Fork dust boots?

[SeanScalpel]

Hi all,

 

 

 

http://www.mtbr.com/channels/mtbreview/Images/Products/product_357732.jpg vs http://www.mtbr.com/channels/mtbreview/Images/Products/product_357720.jpg

 

 

 

I did a search, but can't seem to find anything regarding this.

 

 

 

I have a Rock Shox Judy T2 that came with dust boots.

 

My previous SR Suntour XC60 also had dust boots.

 

 

 

However, it seems to me that all the new forks don't come with dust boots

 

What is the reason for this?

 

Was it perhaps found that the dust boots don't really keep the dust out and therefor not really have a purpose?

 

 

 

A fork does look A LOT better without dust boots so perhaps manufacturers decided to leave them out?

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

SeanSeanGT2009-03-24 00:17:47

[SwissVan]

 

Was briefly discussed a few weeks ago...see link below

 

Basicaly they: look ***, add weight and probably do provide some protection from mud and dust. 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=43876&KW=boot

 

 

[AndreZA]

It's sooooooo 90's.

 

 

 

.

[SeanScalpel]

Thanks SwissVan!

 

 

 

Think I'll stick with boots, even though they look crap.

[TitusTi]

It tends to keep the *** in more than it keeps the *** out.

[Johan Bornman]

I think boots look crap but they do provide scratch protection.

Most stanchion sctratches come from minor accidents and boots protect them. 

 

My bike has boots and it is a mission to clean inside and around them. Each time I service my fork I threaten to toss them out but they plead so nicely, my heart softens and they're back.

 

 

[SeanScalpel]

It tends to keep the *** in more than it keeps the *** out.

 

 

 

Do you by *** mean dust?

 

Surely the boots will protect the shock against a lot of dust compared to not using boots at all?

 

 

 

And if dust does get into the boot, that dust would anyway have gone into the shock when not using boots, both resulting in damage. With boots, it will just be a lot less dust (damage).SeanGT2009-03-11 07:48:27

[TNT1]

 

 

It tends to keep the *** in more than it keeps the *** out.

 

 

 

Do you by *** mean dust?

 

Surely the boots will protect the shock against a lot of dust compared to not using boots at all?

 

 

 

And if dust did get into the boot' date=' that dust would anyway have gone into the shock when not using boots, both resulting in damage. With boots, it will just be a lot less dust (damage).[/quote']

 

Nope. same as on a offroad motorbike, the boots keep *** in, and that leads to more damage....

TNT12009-03-11 07:48:19

[Johan Bornman]

Ideally a boot needs a beather serviced by an air filter. These boots just have holes in them to pump dusty air in and out.

 

I agree that dirt gets trapped inside.

 

 

 

[SeanScalpel]

Nope. same as on a offroad motorbike' date=' the boots keep *** in, and that leads to more damage....[/quote']

 

 

 

So what one should actually do is just clean the shock after every ride? And if that's the case, you might as well keep the boots and clean them when cleaning the shock? Because, even if it's just during the ride, less dust will get to the shock with boots. And surely not too much damage can be done during one ride?SeanGT2009-03-11 07:55:32

[SeanScalpel]

For those interested, I emailed Rock Shox USA with my dust boots question and they replied with:

 

 

 

Hello Sean

 

 

 

Over the years the technology in the stanchion material and making better dust wipers has allowed us to not use dust boots anymore. You will still will want to keep yours on because they do aid in protecting the internals from contaminations.

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Tim Jones