think. It was the cost of the "stanchions" here that made be say "Bloody hell!":

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=262614

..Otherwise they sound perfect.

keep an eye out for rebas with brake mounts.

Rebas: check.

The big question is "Does time running locked out, commuting, count towards servicing?"

 

[ishaw]

I meant that the frames were from 93, forks are much more modern

I think riding locked out does count towards use, but perhaps not as much as there is no travel/movement. The lockout mechanism itself is still getting used to prevent the oil from moving through the damper so something is being used, but not a great deal.

 

[hamster]

I'm much more in favour of rigid forks for commuting, especially considering road salt etc.
By choosing the right headset and brakes, you could probably swap the fork in 20 minutes

Keep a rigid P2 with a spare crown race (i'd go with a Hope headset as they stay together on dismantling) for commuting; use something like a Marzocchi Z2 for weekends.

Maguras with Evo2 adaptors hook onto the fork with one Allen bolt, again buy a spare Magura QR post for the brake.

 

[cce]

no SIDs at 220lbs. The manual for mine doesn't even quote a pressure for more than 190lbs, and that's only about 5psi off the max

 

[Bullpup]

My son is lucky enough to run magura forks and brakes on his GT Pantera and loves them.

However I would stay rigid and run a fairly large volume street orientated tyre e.g. 2.3 or so. Panaracer uff dah are good but there are other options.

 

[PurpleFrog]

I meant that the frames were from 93, forks are much more modern

I think riding locked out does count towards use, but perhaps not as much as there is no travel/movement. The lockout mechanism itself is still getting used to prevent the oil from moving through the damper so something is being used, but not a great deal.

That's what I was beginning to think, thanks.

Btw: Coolest. Avatar. Possible!

 

[PurpleFrog]

I'm much more in favour of rigid forks for commuting, especially considering road salt etc.
By choosing the right headset and brakes, you could probably swap the fork in 20 minutes

Keep a rigid P2 with a spare crown race (i'd go with a Hope headset as they stay together on dismantling) for commuting; use something like a Marzocchi Z2 for weekends.

Maguras with Evo2 adaptors hook onto the fork with one Allen bolt, again buy a spare Magura QR post for the brake.

That pre-answers my next question. Thanks!

 

[PurpleFrog]

no SIDs at 220lbs. The manual for mine doesn't even quote a pressure for more than 190lbs, and that's only about 5psi off the max

That's brilliant and may just have saved me from a hospital visit. Thanks!