So, I've been in the process of a mental construction of my first build. I'm ordering a 80cc (68cc) Skyhawk engine kit from Spooky Tooth Cycles tonight. Then I'll be in search of the ideal bike. I'm really drawn to the idea of a old Schwinn, but then installing a suspension fork with disk brakes to it. Unfortunately, I don't know the first thing about the sizing of forks in comparison to the frame. Not sure if my question is more belonging on a mountain bike thread or what, but figure there is someone on here who can help. Are forks universal in size? Are there any major red flags I'm unaware of in doing this?
Suspension Fork on Cruiser
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Salty Gator
New Member
Check out Venice Motor Bikes link here....he's built all kinds of bikes with suspension forks and disc brakes....an incredibly gifted guy ....
Salty
I've been exploring the same idea and here's what I've discovered by asking.
Older, earlier high end mountain bikes with suspension forks used a 1" steerer. Not so on the new generation. They've all gone to 1 1/8". I was told to check out thrift stores, used bike places and garage sales for an older MTB. The stem length is also important.
I was told early Rock Shock (not sure of the spelling) forks are 1" but they're getting hard to find.
Keep us informed. I'm sure there are quite a few cruiser owners who'd like to add a little softness to their rides. The springers just don't seem to offer the same degree of shock absorbing I've felt on a suspension fork.
Tom
Older, earlier high end mountain bikes with suspension forks used a 1" steerer. Not so on the new generation. They've all gone to 1 1/8". I was told to check out thrift stores, used bike places and garage sales for an older MTB. The stem length is also important.
I was told early Rock Shock (not sure of the spelling) forks are 1" but they're getting hard to find.
Keep us informed. I'm sure there are quite a few cruiser owners who'd like to add a little softness to their rides. The springers just don't seem to offer the same degree of shock absorbing I've felt on a suspension fork.
Tom
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Hammond Egger
New Member
I've struggled with this problem and decided to just buy a Grubee GT bicycle.
Dave31
Active Member
I swapped out the solid forks on my Della Cruz with some Omni's. The Omni's were off a MTB but I do not remember what bike. The steerer tube was too long and I had to cut it to fit. But other then that it was a straight swap.
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The_Aleman
Active Member
I've put RockShox on a cruiser twice: first time back in 1997 on a Schwinn Cruiser Six and second time last year on my '99 Knuckle. Once you know the steering tube diameter on your frame, it's pretty straightforward and easy to do.
On my SC6, it was a direct swap - both were 1 1/8", threaded, and had same head tube height. I bought the fork + brakes used from a friend who broke his Specialized Rockhopper, and I ran into no snags whatsoever when I put them on my bike. Even the V-brakes (which were relatively exotic at the time) fit on my rear Diacomp brake posts. The end result was a pleasing upgrade!
For my Knuckle aka "OCD", I bought a new threadless RockShox Dart 2 disc brake fork in 1 1/8" from BlueSkyCycling.com as well as a stem for a total of only $105. When they arrived and I went to install, I found that I needed to get a threadless headset (wiki link for diff), another $20 from my LBS. If you are switching from threaded to threadless, you must replace the bearing cups, which are included in a threadless headset kit. You must also have a stem for threadless forks.
New threadless suspension forks always come with a very long steering tube so that you can cut it to personally fit your ride. It's an easy swap and worth it, IMHO.
On my SC6, it was a direct swap - both were 1 1/8", threaded, and had same head tube height. I bought the fork + brakes used from a friend who broke his Specialized Rockhopper, and I ran into no snags whatsoever when I put them on my bike. Even the V-brakes (which were relatively exotic at the time) fit on my rear Diacomp brake posts. The end result was a pleasing upgrade!
For my Knuckle aka "OCD", I bought a new threadless RockShox Dart 2 disc brake fork in 1 1/8" from BlueSkyCycling.com as well as a stem for a total of only $105. When they arrived and I went to install, I found that I needed to get a threadless headset (wiki link for diff), another $20 from my LBS. If you are switching from threaded to threadless, you must replace the bearing cups, which are included in a threadless headset kit. You must also have a stem for threadless forks.
New threadless suspension forks always come with a very long steering tube so that you can cut it to personally fit your ride. It's an easy swap and worth it, IMHO.
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rockndrole
New Member
Hi dave31
i am a glad we both have same taste, i want to add Suspension Fork on genesis onyx 29''cruiser bike, can you tell me what kind of suspension i have to look for or what i need to keep in mind when looking for one
oldtimer54
Member
I just did this with my cruser. Find the thickness of the steerer tube and if it has threads or not and go from there. I had to extend the threads on my 1" steerer tube and I had to cut it down to size of old tube. You can see how it came out in my putting a 6.5 hp engine on a bike thread. I bought my forks from AGK and he realy went beyond the call of duty helping me. The ones I bought cost less then $100.
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Gary Harris
New Member
Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't find a threadless headset for a 1 1/8" steerer tube that will work with a 1" designed head tube.
Hi all here is a link to pic of my 1965 western flyer with a M/B fork i was a easy swap nothing special. http://motorbicycling.com/attachments/f41/38930d1312640407-western-flyer-cruiser-aka-amf-wf1.jpg
rockndrole
New Member
rockndrole
New Member
Hi Don
i got a 29'' bike and can i use 26'' bike forks and what do i need to save from the bike i am taking forks
i got a 29'' bike and can i use 26'' bike forks and what do i need to save from the bike i am taking forks