Seeking suspension forks for 1990 Cinder Cone

[scubadog]

Hi everyone. Newbie member just getting back into mountain biking after a 15 year layoff, during which time I've been focussed on powered two wheelers.

I've managed to source a 1990 Cinder Cone in original spec and A1 condition (thanks ebay) - I owned one back in the day and lusted for another one ever since selling my original back in 2002.

I'm now looking for a quality suspension fork to fit the Cinder Cone's 1" steerer. Anything considered in good condition.

Thanks

 

[Minifreak]

You'll want something with little travel as the frame won't be suspension corrected, an earl PACE or possible a RockShox Mag fork may work and not upset the head angle too much.

What length steerer do you need? I presume threaded.
If you do get a PACE, they still sell replacement steerers in various lengths.

What budget have you set yourself?

Be good to see pics of the bike / eBay link.

 

[scubadog]

Re:

I'll be picking the bike up Thursday this week so will put some images up over the weekend.

Not sure yet of the steerer length, I'll be doing some dismantling in the coming days to figure that out. The original headset on the '90 Cinder Cone was 1" which I think limits my choice of fork. A 1 1/8th headset offers greater choice but I don't know if I can fit that size headset? Maybe someone can advise. I'm relearning a lot of stuff I've forgotten over the years!

I agree, long travel forks are no good to me as I'll be doing mostly XC on the bike, no sustained downhill stuff. My ideal would be a Manitou 2 or 3 fork - I had Manitou 2 forks on my original Cone and Manitou 3 on the Manitou FS I built in the mid-90s (photo below). Perhaps not the best but certainly period correct and good enough for what I need.

 

[Minifreak]

That Manitou is stunning Hope it survived without cracks.

You won't be able to install 1 1/8" to a 1" head tube but you should find some early Manitou here. Put up a specific wanted ad for them and state steerer length/diameter etc.

Tim

 

[Splatter Paint]

Re:

I did this - it ruined the handling! I fitted a pair of early PACE RC35 forks, which have a very short axle-crown measurement and it felt awful, the front end went all floppy and the steering slow. I did two rides and then swapped back to the rigid fork.

Whilst the RC35 may not be the best fork in the world, I've found that fitted to the right frame you can push on quite well with them :twisted: I had no problem with them fitted to my Orange Prestige or DBR Axis TT but on the '90 Cinder Cone they were all wrong.

I think the fork length and rake could be the issue with this frame. I'd suggest that you stick with a rigid fork unless you really want to experiment.

SP

 

[scubadog]

Re:

The Manitou FS is long gone I'm afraid - sold back in 2005 if I remember correctly. You're right, the frame tubes were on the thin side so it wouldn't surprise me if it'd given up the ghost by now. It was an awesome ride though.

Interesting feedback from SP, I don't recall the Cone handling that way when I had Manitous back in the '90s. Maybe my bulk kept it planted... I think the 1" headset will limit my choice anyway so I sense a long(ish) wait before I find something. Project 2's for now then!

I'll put an ad on the forum when I have all the info.

 

[hamster]

I'd look for a Marzocchi Z3: 63mm travel doesn't foul up the geometry. They are simple, well supported with spares but above all have a removable steerer so you can swap the commoner 1 1/8" for a 1". 1" steerers and shims are still available. RST ones also fit after a couple of minutes spent filing away the crude knurling.

 

[ti_pin_man]

many of the early suspension forks had changeable crown and steerers so it should be relatively painless to find an inch crown/steerer if you buy one like that.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Any of the early 90s fork will do and work fine. Pick the one you like
Rockshock MAGs (air/oil)
Marzocchi XC (air/oil)
PACE RC35 (elastomer)
Answer Manitou (mcu/elastomer)
Scott/proforx/...
Will all work in their own individual way. All can be had with 1" threaded streerers as they where BiTD.
Many people on here, being retrobike, are riding them and that bike.

Steerer length will be needed (or hedtube lengh as an approx can be used then).

Welcome to riding the old bike now.
Of course XC forks are now longer than the old downhill forks, in the modern world.

Get reading, enjoying and buying.
Then see if you can get along tona local Retrobike ride,pop into the rides area.

 

[scubadog]

Re:

Thanks for all the advice, folks. Looks like I have a lot of research and ebay work to be doing in the next couple of weeks!

I'll also take a look see which other members are in this neck of the woods and get along to a ride or two.

For those interested, here's the ebay link to the 1990 Cinder Cone I just purchased. Couldn't believe my luck!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401001780376? ... EBIDX%3AIT