Altering stroke of non-U-turn RockShox forks

[Hardtailrider]

Hi Hubbers

 

I've read that it's possible to vary the stroke of some non-U-turn RS forks between 80, 100, and 120mm by dismantling the forks and altering/removing internal spacers. Having looked at the RS manuals on the SRAM website I'm still not sure whether this is applicable to my specific forks, which currently have 100mm.

 

Does anyone know whether it's actually possible to increase the stroke of my model to 120mm? And, yes, I know I've just let myself in for comments about strokes and models...

[LazyTrailRider]

Does anyone know whether it's actually possible to increase the stroke of my model to 120mm? And, yes, I know I've just let myself in for comments about strokes and models...

 

Nevermind the fact that you're a hardtailrider to start off with... Hehe.

 

I stand corrected, but I don't think it's possible to increase travel using spacers. As far as I know, you can only decrease longer-travel models this way.

[jacostrydom]

Depending on the shock, some of them come with a spacer that can be changed to change the stroke. I have done it on a 80mm Recon and changed it to 110mm.

[Wernervdmerwe]

Yeah - think they had the 15mm spacer in - so a 100mm you can change to 115mm by removing it.

[gummibear]

Does anyone know whether it's actually possible to increase the stroke of my model to 120mm?

 

If that's a 20mm axle then it should be at 120mm unless you have put a spacer in.

 

Let all the air out of + and - chambers and compress the shock mark it and then pull the shock to it's full length and measure the difference.

That will give you the travel length.

[Hardtailrider]

If that's a 20mm axle then it should be at 120mm unless you have put a spacer in.

 

Let all the air out of + and - chambers and compress the shock mark it and then pull the shock to it's full length and measure the difference.

That will give you the travel length.

 

 

It's a QR and not the team version with the hefty axle so definitely 100mm but thanks for suggestion.

[The Drongo]

Hi Hubbers

 

I've read that it's possible to vary the stroke of some non-U-turn RS forks between 80, 100, and 120mm by dismantling the forks and altering/removing internal spacers. Having looked at the RS manuals on the SRAM website I'm still not sure whether this is applicable to my specific forks, which currently have 100mm.

 

Does anyone know whether it's actually possible to increase the stroke of my model to 120mm? And, yes, I know I've just let myself in for comments about strokes and models...

 

What fork is it Hardtailrider?

 

Some Rockshox models can be opened and the travel spacer removed/installed. Tora and Recon up to 2009 (not sure of 2010/11)

The spacer is in the left (air) leg, and is black rubber with 'indents' at regular spacings up the length, remove this. Below this is a white or grey bump stop ring about 4mm thick THIS MUST STAY IN.

 

Remember to let the air out first, before removing the air top cap and air assembly.If the fork is fairly new, then you should not have to disassemble the right stanchion mechanics. But you will have to remove the lowers completely.

 

You will need a pair of needlenose bent internal circlip pliers, some 10/15 and 5 weight fork oil (Motorex is good), and some lithium free grease for around the seals before reassembly.(a small amount, so bum some off the motorbike mech when you buy your fork oil) It's worth buying the fork oil as you will/should use it often in servicing.

Rather completely replace the oil volume, than assume you only lost 'a little'. When oil measures like 118ml are used, they don't mean 120+-.

You should be able to download exploded parts diagrams from the SRAM/Rockshox Technical section on the website, along with detailed service guides.

Work carefully and quietly on a clean bench, and enjoy.

[Johan Bornman]

 

Work carefully and quietly on a clean bench, and enjoy.

 

This is the most sensible thing I've read here for a long time. I bet you have a dental check-up every six months, have your pension planned to the very minute, regularly service your car at 10000kms and know when your dogs have to go to the vet for booster shots.

[Hardtailrider]

What fork is it Hardtailrider?

 

Some Rockshox models can be opened and the travel spacer removed/installed. Tora and Recon up to 2009 (not sure of 2010/11)

The spacer is in the left (air) leg, and is black rubber with 'indents' at regular spacings up the length, remove this. Below this is a white or grey bump stop ring about 4mm thick THIS MUST STAY IN.

 

Remember to let the air out first, before removing the air top cap and air assembly.If the fork is fairly new, then you should not have to disassemble the right stanchion mechanics. But you will have to remove the lowers completely.

 

You will need a pair of needlenose bent internal circlip pliers, some 10/15 and 5 weight fork oil (Motorex is good), and some lithium free grease for around the seals before reassembly.(a small amount, so bum some off the motorbike mech when you buy your fork oil) It's worth buying the fork oil as you will/should use it often in servicing.

Rather completely replace the oil volume, than assume you only lost 'a little'. When oil measures like 118ml are used, they don't mean 120+-.

You should be able to download exploded parts diagrams from the SRAM/Rockshox Technical section on the website, along with detailed service guides.

Work carefully and quietly on a clean bench, and enjoy.

 

Tx for the detailed response TD. As noted, it's a 2009 RS Reba Race dual air, with a QR axle and motion control damping. The consensus seems to be that I should be able to lengthen the stroke to 120mm. Back to the RS manuals for a more intelligent revisit I guess.

 

The forks are due for a service, which is why I was considering increasing the stroke while I was at it

[The Drongo]

This is the most sensible thing I've read here for a long time. I bet you have a dental check-up every six months, have your pension planned to the very minute, regularly service your car at 10000kms and know when your dogs have to go to the vet for booster shots.

 

Thank you sir, for that vote of confidence.

You mean some of the Creation vs Evolution debates have not made sense?

 

To be honest, I am not sure when I last visited the Tooth Vet.

I doubt I will ever reach retirement. I have to service The EcoMonster every 5000km, because it is a diesel, and I personally had a booster shot not so long ago, the dogs don't need it. They lie around in the sun all day and do zipp.