I,m rebuilding my old steel cindercone, Id like to put suspension forks on it, can anybody reccommend any specfically for this bike, and will this throw the bikes geomentry way out?
Ok forgive my basic knowledge, I know what a headtube length is and I know wahat a steerer tube length is, but im not sure what you mean by 1'' steerer!
The diameter of the steerer tube, the standard on older bikes was a 1" diameter but that changed a few years back to 1 1/8". How old is the bike and what forks are fitted to it at present? This may help determine the steerer tube size, or a ruler will work too of course. I agree with Rick on the travel of the forks, anything much above 80mm will make the head angle too relaxed and probably will put undustress on the headtube and welds.
A bike shop will easily be able to tell what size steerer tube you've got.
Alternatively measure across the top of the headtube with the headset removed and that is your head size. I've got a 1" steerer on my bike and it is noticably narrower just by looking at it than a newer bike with the fairly standard 1 1/8" steerer these days. Compare it to a friends newish bike and that'll give you a fair idea.
Failing that take the forks or frame to a bike shop.
The bike is 13 years old, it still has the original Jo Murray Project 2 forks on it. Not taken the headset to bits yet but it must be 1'' steerer, given its age. so guess im looking at Pace or Marzocchi up to 80mm of travel? Not looking for anything to expensive £150 ish any suggestions?
I've got last years MXC with ECC in a 1" steerer on my bike. They were £200 and Marzocchi are savvy enough to knock the travel down to 80mm for you in the knowledge that 1" steerers are older bikes and don't have the geometry for 100mm forks. Works OK for me, although the bike was designed with Quadra 21's in mind and I think they came with 63mm of travel.
Then again, for ultimate masochism you could go the single speed fully rigid route...
