Opinions on FS fork

[pazaudi]

I did put a thread up in the wanted section however I may get a better response in here. I'm considering a Specialized build and thinking of some potential plans which includes maybe using an early 92-93 FS suspension fork as per the photo below.

I can't find any online to benchmark against the price so are these things rare, valuable, any good? I'd appreciate opinions and maybe a little bit of education on these, I believe the 92 version had a stepped crown which was discontinued the year after?

 

[Once A Hero]

I think I've got a pair of those somewhere - not in black though and in very poor condition, in need of complete renovation. Can't recall the last time I saw an pre'93 pair that didn't have significant paint loss/corrosion.
The next generation was a little better for longevity as it's basically an early RockShox Mag something I believe.

 

[pazaudi]

I found a pair or two on eBay US, they do indeed look pretty rough. Are these magnesium as they look like an old set of Mag21's that I had?

 

[SLIM]

The lower legs are aluminium

 

[SLIM]

Sorry ... i repainted mine , they are basically a mag 20/21

 

[SLIM]

........

 

[Once A Hero]

Couple pairs I have so you can see some differences, ‘92 & ‘93 I believe.

 

[pazaudi]

Thank you all, appreciate the replies and photos.

 

[SLIM]

Forgot the crown , mine had the more squared one , as above , which got recalled at some point due to cracking i think . Mine has the bontrager crown , changes the angle/rake somewhat .

 

[TheRadioGuyUK]

Well, I’d be more interested in finding the best suitable sized (for geometry reasons) item that’s in good or nearly new condition - given the importance of getting it right - it’s better to pay more to get the best known quantity item that you know has been a solid performance item paired with the frame geometry in question.

But I then keep in mind I also consider all bicycle suspension parts to be poor grade imitators of motorcycle parts (which they generally are), hence I wouldn’t use them after experiencing a well built FS bicycle (‘78 vintage) built around entirely motorcycle parts and a BB/Crank setup instead of an engine. In fact, the suspension parts alone (cost in today’s money) would buy a race ready pro MTB.

So take whatever you can from the wider various views and my limited offered advice.