Official MTB / Mountain Biking Chit Chat

[jsowens]

hpiguy, the Epicon is a great budget fork. I had one on my bike for a while, though I had the nicer version with low-speed compression and I really liked it. One plus is that they're super easy to service since they use a thin grease instead of an oil bath system.

 

[T1DAVE]

Here's mine

 

[OTHGbronco82]

I think I'm going to order a suspension fork for the SS. Even with the tubeless setup, my wrists and thumbs (yes, oddly enough, my thumbs are sore as hell after a ride, like they're getting jammed up) are suffering big time. I have a prior wrist injury from years ago that aggravates me on the MTB anyway, even on the 29er on longer rides. On the SS, it's just brutal in about 1/3 of the time. Looking at the Suntour Epicon (yes, yes I know Suntour). But it's one of the few I can find that offer; 80mm of travel, 1-1/8 straight steerer, lightweight, and remote lockout. They get good reviews and I can have it in two days for $240 shipped.

Why not go 100mm? Your frame should be able to handle it. And try and get a 15mm axle if you can and if they make one for a XC fork. It'll make the ride so much better and make it track better too.

 

[hpiguy]

Hpi guy look into the manitou tower pro. It has all the things you are looking for and it's a great fork. You can also reshim the compression and rebound stacks to your liking.

The Tower pro is almost double the money, and I see no 650b option. I don't doubt it's a great fork though, they've always made good stuff.

hpiguy, the Epicon is a great budget fork. I had one on my bike for a while, though I had the nicer version with low-speed compression and I really liked it. One plus is that they're super easy to service since they use a thin grease instead of an oil bath system.

Thanks!

Why not go 100mm? Your frame should be able to handle it. And try and get a 15mm axle if you can and if they make one for a XC fork. It'll make the ride so much better and make it track better too.

The A2C length is way off at 100mm compared to the rigid fork that's on it now. The 80mm will still be off, but once sag is taken into account it won't be off by much and might actually help to be honest. It's really quick handling, so slacking it out just a bit by raising the A2C may be a good thing. 15mm maxle will require a new hub won't it? Keep in mind, my SS doesn't even run a QR setup, it's bolted axles.

 

[ped453]

here's the before and after of my bike. Rides and handles way better. No more braking problems and the rockshox xc30 handles way better. And yes that's a bmx pedals.lol. Hard habbit to break.

 

[hpiguy]

^^Hey man, if you're comfortable on flats that's all that matters. Been on the hunt for a XC32 in G2 offset for my 29er, I'll find one eventually.

Well, I ordered the Epicon for the SS. Amazon was running an offer that if you get an Amazon credit card, you get a $70 gift card you could use towards that purchase. So I got a sub 4lbs air fork for $169 shipped, should be here tomorrow then I'll pay off the card balance. Easy peesy $70 off, couldn't say no. I'm pumped to get a good fork on it.

I'm going camping this weekend, so I'm gonna drop the bike and the forks off Friday morning to get the fork installed and the front hub converted to QR.

I also rode for awhile after work, probably the 6th or 7th ride on the SS and the rigid fork just has to go. There are literally times when trying to stay loose the bars about get ripped out of my hands and as mentioned I really feel it afterwards.

 

[wilbywise]

The video work and riding skills put into this video are slick, literally! Hope some of yal can enjoy watching this as much as I did :ror:..

<iframe width='500' height='281' src='http://www.pinkbike.com/v/embed/379514/?colors=c80000' allowfullscreen frameborder='0'></iframe>

 

[hpiguy]

^^That was bad ass!

 

[ped453]

if you guys are ever riding at night. I bought one of these form ebay.http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2000-Lu...562?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a34121c52. awesome light, especially in the trails. I'll post a pic when I get a chance. Even the deer goes WTF? das bright...

yes hpiguy, my pedals work great. I tried the clipless and it's just not working out for me. This is on my list though Wellgo CNC Platform B144 Flat Pedal | Chain Reaction Cycles.

 

[rupps5]

Ped453 what kind of battery are you using for that thing?

Specs look good on paper for that light especially for the cost!

 

[ped453]

Ped453 what kind of battery are you using for that thing?

Specs look good on paper for that light especially for the cost!

rupps5,

sorry I edited my post. I posted the wrong light. I have the one that is only 2000 lumens, still bright as fawk though. It comes with a 3 cell lithium ion battery pack.

 

[hpiguy]

You can get that same light on Amazon from a US seller that backs it with a lifetime warranty on the light itself, and offers replacement batteries, etc. That's actually the light I had picked to go on my bars.

Amazon.com: The Best Rechargeable 1200 Lumen Bicycle Light - "FREE TAILLIGHT" - Headlight - Flashlight - 5 Easy Bike Light Modes - Highest Quality and Strongest Aircraft Aluminum - WATERPROOF - Easy to Install - Greatly Improves Your SAFETY On Dark R

 

[canadianbacon]

^^Hey man, if you're comfortable on flats that's all that matters. Been on the hunt for a XC32 in G2 offset for my 29er, I'll find one eventually.

Well, I ordered the Epicon for the SS. Amazon was running an offer that if you get an Amazon credit card, you get a $70 gift card you could use towards that purchase. So I got a sub 4lbs air fork for $169 shipped, should be here tomorrow then I'll pay off the card balance. Easy peesy $70 off, couldn't say no. I'm pumped to get a good fork on it.

I'm going camping this weekend, so I'm gonna drop the bike and the forks off Friday morning to get the fork installed and the front hub converted to QR.

I also rode for awhile after work, probably the 6th or 7th ride on the SS and the rigid fork just has to go. There are literally times when trying to stay loose the bars about get ripped out of my hands and as mentioned I really feel it afterwards.

What are the specs for the Epicon? Preload adjustments, and/or manual lockout? The Suntour on my bike is pretty decent for what I do, just had to crank some preload into it after the first few rides, found it too soft. Mine's the XCT 100mm.

Also, I can't wait for my BB7's to get here, the Tektro's now are making a god awful racket, no matter how much I sand the pads. At least I don't need to yell at the douchebag runners/joggers to get out of the middle of the trails, just have to give a shot of front or back brakes and they clear out of the way :ror:

 

[hpiguy]

What are the specs for the Epicon? Preload adjustments, and/or manual lockout? The Suntour on my bike is pretty decent for what I do, just had to crank some preload into it after the first few rides, found it too soft. Mine's the XCT 100mm.

Air spring, rebound adjustment, and remote lockout. You can up the air pressure to get the desired stiffness from the fork, that's what makes an air fork such a good idea for 80% or riders IMO. Want it more plush for smooth buff trails, bleed off a bit of air. Want it stiffer for drops and chunky trails, add some air.

 

[Natedog]

The Tower pro is almost double the money, and I see no 650b option. I don't doubt it's a great fork though, they've always made good stuff.

The A2C length is way off at 100mm compared to the rigid fork that's on it now. The 80mm will still be off, but once sag is taken into account it won't be off by much and might actually help to be honest. It's really quick handling, so slacking it out just a bit by raising the A2C may be a good thing. 15mm maxle will require a new hub won't it? Keep in mind, my SS doesn't even run a QR setup, it's bolted axles.

Yes, gotta watch teh A2C measurements, too much travel is a bad thing.

^^Hey man, if you're comfortable on flats that's all that matters. Been on the hunt for a XC32 in G2 offset for my 29er, I'll find one eventually.

Well, I ordered the Epicon for the SS. Amazon was running an offer that if you get an Amazon credit card, you get a $70 gift card you could use towards that purchase. So I got a sub 4lbs air fork for $169 shipped, should be here tomorrow then I'll pay off the card balance. Easy peesy $70 off, couldn't say no. I'm pumped to get a good fork on it.

I'm going camping this weekend, so I'm gonna drop the bike and the forks off Friday morning to get the fork installed and the front hub converted to QR.

I also rode for awhile after work, probably the 6th or 7th ride on the SS and the rigid fork just has to go. There are literally times when trying to stay loose the bars about get ripped out of my hands and as mentioned I really feel it afterwards.

Cool, ride the pedals you like, but in the long run I found clipless is the way to go. I was a flat pedal holdout for several years too.

Buy a new wheel, save the old wheel to go with the rigid fork if you ever sell the bike. The cost of re-doing just the hub is not worth it anyways, and you can go tubeless rim while you're at it. "thumbsup"

You can get that same light on Amazon from a US seller that backs it with a lifetime warranty on the light itself, and offers replacement batteries, etc. That's actually the light I had picked to go on my bars.

Amazon.com: The Best Rechargeable 1200 Lumen Bicycle Light - "FREE TAILLIGHT" - Headlight - Flashlight - 5 Easy Bike Light Modes - Highest Quality and Strongest Aircraft Aluminum - WATERPROOF - Easy to Install - Greatly Improves Your SAFETY On Dark R

A warranty is worth a couple bucks more with the China lights. "thumbsup" I'd buy it either way though at those prices.

Air spring, rebound adjustment, and remote lockout. You can up the air pressure to get the desired stiffness from the fork, that's what makes an air fork such a good idea for 80% or riders IMO. Want it more plush for smooth buff trails, bleed off a bit of air. Want it stiffer for drops and chunky trails, add some air.

Yes, air spring is lighter weight and can be dialed in for different rider weights. I don't recommend running much less air on bumpy trails as you'll get more dive when braking and on the downhill sections could throw you otb over the bars. I find the pressure that I like and gets correct sag, then adjust the rebound a little. Usually I run same pressure in + and - air chambers.

 

[hpiguy]

Nate, no need for a new hub. If that was the case I'd agree with you 100%. My bike runs a 10mm bolt axle, so it's a simple QR axle swap, skewer and I'm good to go. "thumbsup"

My fork showed up, and I got right to it adjusting the travel down to 80mm. Never had a fork apart before, but nothing to it.

Torn down, the rod with the spring on the top leg is what you're after

I'd read about guys having issue damaging the pin that holds the collar in place that limits your travel. My guess is, they used regular punches, when it's a roll pin. I have roll pin punches, so no worries here. I will repeat for anyone that buys this fork, it's a roll pin. DO NOT use a regular punch to drive it out, or you'll ruin it. And your brand new fork is useless until you get a replacement.

That's the pin to the right of the rod

Dead nuts 80mm

Done

Dropping the bike / fork off tomorrow before I leave for a camping trip, can't wait to ride it!

 

[hpiguy]

Went and picked up the single speed on lunch break today, as it was done. I can't say enough about the fork, it completely changed the bike. The slight raise in the front slowed the handling just enough IMO, and the remote lockout is titties on the SS. Started out at 100psi, then went to 110, finally settled on 120psi, and 12 clicks out on rebound. Had a freaking blast on the local trails after work!

Love the way the lockout is setup also, mash to lock, bump with your second thumb knuckle to unlock

 

[OTHGbronco82]

I might just have to get an epicon.

Also went for a ride today on the ss since I didn't have to work today. My right foot feels great but my left got a hot spot real bad. If only the cleats went back a little farther I'd be loving life. Also, only almost crashed twice. Once when I stopped and the bike leaned left instead of right and another time when I went to stop at a slow speed and derped out for a second. Didn't hit the ground though.:roll:

Mountain Bike Ride Profile | SS and new parts near Walnut | Times and Records | Strava

 

[OTHGbronco82]

The A2C length is way off at 100mm compared to the rigid fork that's on it now. The 80mm will still be off, but once sag is taken into account it won't be off by much and might actually help to be honest. It's really quick handling, so slacking it out just a bit by raising the A2C may be a good thing. 15mm maxle will require a new hub won't it? Keep in mind, my SS doesn't even run a QR setup, it's bolted axles.

1. you can lower it to 80 if you want to.
2. Yes you would need a new hub if it wasn't a 15mm already. But this is just what I'd do as I have a 20mm Maxle on my trail and my dh bike. I love the stiffness up front, I can plow through almost anything.

 

[hpiguy]

1. you can lower it to 80 if you want to.
2. Yes you would need a new hub if it wasn't a 15mm already. But this is just what I'd do as I have a 20mm Maxle on my trail and my dh bike. I love the stiffness up front, I can plow through almost anything.

1. It's already at 80mm, I tore into the fork and set it before I installed it.

2. I'm old and slow, no need for that. :mrgreen: Seriously though, if I were going to convert one of my bikes to a 15 or 20mm axle, it would be the 29er, and not the SS.