New Elastomers or Spring conversion?

[ishaw]

I don't think that is a damper, but a spacer.

What you need is something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Damper-Kit-St...Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b3f57d16

 

[aledpc]

I don't think that is a damper, but a spacer.

What you need is something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Damper-Kit-St...Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b3f57d16

That is for the manitou 3/4, will it fit Manitou 2 forks? Its also more expensive than I had hoped. If the spring kit I have posted is no good, should I go for the elastomers then?

 

[ishaw]

The kit is for the man3/4, but they might have a kit for the 2?

I did have a set of manitou 3's that I bought springs for (though I didn't ride them), but the springs I bought were 2 stage so that they had a more progressive feel to them rather than the compress/rebound force of one, the dual springs had different compression/rebound rates I think, but nothing like damping.

Sure, I think springs last, and I don't think the pogo effect is that bad, but I've got a few sets of pace forks that I would not put springs, not for any other reason as if this was better back in the day, surely the forks would have been sold that way?

 

[taffy]

Cheap
Durable
Performance

choose two

if your on a budget get the elastomers if cared for (not left out in the cold!) they will last a reasonable amount of time.

Spring's on their own wont be great as they will rebound like an err undamped spring and ride quality will be interesting to lively.

 

[rudymexico]

Are all these comments above on experience, about spring feeling like a pogo stick when installed?

Myself, have not tried them on my forks, but I am thinking on installing them on my Judy XC

 

[Crum]

I just got the Wings dual spring kit for my 3's..... I got the heavy dual spring set...(not offered for the 2) I love it.. I do mostly light riding, and city commuting and it is great... It does pogo a bit on the bigger stuff..... Before the conversion, I was using elastomers from suspensionforkparts.net The elastomers worked great, and did not "pogo" as much as the springs. My problem was that the elastomers just didn't work for someone my size. (275ish lbs) So I went with the springs... I have another "3" fork, and I am saving up to get the Wings spring and damper kit to try out.....

Also, if you do convert to springs, you will still use rubber for the top out and bottom out stops... they are available separately...

EDIT: The little white things at the bottom of the springs are Delrin centering spacers....

 

[marin man]

I have had manitou elastomers that have lasted for over thirteen years,and they feel nice and progressive,as you can cut space and join them to different weight elastomers to get them how you want them,the trouble with springs,without damping,is that when they rebound they can throw you off your bike(especially if you land hard :shock: )Judy forks can be fitted with springs really easy as they come stock with a damper.manitou did not do this until the efc in about 1995,I had the efc with speed springs and they were excellent
I would stick with the elastomers,but run them with no grease on them as the grease will absorb into the elastomers and ruin them.

 

[aledpc]

Seems like there isn't a clear winner in this question. Even the poll is 50/50! I hoped I'd be persuaded one way or the other, but I'm still not sure. Thanks for all the comments so far. I think I'm leaning toards elastomers, but will leave it another couple of days before ordering to see if I can be persuaded otherwise.

 

[T'boo Ted]

Yep its a pain, I have 1 M3 with good elastomers (not sure if they are original, have a box of spare too somewhere), 1 EFC with a blown damper and 1 M3 with no elastomers. Wouldnt' mind the kit on ebay if it replaces the damnper on the EFC...

 

[aledpc]

decided on elastomers, thanks for all your comments.