Upgrading an old fork, and the rest

[quannum]

Hello

Im looking for some advice as to the best way to do an upgrade.

Current bike is a BrandX HT01 running 26” QR wheels. Head tube is tapered. No replaceable dropouts so I can only run QR. I have a super old (must be mid - late 2000s) Fox fork on the front. Current wheels are similar-era Mavic Crosslands in 26.

I want to replace my fork, but should I go with a 27.5 fork with bolt though? If I do, then I think I also need a new front wheel(at least). I haven’t found a conversion kit to get bolt though on the Crosslands. Is there an option of a fork that can do QR and bolt though? I wanted to future proof my purchase as much as possible - but maybe that’s the wrong approach.

I suppose my options are 1) new QR fork, 2) new bolt through fork, wheels and tyres or 3) abandon all hope and get a new bike.

3 isn’t an option today but my eldest is almost the right height for this bike…

Then there’s the question of what fork to get - or at least what to avoid!

If there’s an options I’ve missed, let me know, or help me choose a way forward here! All help appreciated!

 

[ozzybmx]

Straight steerer too? Good luck finding something decent for options 1 and 2.

 

[quannum]

Fr

Straight steerer too? Good luck finding something decent for options 1 and 2.

Good point. Current fork is straight but the frame and headset is tapered. I’m running an adaptor.

 

[Cardy George]

I wanted to future proof my purchase as much as possible - but maybe that’s the wrong approach.

3 isn’t an option today but my eldest is almost the right height for this bike…

Following on from what @ozzybmx said, you're pretty much hunting for a unicorn. Ride it till you can afford something new then pass it on to the eldest. Then it'll be as future proof as the bike industry will ever let it be.

 

[Labcanary]

What's wrong with the current fork?

 

[ozzybmx]

Good point. Current fork is straight but the frame and headset is tapered. I’m running an adaptor.

A 27.5 - tapered - TA fork will be easily found, boost or non boost doesn't really matter as you will need a new front wheel anyway.

There may be a few around as people usually smash the rear.

 

[silentbutdeadly]

You'll perhaps find that a suspension specialist like Cyclinic or similar could restore that fork for you sufficiently to keep it running...

 

[quannum]

What's wrong with the current fork?

It works as well as you’d expect a 10 year old fork to work but isn’t particularly plush.

Restoring the fork is definitely an option, hadn’t really thought of that.

 

[Labcanary]

It works as well as you’d expect a 10 year old fork to work but isn’t particularly plush.

Restoring the fork is definitely an option, hadn’t really thought of that.

Even a basic lowers service and dust seal replacement would make it feel better than it was.

But hey, this is Rotorburn...new bike time!

 

[quannum]

Any recs for suspension servicing in Sydney? I’m near the RNP but can travel.

 

[Mr Crudley]

Any recs for suspension servicing in Sydney? I’m near the RNP but can travel.

Here you go. A short trip to Stanmore.

https://www.mtbsuspension.com.au/

 

[blacksp20]

Straight steerer too? Good luck finding something decent for options 1 and 2.

Moorey has some listed on FB right now. 26”, 150mm though, both QR and thru axle. One straight steerer and others tapered.

 

[moorey]

Moorey has some listed on FB right now. 26”, 150mm though, both QR and thru axle. One straight steerer and others tapered.

They are all 15 or 20mm, 2 straight steerer, ont tapered, but I have other shorter travel qr SS options.

 

[Daniel Hale]

just grab a 27.5 tapered fork, then buy a new lower headset cup; isn't that model designed aorund 27.5 anyways?

 

[quannum]

just grab a 27.5 tapered fork, then buy a new lower headset cup; isn't that model designed aorund 27.5 anyways?

Lower headset is already tapered. I have an adaptor on the fork so yes - good plan.

The HT01 is a 27.5 model but works okay as a 26. Seems to be a few folks running as a 26.

 

[quannum]

They are all 15 or 20mm, 2 straight steerer, ont tapered, but I have other shorter travel qr SS options.

Thanks, I’ll take a look!

 

[moorey]

Thanks, I’ll take a look!

One SS sold to a burner, tapered set pending, I'll probably hold the white SS set.
Does sound like a tapered 27.5 is your best bet, but if you're desperate for 26" SS 100-120 qr, let me know.