How To Install Forks | MTB Maintenance

One of the best upgrades for a bike is a new set of forks. Neil shows you how to fit them fuss free!
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Neil is in the workshop showing us how to remove and fit a new set of forks. He also gives you some useful advice on the measurements and spec of forks to think about when buying the correct set for your bike.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@JazzieN]

Every tutorial is bang on, especially if your building a bike. Just finished my build tonight and watched every vid relating to my build. Nice one guys.

[@SynchroFPS]

Ik this is 6 months ago, but I'm in the process of building a bike. I'm waiting for some wheels and a tire to come in and I've got everything. Been perusing these videos as well. :D

[@nav2009]

no it's not . They talk so much ! Shocking ! Tech words ! I could explain building a PC better

[@nicholasjohnston6020]

You have forgotten about the star nut in the steerer

[@ketmax2805]

B W the star nut is the nut that your top cap bolt to make the headset tight

[@edwinenela]

damn, the most difficult part he left out!

[@edwinenela]

i managed to pull it in just with a threaded rod and some nuts and a stem cap!

[@phatmeow7764]

I just installed my 1st MTB fork solo and i have to say i couldn't have done it w/o watching this video! Keep up the good work GMBN!

[@droplet7690]

thanks so much for making this video. I swear everytime i have a question, the next upload answers it.

[@gmbn]

+Droplet Thats our aim! Thanks!

[@Markikuunn]

Step1: Get a new fork.. well, maybe next time

[@WilliamSmith-eb5lf]

you talk about having your logos matched with the air valve on tires, but then put the spacers upside down and jumbled about

[@justinf6758]

I put my faceplate of my stem upside down lol. Probably my whole stem... Should I fix it lol

[@lallineca]

Just had my new Lyrik today ! Can't be better GMBN guys! :D

[@iL250]

Ohh! You've updated the camera! Congrats!

[@elesjuan]

Thanks for the video. Didn't realize you had to tighten down the top cap before the bar riser, so was getting really frustrated that my new fork was super loose in the headset.

[@karlstine2065]

Love that you show us the bodge.

[@rabitoblanco]

Thank you for this. Specifically, the bodge method!

[@erichopham]

Do a vid on how to install tapered forks to standard headsets :)

[@samwichvr485]

Yeah, but other way around. Standard fork onto a tapered headset

[@OwenG436]

You guys should also do a video on how to change rear shocks! +gmbn

[@hadenmills2222]

another way to press your crown race in is using a piece of PVC pipe!

[@SalfordCharityWorker]

+haden mills On stright steerers thats what I'd use (42 mm waste water pipe from Screw Fix if I remember correctly). Tip buy a end cap for the waste pipe and them it's stiffer on the end and can be hit with a mallet easier.

[@PPC4]

+haden mills If your using a straight 1-1/8" steerer just put an old stem over it and give that a gentle whack instead.

[@HeavyMetalGamer45]

You've been watching too much of RJ the bike guy.

[@ItsAllaboutaBoy]

Might have been worth mentioning the star nut for those replacing their forks or cutting the steerer tube.

[@nicoofner85]

Please do a 27.5 vs. 29 for trail riding ( Canyon Spectral 29/27.5). Would be interesting. Best mtb Channel!

[@justinf6758]

27.5 for any tech imo

[@gmbn]

+Nico Ofner Its on the list watch this space!

[@kenethbone2143]

Please do a bike maintenance like what you can spray with water and what isn't good for the bike. I'm getting a Santa Cruz V-10 in a week and want to keep it looking new but I don't want to wash something that will harm the bike. Great channel btw. Also for dirt shed show you should mention Nikoli Rogatkin doing his cork 1080 twister flip yesterday.

[@MrTech1210]

Excellent video, very well explained. I'm fitting a Fox Talas 90-130 to my "Retro" Marin East Peak next week. My brake hose is already a bit short on a Fox RL F80 fork. Do you think i will have to put a new longer length hose for it to fit with the longer Fox Talas 130mm.... It would make sense i suppose! Also, is it worth putting a new headset on? no issues with the current one though.

[@brendancompton398]

Excellent informative video Thanks.

[@Dearlp640]

Nice video! Will do this for an X Fusion in a few months. What stem is that by the way? Race Face turbine?

[@GokkunGuru]

Great video. My steer tube is steel. Can I paint it black at the section where it’s exposed through the RaceFace stem? Just for color matching.

[@rabitoblanco]

Wondering about forks bw/ different types of bikes-- can I replace my son's 20" tire 24.5mm mtb coil-shock with a bmx bike 20" fork? Any considerations other than if the steerer tube will fit?

[@surfjat15]

I'm looking to put bigger forks in my specialized hardtail xc mountain bike. The stock fork appears to be a straight 1/1.8 would I be able to fit a tapered fork to it? With the appropriate spacers and crown? Or it has to be a tapered fork

[@mountainbiker44]

Great video! Thanks

[@hierkonnteihrewerbungstehe1486]

Can you also do a Video about how to install a Downhill Fork because i wanna buy me a new one for my Downhiller

[@tomeames3677]

+Jaro B.They should, I got some Boxxers and my headset went all lose so I tightened them up again and they just came lose

[@gmbn]

+Jaro B. Good idea, watch this space, hopefully we will help in time.

[@JimmyGerald707]

i want to see how to install on your bike just a simple suspension fork becouse my mtb is old and i want to see how can put in it a suspension fork

[@of4046]

Dhimitri 707 you do it the same way for any fork unless you have the old kind of headset and forks

[@JimmyGerald707]

yes i do will make a video with installing it but i need 10$ for a suspension fork and brakes but video wont be h subscribe me to see whan will upload it thanks

[@wodstalker2819]

Im about to buy a new frameset, which is provided with the headset... Does the crown race will come with it ? or i have to buy it

[@dabid1337]

What was that grease gun you were using in the vid?

[@kangjiyoung3239]

Can you make a video explaining and serting the different brakes setting and dials that you have specifically on the shimanos the m8000

[@lukedudley365]

Hey I was wondering you guys opinion on two bikes I can't pick out of, the sb5c or sb4.5c?

[@alecdy]

Nice video. Two comments: 1. When using the crown race press tool, I thought you're supposed to keep the fork suspended in the air whilst tapping the tool with a mallet? Might damage your rebound adjuster with it on the floor. 2. No grease? I'd put some to avoid any creaking and get some water resistance.

[@tylervenemore2450]

Should i upgrade my rockshox gold tk remote lockout for some fox float 32's

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Oh my god that GT Sensor is to die for.

[@secondbasehero3790]

Can you put dual crown forks on trail bikes even tho it is adding about 50mm travel and would the the front end higher, would it matter much

[@neilio666666]

You didn’t mention the requirement, procurement and installation of the star nut

[@TylerDP]

If i wanted to upgrade my suspension travel and i have a 120mm fuel ex 8 what would be the most travel i could upgrade to?

[@Miksy42]

You forgot to link the GCN video in the description :)

[@Dingo_unchained]

Can you do double crown or triple clamp forks as well?

[@ianmcvicker2509]

Is it possible or reasonable to install the spacers under the headset to raise the frame in the front?

[@50nollieman]

how do you remove the thing inside the steerer tube? Where it screws on from the top. Thank you!

[@m00nchildblues]

I want more travel on my forks. Can I replace my Fox Rhythm 34 150mm fork with a Fox Factory 35 160mm fork or get a Factory 34 150mm? I have a 2017 Giant Trance 2. Thanks!

[@shoeiyasuda7405]

Right now that 27.5 and 29' are getting bigger and bigger and 26' is almost disappearing. I wonder if would be advisable to put a 27.5 fork on a 26' frame?? Thanks in advance.

[@ollieclarke3496]

I'd love to see some more XC oriented videos from Si again! Stuff like how to train for an XC race or how to setup your bike for XC :D

[@ThAussieGamer]

I agree, but it seems the only things they care about are dual suspension bikes and enduro.

[@ollieclarke3496]

+Floyd Lucas-Baxter I can understand that because all the presenters ride more enduro and downhill by the sounds of it so have more experience, thats why I wish Si was back ahaha

[@ThAussieGamer]

R.I.P hardtails :(

[@whatsongisthis5691]

What tool do you use to cut the steer tube?

[@adorito1565]

Can someone tell me why when I tightened my fork to my bike it wobbles still even if I tightened it

[@jankotomac7776]

Hey gmbn guys, is Bergamont a good bike maker?

[@nickywilson2097]

I’m looking to upgrade my forks on my carrera vengeance but not sure if they’re tapered or straight... any suggestions?

[@bimaanugerah1541]

Hi GMBNI want to ask you, please share the video how to install tapered fork to non tapered headtubeOK

[@jtw6419]

what r those metal things on the tire? is it bad if mine r shaking

[@W0LV1E45]

Is it better I overtight it (little tight than normal)? or lose (little lose than normal

[@nic_von4872]

Should I change the suspension on my cheap bike or change it completely. My bike is a very cheap Ideal bike with a 60mm fork, rim brakes and small tires. It is more like a hybrid. I do not have the money to buy a new one right now. So should I change the fork and buy some bigger tires or get a new bike. Pls ansewr and tell my some cheap tires and fork

[@themagicdragon4407]

can you put on rockshox boxxer on simple MTB bike just like this bike in The video

[@Matt-fp4uy]

Legend!

[@PPC4]

You love your callipers Don. ;-)

[@eoghandevlin6096]

Is there any way to Change tension settings on mallet dh pedals?

[@kristofsoma4430]

Can i chop my fork's steerer if it ia too long?

[@emilianomara4884]

Can you put a tipple crown fork on a normal bike, if so could you make a video on how to do that.

[@christopherheard5311]

What about changing the rear suspension?

[@jessekraft2502]

What fork should i put on my diamondback overdrive. I have a 100 mm of travel right now but I need more travel? Any suggestions?

[@benjy091]

Jesse Kraft I'd say you could get away with 120 maybe 140 at a push

[@henrywilsonwinter]

Does the stem keep the fork from falling off?

[@samuelwennell2447]

Do you put any grease?

[@settit7030]

what's the steerer tube cut link?

[@00011110000011100100]

Forgot to add the link for how to cut down the steerer tube!

[@SiriusCFD]

Don't "torque" the headset with a top-cap. All you need is to do eliminate free play, this needs to be super-lightly tightened using barely 2 fingers (once there's resistance on the bolt you can go maybe 10-15°). It's the 2 side bolts on the stem itself that'll actually carry the load in the end and tightening the top cap bolt is the quickest way to destroy a headset (balls of the bearing get pressed into the race and leave indentations and then you have that toothy feel every time you turn the handlebar).

[@klisurski]

I think you forgot to mention about the installation of the star nut.

[@drakeo7492]

How know what size rear shock to use? Example- the fox float x2 starts at 7.875 inch long and goes to 10.5 inch long. Also my bike is a 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Evo that what I would fit it on.

[@drakeo7492]

26 inch tires

[@timwijzenbeek7080]

Do you have to regrease the whole headset/ the bearings when you are upgrading the fork?

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

If your bike is old grease is for sure dirty and would work better with new grease.

[@timwijzenbeek7080]

@@mr.wizeguy8995 my bike is a week old but i dont like the fork what is on there (sr suntour) so i want to but in a rockshox recon silver. Or do you have any suggestens for a fork?

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

I ride Fatbike and just ordered Manitou Mastodon for my bike. So no, i don't have any experience from suspension forks yet, so can't recommended any.

[@zookerman]

wheelie man I would recommend a Rockshox recon rl for £200, really good air fork that I have upgraded to from my rockshox xc30 on my trek Marlin 7 2019

[@damiansmith391]

How do u know how much travel u can upgrade for the fork? For example right now my bike is 120mm, can i upgrade to 140? O

[@Theanimalsquad1]

damian smith yeah it should be fine just don't go stupid like to a 170 btw you will be leaned a bit further back as the front will be higher

[@crisp9774]

i am in the exact position

[@ethanwykes9607]

tomahawk224 could you not just change saddle angle and position over the frame

[@egidijuskavaliauskas6319]

Can I contact with you to ask some questions?

[@brotherhoodvidtv8561]

Help! My stem bolt at the top has rusted and i can't get it off!

[@husainihusen348]

What issue if not put the crown base ?

[@unconventional_health]

what is your bike doesn't have a crown race?

[@givreycham]

Didn't you need to put a new star nut in the steer tube ?

[@Unibomber2u]

What kind of front axle?

[@dongatch6700]

Quick question??? I have a hard tail mtb with 100 millimeter travel. I want to upgrade to 120 millimeter fork, I know this changes the geometry of the bike but would this cause any future problems or damage to the frame???

[@gmbn]

100 to 120 would be fine! It's the more extreme changes such as a 100 to a 160 that we tend to advise people not to do 😃

[@dongatch6700]

awesome thanks

[@taylorperdue7376]

what size is the rear shock

[@Jack_2x]

is it actually possible to convert a straight head tube into a tapered one?

[@gmbn]

+Ceasar Capizonda if your discussing it in terms of headset sizing them it would depend on your frames compatibility, I'd recommend taking it to your local shop and asking them for their professional advice. Cheers... Scott

[@jamespowell4476]

I know I’m late but there are conversion kits

[@pheoix]

Any chance we can get a video on how to handle a buddy who crashed and is knocked out?

[@zrgzebrarangegaming9531]

Hi Neil, just wondering if you know one of my mates called Kurt Brain.

[@christopherheard5311]

When buying a new fork is there a limit on the amount of travel you can add?

[@gmbn]

The frame will have a maximum front travel it can take. Consult the manufacturer to find out what it is.

[@Jurica-mtb]

Would you please comment on how the 26" bike would perform if it would be upgraded with a 27.5" or 29" fork? Wheel size would stay the same 26" and disc brakes are would be used so there'd be no trouble with v-brakes. Would the bike handling feel too much like a chopper bike and sinche the geometry would be changed would the bikes security being compromised? I wouldn't want to find myself in situation with a broken fork or frame while riding technical alone in the forest :D (SNAP omfg!! /lights out) haha

[@ibrarhussain5470]

Jurica Grčević it wouldnt work the front of bike will be higher ul have to cut the forks bar

[@Jurica-mtb]

Thanks for reply. I'll have to give up on the idea because nobody I asked said it would work.

[@JimmyGerald707]

make a video whan you update un old mtb

[@mikeoxlong9403]

My bearings got messed up so I need to replace them

[@user-pr5jp7my5s]

I did everything and the fork still moves what can i do????Please reply

[@katelainecaubalejo3835]

How to install a non tapered fork to tapered head tube frame

[@MichaelTV44]

lining my fork up with my bars drives me crazy because I spend 45 minutes making sure it's absolutely perfect.

[@davidkoch5018]

+GMBN is it possible to just replace my old Manitou marvel 130mm with a Fox one with 150mm? is it possible at all to increase fork suspension?

[@melonhusk]

+Davidi Ferdinand See your bike manual, it should say the maximum travel the frame was designed for.

[@Mike-tg8pv]

screw the manual, just put a longer fork on there. It will give you a slacker head angle, and possibly raise your bb by like a millimeter. It's not the companies bike any more, you can do whatever you want with it.

[@davidkoch5018]

Ian O'Neill ok thanks! Jeah thats what i intended, to get a slacker head angle cuz its better fur hard enduro (???) Do you know any good used forks for around 300€, wich are worth the money???

[@davidkoch5018]

Lucian LSL ok, im gonna look there°

[@GrEgO169]

How can you use your brake, I mean the lever is almost touching the grip !! My levers are like 2cm away from my grips for not touching my other fingers and increase sur breaking power

[@gmbn]

+GrEgO169 I have my one finger right on the end so i dont hit my other fingers. Neil

[@todorpeev8872]

can you please do a video on how to repair scratches on the stanchions.

[@PPC4]

+todor peev I use car touch up paint (get a good quality one) build it up in layers then carefully sand back with 1200 grit wet paper. Can use nail polish too which doesn't seem as durable so i use a mixture of both. Also use a slightly different colour to the fork so you can easily see when it eventually wears off.

[@todorpeev8872]

+PPC4 thx, I read about tgis technic, just wanted to be sure.

[@dimexwheelierteam1860]

who can set me a link for i can buy that mountain bike rear fort

[@cypruspolitician145]

I have the same bike as neil

[@joelm442]

I take it if Im replacing just my headset I don't have to take the forks out... I'm a bit confused...

[@SalfordCharityWorker]

Last Dirt Shed you said it was going to be 'keeping your freehub running smooth' this Monday, can we have that one next monday please. I've even bodged a tool #GMBNHACK for the freehub body cone disassembly and have the 1/8" bearings ready to go. Cheers Lads.

[@shearooney7103]

If I put a new fork in and it has more travel will it effect the bike?

[@jamesc3742]

Depends on how much more travel. If your going much bigger it could ness up your bikes geometry

[@shearooney7103]

+James C thanks mate

[@2loco]

You could also snap the welds on the head tube if you go stupid big.

[@marcusbevz6500]

A.S Enfield what if it's a carbon bike? I bought 200mm travel rockshox boxer World Cup, my old fork had plenty of travel but still, could it be possible my bike would break?

[@SamoraksTechnicVehiclesYtube]

Would Giant's Overdrive 2 system affect any of this?

[@SiriusCFD]

+Samorak's Technic Vehicles Yes. That idiotic standard is actually 1.5" bottom and 1+1/4" top and it fits mostly Giant frames (although there are possibilities of buying a OD2 headset for a regular frame, but highly depends on manufacturer). You also need a 1+1/4" stem, spares and top cap... Be careful if you're buying a used fork that was taken off a Giant!

[@SamoraksTechnicVehiclesYtube]

Sirius CFD Thank you so much for this. Very useful! You may of just saved me form buying a pike that doesn't fit!!

[@NiXaGamingPrO1002]

Can i installl downhill fork on btwin rockrider 500s pls can u see more about it an telll me

[@jacksonburesh8695]

ReKtAsH wtf no don't how stupid are you

[@EeroSoralahti]

What about the star nut?

[@SalfordCharityWorker]

+Eero Soralahti Yup

[@sametterley7991]

Knock the old one out with a hammer and a screwdriver and replace with same method

[@SalfordCharityWorker]

+Sam Etterley star nut setters are only a tenner. I would drill an old one out with increasingly larger bits. at a pinch use a long bolt and hammer to set the star nut. grease may even help but the setter stops it going too far in. 10 to 15 mm is OK if I recall.

[@sametterley7991]

+David Jackson well I managed to get an old one out and replace the way I mentioned and it works good enough

[@SalfordCharityWorker]

+Sam Etterley I can picture using a narrow handled screwdriver for fitting it, and maybe for a tappered steerer the length of my longest screwdriver might be enough. But I don't have a screwdriver long enough to knock the star nut all the was through a straight steerer. But thinking about it a bodge would be to just knock it lower and clear of the new nuts position. cleaver idea using a screwdriver. I could have saved a tenner :-D

[@joeelliott1781]

What about the starbolt

[@tmfrs2]

Does suspension travel affect the bike?

[@wayne9005]

JorgePT yes it affects the original geometry of the bike and makes the front end higher. It also can change the touchiness of the steering and how you go around corners.

[@benwillo3347]

Can someone recommend me a good Air fork I'm looking around the £200 ( it's for a hardtail) don't do serious riding Mabie some trails here and there

[@michakrawcow1265]

Benooo sr suntour epixon is the way to go brand new or maybe rockshox pike used

[@nicholasaref88]

Do a vid of what tools you have and use and what they do and please do a giveaway international and sell items to the usa please