Cannondale Lefty 50hr Service using the r.s.p. Lefty Service Kit

Robbie explains how to carry out a 50 hour service on a Cannondale Lefty fork using the r.s.p. Lefty Service Kit.
r.s.p. product in our shop: bit.ly/rbc_rsp...
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[@r.s.p.bikecare8383]

We are proud of such partners!!!

[@josedhernandez7777]

Hi guys, If i cannot find lefty lube from rsp for the 2.0 lefty would you recommend using rsp damp champ and if so what WT ? Thank you

[@dereksmith7965]

Thank you very much from the US

[@matteotini]

Hi Robbie, first of all congratulations for your videos, they are really useful and very clear. I have a workshop where I do maintenance on forks and shocks and recently I have had maintenance requests for Lefty Ocho forks. Where can I find special tools for this fork? I asked Andreani Group where I get the various spare parts and tools, but they don't have these items. Thanks for your time

[@sergio_af81]

Hello, this procedure can also be used for a lefty OPI Speed 100 mm (2011) Thanks.

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Sergio, this procedure is meant for the lefty forks with the lower collar and seal, if you have the boot then you need to apply slick kick grease to the bearings and not the oil. This should be done by stripping the fork and cleaning the bearings and slides before refitting eith grease. I recommend this is done by a professional suspension workshop

[@timminehan3836]

Can the Lefty 2 lower leg be pulled down like your Ocho video? What special tools are required to replace the lower seal and bearings? Are you able to do a lower leg and damper rebuild video for the Lefty 2?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi @timminehan3836 thanks for your message and support of our channel. The lefty 2 leg will also come out of the upper as the Ocho although there are some other procedures but its essentially the same. You would need the lefty 2 castle tool to remove the cartridge otherwise the lower cannot be removed. Also a special tool is needed to refit the circle clip into the fork when the lower is refitted. I don't recommend this if you don't have the tools or experience.

[@Cyman75]

First off, thanks for your videos. I just found this channel, looking first Lefty service related information. So I was really happy to see these amazing tutorial videos. Now I got a question: Having owned a Cannondale Scalpel 2006 before, I love the Lefty. I am actually hesitating to buy a Lefty fork again and could either go for a Lefty Supermax Carbon 130mm or the Ocho 100 Alloy. While I still love the looks of the older Lefty suspensions, I am worried about not being able to get it serviced due to spare parts becoming more and more scarce (well, the other issue is that the clamp distance needs to fit the frame and I would have to get an adapter steer tube to fit a non-Cannondale frame. With all these things said, if going for the Ocho, I would definitely prefer the Ocho Carbon 120, but that is currently out of reach. The 100mm travel Alloy Ocho would fit my current bike, but I would lose 40mm of travel. That sounds like a lot of pros and cons, so my question @RBC_tech is whether you would recommend getting a “legacy. Lefty at all in 2024 or rather not. Thanks in advance for your input!

[@GleedSpeed44]

Brilliant video Robbie!

[@RBC_tech]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@luisrm1286]

Thanks Rob! Should be Interesting a similar video of Lefty 8. Best regards.

[@iangerald7415]

instaBlaster...

[@johnfrankimpeduglia4742]

Hello Robbie, great video. Does this service apply to Lefty 2.0 ELO (2001)? Also, do you know if an ELO can be retrofitted with a mechanical lockout switch?

[@czfw6y]

Hi John, unfortunately not, the lefty ELO has open bearings with the bellows for protection. The r.s.p kit is for the newer version which have the lower collar bushing and seal and use oil for lubricating the bearings snd not grease like the ELO. I believe that the Cannondale factory offered a mechanical lockout mech for the ELO back then but I think this is long out of stock. Check on E-BAY you might find some cartridges for sale with working electronics

[@joeswoods]

Hello, are your products available in the United States? I’m having a hard time finding the Lefty service kit. Great video!

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Joeswoods, thanks for your message and support of our channel. I don't believe the r.s.p product range is available to purchase in the USA. You can either purchase from us online or check with the r.s.p Europe supplier at www.rspbikecare.com/shop-english/

[@Kjiel]

I really liked your pump. Where can I get one of those? Thanks!

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Kjiel, thanks for you message and support of our channel. The shock pump I am using in the video is the DT Swiss workshop high pressure pump, rated to 450psi. The pump is available from us if you are in South Africa otherwise check ChainReactionCycles.com for the option to purchase in your country.

[@adrianlow8088]

Hi, that looks really slick. i have a Cannondale Bad Boy with Solo Lefty DL50 fork but unfortunately have no ready access to a qualified service center. May i know if i can use this for cleaning and lubing my fork? Thanks much and keep up the good work. Regards.

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Adrian, thanks for your message. Unfortunately the DL50 has the boot with open needle bearings so this needs to be greased and not oiled with the rsp lefty kit. As this is not a open bath system the oil would run out the boot. Here is a schematic of the fork www.tritoncycles.co.uk/fatty-dl50-parts-finder-i207 I recommend that the fork be serviced at a qualified service center as specific tools are required to open the cartridge to expose the bearings.

[@rodriguezahr]

Is it possible to send you an XLR 29er lefty for service ?

[@jannachname5050]

Hello, I bought this kit and in the shop, it said its compatible with the lefty supermax 2.0 pbr 27.5 160mm travel. Is that true and if so, is the procedure just like in your video? its from 2015

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Jan, yes this kit will work with the fork.

[@stevelapointe370]

Thanks for the video! Can the service kit be used on a 120mm Lefty 2.0 alloy OPI, 2Spring, PBR isolated damper technology? (2018 Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 Bike)

[@RBC_tech]

Yes, absolutely, no problem.

[@olivierrenaud7550]

Thanks for the video! If I don't have access to the rsp service kit, what can I use for the cleaner and the lube?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Olivier, for the service r.s.p have a specific cleaner that is approved by Cannondale and the lube is quite specific as well. Please try to access the correct r.s.p product here www.rsp.at/en/

[@olivierrenaud7550]

@@RBC_tech I see! Thanks a lot for tour help!

[@ragnarhultdin4206]

Does this function with the lefty carbon 2.0 from a cannondale scalpel si team hi-mod 2017. It have this lockout function and I’m also wondering what thats called

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Ragnar, yes this service will work for the Lefty carbon 2.0 you have. There are 2 lockout functions one is the manual button press with a green release button and the red rebound knob, the other is the hydraulic remote lever which has the red rebound knob under the hydraulic banjo.

[@thomascarter2587]

Thanks very much! WHERE CAN I FIND THE KIT???

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Thomas, thanks for your message and support of our channel. follow the link for a distributor in your location. www.rsp.at/en/distributors/

[@paulkdickson]

Care to tell me how to do this on a 2000ish Left DLR? :D

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Paul, the DLR has the boot so the service procedures is completely different. If you send me an email to [e-mail] I will send you a video when we have one on the service desk.

[@MP48]

Hi Paul, this DLR are quite simple. In a way similar to the Lefty 2.0 50hr service but the bearings are more accessible in that you can simply slide the boot down and lube the bearings with Finishline Wet lube. You can also get into the way Robbie does but you will need a top cap socket as well. Looking forward to more Lefty service video's from Robbie!!

[@josedhernandez7777]

Im looking at the manual for the name of the service , the service your performing in this video .... is this the telescope lub or damper service , or is it both ? Do you have a video if you have the xlr system ? Thanks

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Daniel, this is the telescope lube for the bearings and sliders. The damper service is much more involved and requires some very specific tools.

[@josedhernandez7777]

@@RBC_tech thank you very much for your reply, is the process any different if you have the lock out remote?

[@justking.4050]

Great video, new subscriber here. Do you know if lefty Olaf obsolete?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi @justking.4050 thanks for your message and support of our channel. Unfortunately Cannondale only offers full support for the current Ocho, even the lefty 2 parts are becoming hard to get.

[@justking.4050]

@@RBC_tech I just got a fat caad 1 with lefty Olaf. What do you suggest I do to maintain longevity? Thank you for your expertise

[@RBC_tech]

Hi @justking.4050, wow awesome bike, you must be stoked.. Ok my advise is to have the fork serviced according to the manufacturers recommendations or every 6 months whichever comes first. Seal kits are still available but hard parts like damper shafts and stanctions are not readily available so prevention is better than cure.

[@justking.4050]

@@RBC_tech I’m very excited my friend. Thank you. I plan to get it serviced immediately. Owner said the bike only has about 5 hours on it

[@luca010191]

This kit might be used for an old lefty speed carbon dlr2 '09? Thanks

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Luca, unfortunately not, this fork still has the open bearings with the bellows so the r.s.p kit wont be able to clean this. Furthermore the bearings require grease and not oil so its best to use the correct grease for this application. You will need to split the fork to do the service so my suggestion is to look for a good service centre that is able to assist.

[@luca010191]

@@RBC_tech thank you so much for the suggestion!

[@KorkmazKoray]

Hi, Do you know what kind of oils to be used for damper cartridge? 20wt or 5 wt? Or any brand?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi we use 5wt oil for the damper cartridge. Siloklene from Fuchs

[@bstdias]

The website doesn’t list United States as a shipping destination. Do you know if they ship to the USA??

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Bruno, thanks for your message, what lubes are you looking for? Also please send me an email to [e-mail] and I can put you in touch with the guys at rsp sales to check on the delivers in the USA.

[@ryankemp3602]

Is the process the same for the Lefty Oliver?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Ryan, yes this should work the same, the Oliver just has the shorter travel for gravel bikes but essentially works the same.

[@robertorr8842]

Hi, do you have a video for the new Ocho yet?

[@RBC_tech]

Thanks Robert, yes this is a planned video this year, hopefully by end Feb we will have something up.

[@RBC_tech]

The Ocho video is up Robert :)

[@ripper1975]

Hi! I have a lefty 2.0 and the red dial is really hard to push, and if I manage to unlock the fork, the green button sometimes pops out itself. I ride my bike with the lefty blocked most of the time. What can it be? something wrong with the cartridge? thanks.

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Pablo, thanks for your message and support of our channel. Your lefty 2.0 cartridge has gotten some water and dirt into the lockout tube. This tube sits under the red lockout knob and holds the lockout shaft and rebound rod. You will need to open the cartridge to clean this out and replace the seal at the bottom of the lockout rod. This needs to do done by a certified Lefty technician who has the tools and knowledge. Unfortunately the lockout knob does not completely seal so water can get into the lockout cup interface and effect the spring and o-ring inside the rebound rod.

[@emilnyman9712]

@@RBC_tech If the lockout is harsh its probably caused by water entering the road but this sounds more like there is to much pressure in the cartridge.

[@PresidentCamacho2024]

can this service kit also be used for a 2009 lefty speed carbon dlr sl?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi President Camacho, this service can only be performed on the lefty 1 and 2 with the collar and not the boot.

[@rodriguezahr]

I wish I can send you my lefty to do a full service to it.

[@RBC_tech]

Hi thanks for your message and greetings to Lebanon. I would gladly assist you with a service, however I believe that the cost of sending this to South Africa is more expensive than sending it to Europe for a service. If you wish I can check the cost for you. Please send me an email to [e-mail] with your address and I will get a quote from some couriers.

[@rodriguezahr]

@@RBC_tech email sent 🙏

[@homerjt1]

Great, and now for Ocho please!

[@RBC_tech]

Coming soon, just did the shoot today..

[@RBC_tech]

It's up :)

[@dha588]

My lefty is making a rubbing sound when I compress. How do i fix that?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi David, thanks for your message, this sounds like it could be the sliders and bearings that are rough or damaged. What happens is the needle bearings make grooves in the sliders which cause a rubbing sound when the fork is compressed. This is a job for a authorized lefty workshop as the fork will need to be dissembled and the sliders turned round and polished, I would recommend changing the bearing at the same time.

[@apeiron1984]

50 hours means what? 50 hours of usage? It's 5-10 trips?

[@daltoncopeland5707]

does this work for 2006 speed carbon fox terralogic

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Dalton, thanks for your message, unfortunately you have the lefty with the boot and exposed bearings, this needs to be completely dissembled and re-greased so you cannot use the same method as the newer lefties with the collar.

[@daltoncopeland5707]

Thank you for letting me know

[@rifraga]

EXcelente!!

[@robrttpandelache2660]

Hello, what îs the dimension of the key țo open the fork, 24?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi Robert, thanks for your message and support of our channel. The green socket tool is a specific Cannondale tool and the dimension is 36mm socket, for the low air nut the socket is 26mm

[@robrttpandelache2660]

@@RBC_tech Thank You so muchh👏

[@GWAYGWAY1]

The algorithm brought it to me, the question is what the hell is a 'lefty.' It look like a one sided bike fork, but what is it for against normal forks???????

[@RBC_tech]

You'll have to ask Cannondale :)

[@trevorjames5493]

So there's a guy that's selling a 2013 PBR Lefty fork and I was going to buy it for my Cannondale ryze4 , it's for a 29er but my bike is 26inch so I'm not even sure if it will work but he said it needs to be rebuilt or repinned, and I have no idea what that means but if it requires sending it to Cannondale then it's not really worth it to buy it correct? Because I mean if you're saying every 50 hours you need to do that than a fork from 10 years ago I'm sure would need a lot more attention? Also if I just said screw the rebuild could I just use the fork the way it is in it's current condition? or would it not work at all? I contacted a few bike shops in my area with the same questions but they said that they're not Cannondale dealers so they don't have proper answers for me. So after you I will probably just contact Cannondale but if you can help me out with the servicing part and letting me know if it's even worth it to buy he selling it for $170 canadian plus it will be about $40 shipping. And also if the 29er would fit on my 26 inch cannondale ryze 4. Any advice or knowledge you can share with me would be greatly appreciated thank you for your time!!!!

[@RBC_tech]

Hi @trevorjames5493, thanks for your message and support of our channel. The Lefty PBR that you are looking at is the non boost model, lefty 1 which is now obsolete and there are currently no parts available for service other than the bearings and the bushing collar. If you decide to purchase the fork it will most probably be 100mm travel and the ryze4 should have 140mm travel in the front. Its possible that the fork height will work for the bike given that the bike comes with 140mm travel so the added height of the 29er fork on the 26" bike should be negated, but you will still only have 100mm travel which will negatively affect the bikes ride capabilities.

[@trevorjames5493]

@@RBC_tech so due to the parts no longer being available and the less amount of travel on the lefty I should just keep my original forks your suggesting?

[@RBC_tech]

Hi James, what forks do you currently have on the bike?

[@RBC_tech]

I forgot to mention that you would need to change your front hub to accommodate the lefty, also the question I would like to ask is why you want to change the fork on your bike?