Thumper Club Forum
Technical => Bike Problems/Questions => Topic started by: bikeplantation on June 13, 2010, 06:43:42 PM
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What air pressure should I have in the front forks? I must admit this is this first bike I have had with air fill forks, so I'm trying to understand what it does in relation to the handling. If anyone can give me a brief overview and/or some pressure settings I would be most grateful. Cheers, Dieter
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The air helps pre-load the suspension effecting ride height and how firm the suspension feels, it will alos gives a degree of rising rate. The biggest problem you will have is controlling the pressure, normal foot/bicycle pumps will release some of the air when you remove the pump from the valve. Your best bet is a mountain bike suspension pump, these are designed to retain the pressure when you remove the pump.
Personally I wouldnt bother, I would just get some Hagon springs and be done with it.
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Cheers for the feedback. If I fit Hagon springs is that simply a upgrade of the current forks? Once they are fitted do I dis-regard the air pressure aspect of them or do I need to replace the fork tops? Can you recommend what oil I need? Is this easy to do? Are the springs a standard part or will I need to search for specialist items?
Sorry to rapid fire so many questions, but I am truly a novice in this area. Cheers, Dieter
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They are bike specific take a look at Hagons site (http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/main1st.htm).
Once done you shouldnt need to worry about the air and you dont need to change the caps.
They should recommend the oil weight and height.
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I get mine up to 10psi (anything more and they seem to lock) I use a 'specialized' high pressure mountain bike pump whis has a resonable guage on it, push tem up to about 15 psi, then, using my posh digital tyre pressure guage, gently leak the air (it has a depressure button) back to 10 psi.
I have experimented with various grade oil....currently using 15, which i think makes them a bit stiff (fillings fall out if i hit a pot hole!) so will go back to 10 grade....
With the forks fully extended (front wheel off the ground) I fill to 120mm from the top.....
hope this helps