front suspension fork for 700c wheels

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bobalou
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by bobalou

I figured I'd ask this in the MTB area .. even though I'm looking for a front suspension fork for a road bike. I want to get one for long-distance touring and for randonneur riding. I'm a self confessed dumb-ass on this subject so hope you can help!

If you know of one with lockout that would fit a 700c wheel please let me know about it .. or tell me if maybe a MTB front shock can easily accomodate or be modified for a 700c? Your help appreciated! If it's light that's a plus of course.

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nikh
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by nikh

You need an 1" steerer tube?

White brothers can accomodate 700cc not sure if if has lock-out or not.

Pace might be able to help you.

Could be others but I'm not quite sure.
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yoko
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by yoko

Rock Shox have a suspension fork build for road bikes. Size is for either 26" or 700c.

Model name is GPS Metro or GPS Europa. It's 50-60mm but is heavy. Weight is about 4.5-5 pounds.

As for the lock out I'm not sure if they still offer it. I saw the old Ruby model before with a lockout but I don't know if it was aftermarket.

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Florian
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by Florian

RST and SR Suntour offer relatively light 700C suspension forks.
If you're using road brake calipers calipers, the RST Corsa might be worth looking:
http://www.rst.com.tw/pr/front/rst/roadbike/corsa.htm

I've only tried RST steel/MCU spring fork so far, but they're not the best in terms of durability (the bushings need to be replaced often).

Manitou offers also 700C forks (Luxe series):
http://www.answerproducts.com/depts.asp ... familyid=7
Performance is top-notch from what I've heard.

Last not least there are two German manufacturers with interesting 700C forks:
the German:A GA-force roadster parallelogram fork and the Acros Crypt 28".
But beware: both are relatively expensive.

RockShox GPS forks are heavy and lack good suspension performance.

I'd recommend you either a Manitou Luxe or a SR Suntour NRX.
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bobalou
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by bobalou

Thanks for the links, Florian. I like the looks of the magnesium RST-Corsa. Alas, I don't think it's offered for sale in the U.S. but I'll look further. I'd heard that Manitou offered a 700c and thanks for the link. I've been trying to find their website (manitou's), does it exist anywhere?

I am familiar with the Rockshox, Yoko but no lockout. Lockout's an important feature to me, especially if it's for long-distance riding, it's such a waste the bobbing when climbing.

Nikh, I checked the White bros. "big wheel" which they say takes a 29" wheel (that's 730 cm!). I wonder what kind of riding it's intended for? (remember, I'm a dumb-ass on this subject!). Anyway, it has a lockout and looks like the crapola to me.

nikh wrote:You need an 1" steerer tube?


I don't have the frame yet so can't say for sure, but most likely will be a 1-1/8". I'm looking at the Moots YYB Vamoots and cringing at spending the bucks for the frame.. but if I'm really going to get into Randonneur then I want to build the best bike for it. I'll use my regular ride for the upcoming 200k (early April) but would like to upgrade. Long hours on a bike, comfort and efficiency are the most important things.

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Frankie - B
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by Frankie - B

Rock shox used to make a 700c front shock with the looks of the rst. I think it was called ruby.

Good luck!
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Tim the Pineapple
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by Tim the Pineapple

Get a Winwood air fork for 29er (29" = 700c) supposedly its light and the whole fork is made out of carbon fiber.

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Frankie - B
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by Frankie - B

Tim, a roadie doesn't use discs nor v's
'Tape was made to wrap your GF's gifts, NOT hold a freakin tire on.'
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bobalou
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by bobalou

Tim the Pineapple wrote:Get a Winwood air fork for 29er (29" = 700c) supposedly its light and the whole fork is made out of carbon fiber.


Do you have a link for that, Tim? I've found what appears to be their website but no mention of a suspension fork:

:arrow: http://www.winwoodbikeparts.com/forks.html

willf03
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by willf03

Why don't you buy a burly carbon road fork like woundup, and put a softride stem on your bike. It would save a bunch of weight and hassle. Only problem is I don't think that softride make the stems anymore, it would be something you'd have to look around for to find. Softride is located near me, so I could look into it if you are interested. There is always ebay too.

Tim the Pineapple
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by Tim the Pineapple

Frankie - B wrote:Tim, a roadie doesn't use discs nor v's


right but you can run canti's

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Frankie - B
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by Frankie - B

youre right about that!

Only the looks aren't great! :(
'Tape was made to wrap your GF's gifts, NOT hold a freakin tire on.'
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Tim the Pineapple
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by Tim the Pineapple

Weight is listed at 1750g and 1850g for air and coil forks respectively. Both have 85mm travel with lockout. Retail will be $395 and $345 respectively.

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bobalou
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by bobalou

willf03 wrote:Why don't you buy a burly carbon road fork like woundup, and put a softride stem on your bike. It would save a bunch of weight and hassle. Only problem is I don't think that softride make the stems anymore, it would be something you'd have to look around for to find. Softride is located near me, so I could look into it if you are interested. There is always ebay too.


Good suggestion, Will. I've heard of a softride stem.. and I have a search saved on eBay. You have a pic anywhere or link? Would it possibly have a lockout feature?

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bobalou
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by bobalou

Tim the Pineapple wrote:
Frankie - B wrote:Tim, a roadie doesn't use discs nor v's


right but you can run canti's


I think I'd like to run cantilever brakes for long distance touring .. but would consider disc's I think they're starting to come into their own for touring or maybe even cross.

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