Rox shock Dart 2

[stev0]

After riding my bike the last week, mainly dusty and off-road conditions, my one fork leg has got some dust/grease residue on it. Almost like my dirtbike would but a just a little more with dust packed on it.

 

Is this normal for the forks? check the pic.

Edited February 25, 2011 by stev0

[MattyG]

looks like your seals have gone..its not worth taking it in for a service as that would cost more than what the fork is worth..just take the lowers off and give the insides a good clean and grease the seals again..then it should be fine..

[stev0]

Thanks Matty,

 

Apparently the bike was serviced not too long ago. remove the lowers and do as you suggested anyhow

[MattyG]

Thanks Matty,

 

Apparently the bike was serviced not too long ago. remove the lowers and do as you suggested anyhow

there are 2 allenkey bolts at the bottom just loosen those and give the lowers a little tap with a rubber mallet and it should come off..

 

just make sure you take the brake calliper off and the little hook thing that holds the brake hose..

Edited February 26, 2011 by MattyG

[stev0]

where is the "like" button to this post ??

 

thanks dude

[LazyTrailRider]

Stev0, there's a long answer to your question that I'm too lazy to type, so please have a look at Johan Bornman's comments here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/99635-fox-fork-stanchion-wear/page__view__findpost__p__1345523

 

In your case, two points:

 

1) Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance

2) It's an entry-level fork, so you shouldn't expect brilliant seal lifespan

[stev0]

Stev0, there's a long answer to your question that I'm too lazy to type, so please have a look at Johan Bornman's comments here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/99635-fox-fork-stanchion-wear/page__view__findpost__p__1345523

 

In your case, two points:

 

1) Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance

2) It's an entry-level fork, so you shouldn't expect brilliant seal lifespan

 

 

Thanks Martin, Great read!

 

I used to clean the seals on my 450 after a hard ride with a Xray cut into a piece that i could scrape the dirt out. Usually the dirt was stopping the seal from sealing.

 

If its not too much PT, perhaps I should just pull it apart. I was hoping to at least get a 1000km on the bike before I upgrade the front. Seems that the upgrade is definitely necessary.

[Weight Weenie]

A good 2nd hand air fork like a Reba will make a world of difference to the type of terrain you can tackle,control, comfort etc. Good upgrade !

[LazyTrailRider]

A good 2nd hand air fork like a Reba will make a world of difference to the type of terrain you can tackle,control, comfort etc. Good upgrade !

 

Absolutely. Look for a Reba or Recon, you could probably pick up a Recon with lock-out for about R1200-R1600 in excellent condition.

[stev0]

Would it be a worthwhile upgrade on my 09 Giant Alias?

[Mecnic]

Would it be a worthwhile upgrade on my 09 Giant Alias?

 

Yes the improvement would be 10fold

 

Recon has better bushes, better seals better materials are used in prdoduction ect ect

 

In short better fork, more life more pleasure when you ride

 

Try to get an air one while you are at it

[stev0]

Back from the Dead.

 

How easy would this be to swop over, would I be able to do it myself?

 

 

Anybody want to sell one ?

[Pieter1]

I have A Recon Silver on my bike and it is really a awsome shock.

[Weight Weenie]

Back from the Dead.

 

How easy would this be to swop over, would I be able to do it myself?

 

 

Anybody want to sell one ?

 

Not difficult - ensure the new fork has the star washer fitted in the steerer tube and that it has a crown race fitted on the bottom outside of the steerer tube. Check the length of the steere so its the same as your current forks, or youll need to adjust your setup if its not by adding spacers etc. If thasts done then its easy.

 

Loosen your front brake disc mount, be sure to not pull the lever if its off or the pads will close up. Take out the front wheel. Loosen the stem bolts then loosen the headset top cap bolt on top, hold the fork as it will now pull out.

 

Catch the spacers and stem/handlebar combo. Push the new fork through the headtube (check that bearings still stay in place in the headtube) put the spacers on the steerer and then the stem on top of that. Tighten the headset bolt slightly so the fork is now connected. fit disc calliper and wheel. align wheel and stem so its straight.

 

Now tighten the headset a bit more, DONT OVER DO IT ! BE GENTLE ! Tighten the stem bolts (try use a torque wrench) now check that the bars turn smoothly and while pulling the front brake rock the bike back and forth and feel if theres play in the headset.

 

If the turnning is stiff, undo stem bolts and loosen headset slightly, if there is play do the same but tighten slightly. do stem bolts back up and you should be good !

[stev0]

Not difficult - ensure the new fork has the star washer fitted in the steerer tube and that it has a crown race fitted on the bottom outside of the steerer tube. Check the length of the steere so its the same as your current forks, or youll need to adjust your setup if its not by adding spacers etc. If thasts done then its easy.

 

Loosen your front brake disc mount, be sure to not pull the lever if its off or the pads will close up. Take out the front wheel. Loosen the stem bolts then loosen the headset top cap bolt on top, hold the fork as it will now pull out.

 

Catch the spacers and stem/handlebar combo. Push the new fork through the headtube (check that bearings still stay in place in the headtube) put the spacers on the steerer and then the stem on top of that. Tighten the headset bolt slightly so the fork is now connected. fit disc calliper and wheel. align wheel and stem so its straight.

 

Now tighten the headset a bit more, DONT OVER DO IT ! BE GENTLE ! Tighten the stem bolts (try use a torque wrench) now check that the bars turn smoothly and while pulling the front brake rock the bike back and forth and feel if theres play in the headset.

 

If the turnning is stiff, undo stem bolts and loosen headset slightly, if there is play do the same but tighten slightly. do stem bolts back up and you should be good !

 

Thank you. I appreciate the write-up I just need to find me some forks now! The Dart2's are really taking a pounding!

[Weight Weenie]

Cool no problem had to do it the other day so learnt something myself.

It really pays to be able to work on the bike yourself, get a book and some tools its worth it.

 

Fork wise look at CRC, buycycle or CWC for good deals. I think a Recon Silver with Air should be your best bet. It's fully serviceable and allot lighter as it uses alu and not steel I think, also stiffer as its got 32mm stanchions and not 28mm like the dart.