New/Modern shocks on old bike?

[davegt]

I have a 1994 Lava Dome and I would like to fit new sus forks.

I have heard that Kona didnt change the geometery on the steel frames unitll the very late 90's. With that in mind what is the cut off date for a 1994 Lava Dome for getting the newest forks possible?

Will new short travel 80mm forks work?

Any advice would be great.

 

[Dead Rats]

I'd measure the axle to crown distance on your existing forks and aim for something similar to that length, if the new forks are too long* they may underly stress the headtube/seat tube joint. However, if your forks are eg 400mm, an 80mm suspension fork is only ~420mm, therefore they'd push your front end up by an inch which is not too much.

* by too long I mean more than about two inches longer.

You might want to consider reducing the reach of your stem by approximately the same amount (20-30mm) to counteract the slower steerer which will result from fitting the longer fork. My Kili Comp had rigid forks when new but rides fine with 80mm SIDs.

 

[davegt]

Great advice, thanks!

I assume the Crown is the bottom of the stem where the lower race is situated?

Thanks again

Dave

 

[Dead Rats]

Great advice, thanks!

I assume the Crown is the bottom of the stem where the lower race is situated?

Thanks again

Dave

yeah... and bear in mind that a suspension fork will measure slightly less when you sit on the bike due to sag