How to change (tune) the fork spring on a mountain bike. Rock Shox Recon example.

[EmanueleCimino1981]

Dont you have to put any oil in there, iv got rock shox recon and have to put 2 different weights of oil in the bottom and top parts of the shox

[Johnnysshop]

@EmanueleCimino1981 Depends on the fork. Some take it, some don't (such as air). Also if you can remove the srping from the top, you make not need to.

[Idontlikeschoolha]

On my forks it hasnt got levers its just got a very stiff cap on one side that you can get a wrench on but i dont know how to lousen it

[reelstar01]

are there springs in both sides?

[Johnnysshop]

@reelstar01 Depends on the fork. Some have 2, some have only one.

[bloodstreak87]

Im 250 (yea big boy ;) ) is there any point in installing a black spring or would it still be too plush

I have a tora 318 uturn

[Johnnysshop]

@bloodstreak87 I believe black is the super X which should be okay

[terrencemcg]

what suspension fork do you recommend on a trekking hybrid bike?

[Johnnysshop]

@terrencemcg Personally the Fox Float series have always been the smoothest but they are pricey. I don't know much about the hybrids but I assume smooth action would be the key.

[mrblibrules]

Hi, I have some kona suspension forks and They are not very supple. Is there a way to make them looser?

[Johnnysshop]

@mrblibrules Softer spring assuming it's a spring fork. You could also mess with the rebound but you've probably already done that.

[hyunki0510]

my spring is rusty as hell so i'm thinking of changing it. The thing is though I don't know what to change it to.

[Johnnysshop]

@hyunki0510 If it handled fine just clean that one up and put it back in.

[ltsgosk8it]

i have a rock shox psylo u-turn fork is there any way i can get the shock to be stiffer

[Johnnysshop]

@ltsgosk8it Stiffer spring

[mrfishy217]

my dj3's are juddering and when i compress them they come up slowly can anyone tell how to adjust it? -to any one with dj3 forks

[TheAngrychinesekid]

one question.

what is the point of adjusting the fork spring?

sorry i'm not very good at bikes

[Johnnysshop]

@TheAngrychinesekid If it's too soft or too hard. 

[TheAngrychinesekid]

@Johnnysshop what do you mean by hard or soft?

[Johnnysshop]

@TheAngrychinesekid The stiffness.

[erwinraptor]

I've just broke that top cap of my Tora 302, the one that you can make turn with the fingers, do you know where can i find it? Cheers!

[Johnnysshop]

@erwinraptor Probably have to order from RockShox direct.

[ijkelo]

i have rock shox recon silver tk 100mm in my specialized can i turn it into 120 and isnt the air in that side where is lockout ?

[Johnnysshop]

@ijkelo I don't think you can on that model. Not 100% sure though

[sicklinesproduction]

how do you keep the suspension under preasure

?

[Johnnysshop]

@sicklinesproduction Not sure what you're asking??

[sicklinesproduction]

@Johnnysshop i dont know im asking...like i forget

[TheNorbi80]

Recon.Could you send me a link with a kit,pls.I wahnt to make it 120 mm.Original 100.

[TheNorbi80]

I have a dart 3 100mm. Can I turn it into a 120mm one??

[Johnnysshop]

@TheNorbi80 I don't believe so.

[JUANCACA85]

I'm 195 lbs and I want something a bit stiffer, what color is the best choice?

[Johnnysshop]

@JUANCACA85 Depends on the fork. Different forks may use different colors.

[bikeskills]

Tune up your riding at the BIKESKILLS Channel with world champions in short instructionals. Subscribe and win FREE gear. Like a fork!!!

[foolucid]

Just replaced the spring on Dart 3 with a softer one. Wouldn't have done it without this video and cost only around 25€ through amazon.

[Johnnysshop]

@foolucid Good to hear!

[lakiask8ter660]

where do I get springs. I have a dart 3 and I want to go softer. i do more heavy rocky areas and they are a bit to stiff for this type of ride.

[Johnnysshop]

@lakiask8ter660 I usually get them special order from my LBS or eBay

[lakiask8ter660]

@Johnnysshop oh thank you. what were to happen if i were to put my friends springs on. its also rock shoxs but a different brand? would it fit? however, its 120mm so he said it will make my bike 120mm travel

[sahilcc7]

What tyres are those?

[Johnnysshop]

@sahilcc7 Just cheapo Forte' from Performance Bicycle.

[122chucknorris]

on my fork, the preload adjustor is just a piece of plastic, with no space for an Allen Wrench. what do i do?

[Johnnysshop]

@122chucknorris A lot of them just pull off like a radio knob.

[122chucknorris]

@Johnnysshop are you serious?? thanks, i really need a new spring, im 115 lbs, and my fork is sprung for a 150 lbs man.

[Johnnysshop]

@122chucknorris Yeah, you probably could use a new spring or just start eating a ton. lol

[122chucknorris]

@Johnnysshop lol, im 14 years old, i'd prefer the 1st. how much would a new spring cost?

[Johnnysshop]

@122chucknorris LOL.. Yeah, didn't think you'd like the 2nd option. I think they run around $30

[122chucknorris]

@Johnnysshop wait, i have absolutley no idea how to pull off a radio knob. sorry to be so obnoxious.

[Johnnysshop]

@122chucknorris Just grab on to it pretty tight and pull it off.

[122chucknorris]

@Johnnysshop alright, thanks.

[roflcopter720]

@122chucknorris use a 1 inch 6 point socket and a ratchet

[122chucknorris]

@roflcopter720 k, thanks.

[cutchyacokov]

Did you skip a step after removing the cap? The preload adjustment cap is just a small piece of plastic on my fork. You said something about loosening up the big piece you took out after the cap, how do you do that?

[Johnnysshop]

@cutchyacokov Yeah, for some reason part of the video was cut out. Just a socket and slowly turn. I don't remember the exact size..

[Gerling2day]

I have a Judy (Rock Shox) and wonder if I need to replace the spring. I have abou 45 mm of travel when I put weight on the bike and no amount of turning of the cap seems to lessen the travel?

[Johnnysshop]

@Gerling2day So you have too much sag in it?

[SIDESLAM]

Is there just one spring on one side ? or 2 ?

I have xcr sun tour forks and the clunking from them when pulling up is pretty bad, from what i have read its called topping out.

The XCR forks don't have a great write up around the web, the clunking seems common, my bike is only 3 months old.

Any info would be great, Thanks.

[Johnnysshop]

@SIDESLAM Depends on the fork... Some have 1 and other have 2. If you go to Suns website they have a lot of exploded views (Youtube doesn't allow links in posts, search Google for "srsuntour").

[vovinawol]

@SIDESLAM The forks on your bike won't hold up under agressive riding. They are only made for riding around town to absorb an occasional bump here and there. If you keep topping them out something will eventually break. I would throw on a set of Dart 3's on there. They are on sale online right now for $130. Even a Dart 2 will be much better also. I've seen them for $90 online. If you ride offroad alot then go with the Dart 3.

[SIDESLAM]

@vovinawol

Ok, Thanks for your help and Advice

[SuperToshie]

Hey guys, I've got a specialized 98 FSR extreme with double crown rock shox long travel forks. I would like to change the springs in my forks coz I'm a FAT BASTARD since having an injury after wiping out. DOH! but my stanchions or legs or whatever are only 28mm external measurement the secondary coil springs are 20mm in diameter and 168mm long & primary springs 20mm x 80mm ish anybody got any ideas every dealer seems to want to sell air suss but I'm happy with springs? cheers

[Johnnysshop]

@SuperToshie I would search Ebay as much as possible :(

[vovinawol]

@SuperToshie You should be able to buy a stiffer spring from the maker of the fork (ie. Fox, RockShox, etc.).

You can usually get the right springs for how much you weigh. If you can't find them then an Air spring would be the best way to go. You can adjust an air spring to just about any weight (of the rider) you want. They will cost much more but are much better.

[91slownotch]

Perfect vid! Just ordered a new Rockshox Tora for my Trek and it came with a pretty light spring in it. New spring should be here by end of week.

[Johnnysshop]

@91slownotch Glad the video helped!

[scout739]

Great video and instruction. Thank you. I wll now have to buy some heavier springs for my Sun Tour forks. Are these colour coded for weight.

[Johnnysshop]

@scout739 Thanks for watching! They usually have a small mark on them with a color..

[bigmike690smc]

Great video !! I just bought a Specialized FSR XC demo off ebay from a dealer it didn't come with any manuals your video helps out tremedously..If I could ask a noobie question how do you know when to go stiffer on the fork spring ?? I'm guessing when you go full stiff on the settings and it still bottoms out or is there a specific measurement that I should take ?? Thanks

[Johnnysshop]

@bigmike690smc Glad I could help! Yeah, it will bottom out fairly easily but there is no "sag" setting like there is on the rear as a guide. Just trial and error.

[bigmike690smc]

@Johnnysshop I found an online manual in my searches and it appears because I have the XL frame it came with the stiffest spring but I'll double check that of course..."Sag" that was the measurement I was thinking of !! LOL Thanks again and ride safe, Mike..

[Johnnysshop]

@bigmike690smc Thanks, you too! XL must be tall! My short butt rides a medium!

[bigmike690smc]

@Johnnysshop LOL yeah I'm 6'8" w/38" inseam !!

[Johnnysshop]

@bigmike690smc You got a foot on me! LOL

[connollyp]

Exactly what I needed man, thanks!

[Johnnysshop]

@connollyp Thanks, glad I could help!

[bebobebobebo1]

how do find reliability of th erear fox shock? Nice video though

[Johnnysshop]

@bebobebobebo1 Thanks, I've always like the fox shocks. No issues.

[aardappelpitsap]

I dont understand your bikes setup? you have a fully with a recon fork but normal road tires? So why full, and why not a stiff fork?

[Johnnysshop]

@aardappelpitsap I use the bike for both road and mountain. I just lock out the front fork and rear shock when on road. Having complete lock-out on both turns her into a rigid for the most part.

[DaCajun247]

I too have a Giant NRS, and I installed a Manitou Minute 100mm fork. Nice fork but I also need to replace the spring with a firmer one. Hopefully it is as easy as what you have shown.

[Johnnysshop]

@DaCajun247 Cross your fingers! I sold it last year, really wish I would have kept it. I might get another.

[nitronovice]

my tora 302 is very 'sticky'. it was silky smooth when i got it, and i keep it clean often. any ideas?

[Johnnysshop]

@nitronovice Probably time to change the bushings. I think SRAM (rockshox) has a write up on their site on how to do it.

[Johnnysshop]

@mudmaster3000 Not usually..

[EmilioSanchez1980]

Nicely explaned, I just ordered Rock Shox Tora, do you have any other posted regarding the full installation of the fork. The hardtail I have is a 2008 GT Outpost. And another quick one for you, how would you rate the Lapierre Tecnic 700FS, I have one on order. Sorry for the questions, thanks again!

[Johnnysshop]

@EmilioSanchez1980 Sorry for the delay... I have a video on here on cutting down the fork tube which should get you started. I haven't had any experience with that bike but it does look very nice for the price!

[EmilioSanchez1980]

@Johnnysshop Thanks again man. Need to change my existing front fork ASAP, I think I have about 5mm travel on these crappy Suntour Forks, I came off twice today on the trail..... Take it easy.

[bikeskills]

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BIKESKILLS CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE AND YOU'LL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED TO TO WIN A FREE FO RACING SHOX F100 RLC!

[SLENDERZ2k11]

my bike has thses forks: Suntour XCM Lockout 100mm.... they have a + and - sign on a knob on the left and lockout knob on the right they have nothing on the bottom. could you please explain the "+ and -"?

(what they do).

[Johnnysshop]

@SLENDERZ2k11 Not knowing that particular fork I would guess it is for rebound or it even could be dampening. Is there a small knob on the bottom of the fork?

[AndrewMillerB]

Was that the preload adjuster that you unscrewed to get the spring out? You kept calling it a cap so i'm not sure. (I have a Dart 3)

[Johnnysshop]

@AndrewMillerB No, on this one it was just a cap.. Others may have preload there. I know my old Fox did.

[eckoblaze]

i got a pike 09 can i do the same? besides removing detent ball bearings/springs with magnet heres the instruction what i found sram.com/_media/techdocs/05Pik­eSLRaceTeamCoilService.pdf

i wanted to shortcut all that just do the left leg installing new spring without removing everything..tnx in advance.

[Johnnysshop]

@eckoblaze You sure can!

[phillymacster]

sweet wheels!

[Johnnysshop]

@phillymacster Thanks!

[2win2rbo]

I have a SR Suntour XCP-75 front suspension fork. Would I do the same with it?

[Johnnysshop]

@2win2rbo Not sure on the Suntour but most are similar.

[herc2712]

i have xc_pro fork is the pocedure the same

[Johnnysshop]

@herc2712 Should be similar

[TheMegaPaintballer]

i have a rock shox boxxer ride downhill fork is that the same because i have a heavier spring in and want to put a lighter one in

[Johnnysshop]

@TheMegaPaintballer I believe they are but I'm not 100% sure. I've honestly never taken down a downhill fork.

[TheSaxplaya1]

stick your finger in it and pull it out wtf!!

[Johnnysshop]

@TheSaxplaya1 LOL.. That;s what she said

[oldescot]

Dude, thanks for the info! I am curious though: I have a Specialized Hardrock 2010 version - it has front suspension. Would I do the same as you did in the video, or is the process different for different bike manufacturers?

[Johnnysshop]

@oldescot Bike mfg doesn't matter, the mfg of the fork would make the difference. They are all similar though.

[TheMtbBeginner]

The wheel is soo thin o.o

[Johnnysshop]

@TheMtbBeginner Yeah, just a road tire on it in this vid

[gundam395]

I use a sr xcm. i rode through mud and i jammed the forks with dirt and mud. i dont know how to take it apart. my forks are stuck!

[Johnnysshop]

@gundam395 I'm not sure on those. Are they the older ones with the rubber boots on them?

[gundam395]

@Johnnysshop i think

[Johnnysshop]

@gundam395 Hmm.. not sure on that one

[aaaznlad]

Hi mate, i've got the RockShox Recon 327 solo air shock, is it possible to add lockout? If so what would i need, Thanks

[Johnnysshop]

@aaaznlad Not that I'm aware of

[aaaznlad]

Hi mate, i've got the RockShox Recon 327 solo air shock, is it possible to add lockout? If so what would i need, Thanks

[summitguy800]

Sweet could you send me the link

[Johnnysshop]

@summitguy800 wwwpricepointcom

[summitguy800]

Where can i buy new springs ?

[Johnnysshop]

@summitguy800 I got mine from Price Point. Online store.

[g234z]

i have a kent glendale cs bike, i need to replace front shocks, are they 1 piece? or do i have to change the whole fork??

[Johnnysshop]

@g234z Those aren't really that serviceable. You'd pretty much have to replace them.

[cbeatletat1]

Great Vid! Does this procedure work on forks with U-turn springs as well?

[Johnnysshop]

@cbeatletat1 It should...

[over40rocks]

hi Johnnysshop

I'm talking about a screw , bolt, under the fork the bottom of it, I was thinking it was for draining the oil from a fork ,but  just watching you vid. I learned there is only a spring im my fork ,so what is it for ???

[Johnnysshop]

@over40rocks The spring is what actually gives you suspension, the oil regulates it's movement.

[over40rocks]

Hi Johnnysshop thanks for vid. question, my fork has skrue on the bottom of the fork(under ) do you know what is for ? I would really app. thanx again.

[Johnnysshop]

@over40rocks You mean for the wheels? Do you have a pic?

[Lunarlaserranging]

i hate forks with plastic parts in that is just cheap and a sign they wont last five mins. all teh forks on the market at the moment seem pretty crap for what you pay. I still have not seen any forks that are motorcycle spec quality which is exactly what we need. using rubber seals on air susupension is a bad idea due to heat buildup. they should be using all metal parts for seals. it seems like manafactures are happy to keep mtb stuff puny and weak. why is this

[Johnnysshop]

@Lunarlaserranging Yeah, it sucks that a $700 fork has anything cheap on it but they do :(

[Lunarlaserranging]

suck is a word that i do not use to describe my dissapointment of all the garbage that every factory on this earth produces. The thing is they could make things more near indestrucatabel but they wont because then people would not buy new stuff. this is the whole problem they make stuff desinged to break apart so people will cue up for more stuff. this more than sucks its beyond outrageos. I don't have words for such a corrupt world. Why are we forced to make do with rubbish

[Lunarlaserranging]

the only solution i can think of is find a private company that specializes in custom made suspenion forks. that is the only way i would be happy but i'd still probably not be happy for very long. I guess we are not very advanced beings and it is somethign you just have to accept and live with. I wish we could be more advanced.

[insanitylevel99]

how much did the new spring cost u

[Johnnysshop]

@insanitylevel99 I think about $20

[insanitylevel99]

@Johnnysshop

thanks

[DRZ146]

thankyou. great video. When i unscrew my front fork the cap does not come off, it just keeps twisting, please tell me why thats happening.

[Johnnysshop]

@DRZ146

I'd have to see it. Try just pulling up on it. May have ome pressure on it

[DRZ146]

@Johnnysshop

thanks, i got it. Actually i adjusted the spring cap and while i was riding the cap fell off and the spring went flyieng out of the fork, actually swept my face. I looked at the cap and noticed it was hardened plastic. I do not want that heppening again because i fear it will be much worse next time. Do you have any ideas for what i should do? maybe buy a metal cap?

[Johnnysshop]

@DRZ146

Most of them are plastic. Put some plumbers tape on it and tighten it up. Not too tight! Not sure if they sell alum specific caps or not....

[DRZ146]

@Johnnysshop

oh ok. Is there a way to turn a spring fork into an air pressure fork?

[Johnnysshop]

@DRZ146 No, not that I know of

[F41LZz]

@DRZ146 lol no there almost completely different forks, u r able to change a air to spring tho. anyway if u don't mind the weight spring fork there a lot better

[sotorarroz]

hi. i have a rs sunset front suspension coil. i want to tune it , but the nob only indicates + and - ... its very hard to spin the nob, what the + and - means ?? i dont want to break the nob. i need to know this before spin it. tks

[Johnnysshop]

Probably rebound (how quickly the fork reacts)

[AdSchmuki]

do you have any idea on how to loosen shocks that are tight and arent adjustable? or do i need to throw away like 500dollars for better shocks

[Johnnysshop]

What kinda shock?

[AdSchmuki]

sr suntour?

[Johnnysshop]

Shoot, I have no idea on that one. Might be some that cannot be serviced

[ilchma]

@AdSchmuki FOX

[iloper]

Hi

can i change internally a Tora XC 80mm to 100 or 120=?

Great vid!

[Johnnysshop]

I know on the newer 80mm you can usually go to 100mm by moving the spacer. I'm not 100% sure this is the same on all years of Rock Shox. Not sure if you can go to 120mm at all. You can always go down by adding spacers just not always up. Typically 100mm and 80mm forks have the same tubes with a spacer.

[cgariel]

What kind of oil/grease do you use for suspension?

[Johnnysshop]

Some Fox stuff I had from when I rebuilt and RL80 I had. The label is peeled off so I don't know the exact part number of it. I know Park has some pretty good stuff.

[shadowwii11]

Nice video hey dude i got a question how much is ur giant bike?

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks! You can pick them up stock (mine has upgraded components) for 500-700 actually. It's an 05 Giant NRS 2. The only full suspension rig I've found that rides like a hard-tail on the long hills.

[blazian1011]

very helpful. Thanx for the upload!

[Johnnysshop]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[Leok450]

nice vid, and i was wondering what type of suspension you have. I have a coil spring in both of the fork things, and mine is not an air suspension so yeah. It moves very stiff, so i decided to take it apart and see. I turned out that in one of the springs, there was a peg that didnt let it compress lol.

[Johnnysshop]

I'm using a Recon made by Rockshox. You have a coil in both sides? What mfg?

[Cheesysk8tr]

What happens about the other fork leg, do you do the same to that too?

[Johnnysshop]

No, forks only have 1 spring.

[Cheesysk8tr]

also just want to ask whats in the other leg? Thanks

[frankster262]

you know i learned something, i always there were 2 springs in a fork one on each side... i dont know much about how stuff like how to put it together only basic maintence and how to ridde =)

[Johnnysshop]

Glad I could help. Yeah, riding is the fun part!

[frankster262]

yup =)

[applerules100]

how do we know if we are getting the correct spring. i got the spring out of my rock shox dart 2 suspension and they are too hard. how do i know which spring is good and not too long or too short. but great walk through thingy

[Johnnysshop]

You can go to Rock Shox website and get part numbers so you know you're getting the right one. The springs are usually marked with a color as far as rates. I think stock is a red mark, which I believe is a medium(don't quote me on that).

[applerules100]

all right thanks

[applerules100]

sorry but how do i get part numbers

[blocparty121]

Nice video you explained it really well!

What tires you running on that bike, they look pretty slick.

[Johnnysshop]

They are some cheapo Performance cycle Forte models that actually work pretty well. I got them on sale for 6.99 each. Couldn't pass it up.

[deffectx]

that was great