|   Reduced Black 80/100 travel - WTF? | mtnpat
Jan 10, 2003 9:29 AM | | Anyone else own a 2003 Manitou Black Elite 80/100? If so, have you measured the amount of travel you actually get?
I measured in "100mm" mode, that I only get 75mm. In "80mm" mode, I think I only measured 50mm of travel.
I do recall reading in the Manitou tech manual, that if there was too much oil in the dampening side, that you could end up with reduced travel. I got this fork brand new, and am ASSuming that they shipped the fork with the correct oil level for the TPC+ cartridge. Tonight I will check it myself.
thanks for any comments, answers, questions. |
| Definately check the oil... | Squash
Jan 10, 2003 10:43 AM | | and a question. How were you checking the travel. You MUST ride the bike to effectively check the travel! YOU CANNOT get it right by simply pushing down on the handle bars in the drive way! The only time you should get FULL travel is on the very biggest hits. Also you MUST bottom out the fork to get full travel. If you could get full travel by pushing down on the handle bars your fork would bottom out constantly on the trail. On an average you should probably only use about 75 to 80% of your total travel on a moderate trail. When stuff starts getting rough, drops get big etc., then you should use the full travel. Sounds like maybe your fork is just fine. If your oil is set right then what's the rest of your set up? That could have something to do with it to. You don't give a whole lot of info about what makes you think your fork is not getting full travel so it's tough to give you any more suggestions.
Good Dirt |
| Definately check the oil... | mtnpat
Jan 10, 2003 11:34 AM | | Thanks for the input. To answer your question, the way I was checking travel was with the ty-rap on the stanchion tube method. And yes I was just testing it on the driveway...actually by standing and jumping all of my weight onto the front end of the bike. As you said, maybe that is not enough to bottom out the fork. Sure seems like it has no more to give though! I seem to remember using this method of "squashing" (heh heh) the front end when I had my X-Vert on there, and I got the travel readings I was expecting. I could be wrong though.
My setup is a 98 FSR Comp w/Fox coil shock on back. The BLACK fork is stock as far as oil and compression dampening settings. I will check the oil level this evening, and the actual travel while on the trail this Sunday when I hit some good old East Coast rock riding.
Thanks for your time. |
| Another thing you may want to do... | Squash
Jan 12, 2003 2:37 AM | | is adjust your compression damping down a bit. The compression damper can have a LARGE affect on travel. If your compression damping is set too high for the terrain and/or your riding style it can slow the forks compression to the point that the fork is not capable of getting full travel unless your drop of the roof of your house! The stock settings may well be two high for you and your riding style. Fiddle with the settings you might be surprised. 90% of fork travel problems, either not getting full travel, harsh top out, or constant bottoming out, are due to setup. The three keys to proper set up are the correct spring rate for your weight, correct compression damper settings (if adjustable), and correct rebound damper settings (if adjustable). Other settings that are not commonly a problem but can have an effect are oil levels and oil weight. Another thing to think about, it sounds like a NEW fork. New forks (no matter who makes them) do require a little "break in" time. Things that are new, like the seals and bushings, are tight and cause friction. They require a little riding time to loosen up and wear in. This can also affect getting full travel by slowing things down due to excess friction. Given a little time and the proper set up you should be able to get full travel from the fork within + or - 3 to 5mm.
Good Dirt |
| Travel figures seem to be inflated......... | Bumpy
Jan 10, 2003 4:34 PM | | If you search down lots of posts there is the same topic but regarding Psylo forks.
Seems the 80/100 and 100/125 figures are actual max. mechanical movement with springs, internal rubber bumpers and dampers removed; NOT what would be considered the actual usable riding travel. Actual usable travel maybe ~15-20% less - your mileage may vary. |
| inflated??? No, it is a COIL shock | mtnpat
Jan 13, 2003 10:08 AM | | just kidding, thanks for the response. I think you are right! |
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