Suitable Forks Recommendation Please

[Tubamanandy]

I`m looking for a decent set of steel front suspension forks to stick a 350W Bafang BPM2 motor in but havn`t a clue what to model look for.

I know you cant go too far wrong with Suntour or Fox ? front forks but dont know which model to aim for to give enough strength to cope with the motor and a good compromise with price.

Anyone know if you would still need torque arms with strong/good quality forks ?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Zoom forks are often steel.

 

[Tubamanandy]

Are they more or less all suitable (100mm) for powerful motors ?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The steel ones are. They do triple clamp ones, as fitted to the Muddyfox Silverfox. They have Bigfoot written on them.

You need the correct diameter steerey tube - probably 1 1/8" but check. The steerer tube must be long enough, so check yours. If you switch from threaded to unthreaded or vice versa, you'll need a new stem too, and a headset.

 

[Tubamanandy]

Alot of the Rock Shox seem to have Magnesium that clamp to the axle - I'm guessing steel is preferred for a good motor or is Magnesium strong enough ? Very important question for me

 

[trex]

you need good experience to fit a front BPM motor to magnesium lowers.
The motor will break the jaws in seconds on startup without torque arms.

 

[Tubamanandy]

Trex, thanks for responding and good job I asked the question Just need to find a good steel set now with suspension.

 

[Tubamanandy]

Looks like I`m going to have to stick with non-suspension front forks (really dont want to) as simply cannot find any steel suspension forks that are suitable for 26" wheels and 1 1/8" and take disc brakes........such a shame. I wonder what other people use with the big front motors ?

 

[Alan Quay]

Looks like I`m going to have to stick with non-suspension front forks (really dont want to) as simply cannot find any steel suspension forks that are suitable for 26" wheels and 1 1/8" and take disc brakes........such a shame. I wonder what other people use with the big front motors ?

Assuming you are not off roading, front suspension is waste of time anyway. If you want comfort, fit some balloon tyres, like Schwalbe Fat Frank or Big Apple and run them on the soft side.

If you are used to knoblies you'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[trex]

don't worry too much about breaking your fork. Just to be extra careful with the fitting of the motor wheel. Fit both torque arms and post a couple of pictures here where experienced members can check for you before riding the new bike.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHOCKWAVE-Disc-Braked-Suspension-FORKS-with-11-8-A-Heah-Steerer-for-26-Wheels-/261497479391?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3ce276e0df

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOUNTAIN-BIKE-SUSPENSION-FORK-/221341677166?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3388fdf66e

These were from the first two pages. There's 15 pages if you set the price to £50 max.

 

[Tubamanandy]

Again, thanks for the help - just ordered one (all steel with disc brake fitting)