Replacement fork options

[carbohydrate]

I have a 1994 Kona Explosif frame that was originally specced with either Marzocchi XC500 or XC51s. I have been riding it with some totally inapropriate forks for a while, which totally messed up the geometry. I am now looking to revert to rigid forks. Does anyone know the axle to crown lenghth of the original Marzocchis that this generation of Explosif was designed for?

Cheers.

 

[Splatter Paint]

I think the later suspension-correct Project IIs should fit straight on.

 

[carbohydrate]

Thanks. As I intend to fit a disc brake on the front, I may try to avoid any fork with canti bosses. I'm not sure if any of the current P2 forks have disc only mounts. I'm also considering eXotic carbon forks. Any thoughts?

 

[Neil G]

How about some short travel forks like Rock Shox Dukes or SIDs?

 

[FluffyChicken]

This one ? (just a double check)

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/mai ... ewsIndex=1

I would gusee same as MAG21/Manitou3 at 16" Forks of that year whrere +- 1/4" of 16"

so about 405mm as I think they had altered their P2 that year so you could swap and yes the frame was corrected for them, angle and toptube length.

May have to buy second hand though, as 420mm+ are the modern lengths.

 

[South Bound]

My '94 model year Explosif (bought late '93) came with P2s. Sold them on here and similar ones crop up every now and then. Go authentic, you know you want to!

 

[ozpete]

I have an old pair of XC51, or similar, in the shed I can measure. But what are the points to measure for A/C height? Is it centre-line of axle to the top surface of the fork arch the crown race rests on?

 

[carbohydrate]

Thanks chaps..

Thanks for all the replies.

In order:

Neil G: Short travel forks are an option, but as this is going to be my second bike, and I plan to singlespeed it, I fancy the simplicity of rigid. Rigid would also keep costs down..

Fluffy chicken: Thanks. I had guessed about 410. Original definately has an appeal but using my Hope mono-minis that would otherwise be lying around makes sense. In my current shape, I need all the stopping power I can muster!

South Bound: Thanks. As I understand it, it is from centre of axle to bottom race (I'm sure the odd mm isn't critical- or maybe that is where I've been going wrong all these years!).

 

[carbohydrate]

This one ? (just a double check)

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/mai ... ewsIndex=1

Just checked the gallery. Yes that's the one. I originally had an 1988/89 Explosif (pistachio with yellow splatter)- U brake and all... The bike was raced and well used by me before I finally cracked the downtube. Kona had a lifetime warranty and gave me a new Explosif frame, seat tube and stem (which is why I never had the original P2s). Now That's What I Call Customer Service!

 

[carbohydrate]

I have an old pair of XC51, or similar, in the shed I can measure. But what are the points to measure for A/C height? Is it centre-line of axle to the top surface of the fork arch the crown race rests on?

Sorry Pete,

My answer to South Bound above was intended for you. All these replies...! :roll: