Orange C-16r - Can I add Suspension Forks?

[npinks]

I have the above bike which i bought in '95

I have just had it serviced after quite a few years of it been hung in the garage due to a neck injury (car crash) and everything bar the gear shifter was working fine

I have the Orange Aluminum Forks on it and have been thinking about seeing if it was possible to get some suspension forks instead

Looking through the forum I have seen some Rock Shock and Pace forks on them, but speaking to my Orange dealer they say i can't add them as it will mess up the geometry of the bike and something about thread headset :roll:

Any help/costing or advice would be appreciated

 

[Pfennig]

I have a '95 Orange C16RS with some Rock Shox Quadra 21R forks on it, I beleive they came as standard on the RS model of that year!

I would of thought that as long as you get a fork with a 1" steerer then it should fit, check the length of the forks your fitting to compare them to the old ones, it'll prob alter the geometry slightly but you can alter the stem and seat position if you really don't like the change.

I'd be tempted just to put some on and give it a try. I'm sure you can pick up some Pace forks whithout too much trouble, which would look a treat (like I have just done, need to get a 1" steerer tube for them before I fit them tho...)

Nice bike aswell! I do love the ole Oranges!!

 

[JeRkY]

new forks will mess with the geometry.

You could however buy some retro forks (lots available through here or ebay) then either use your threaded headset, inwhich case you will need a threaded steerer that is the correct length. Or remove the threaded headset (the bearings mounted to the frame/forks) and replace it with an "ahead" set which doesnt require a threaded steerer.

Im sure some one here can advise you on exactly what you need, although you may be required to post a litle more info (im no C16 expert) You need to know the diameter and length of the steeter.

Personally I would go for Pace forks...its sort of an unwritten rule...own an orange...go for pace.

They are Brit designed and made and look superb. You could do a lot worse than contact Justbackdated on this forum. He is an ex Paceman who now runs a business servicing retro pace forks. He is a very good person to go to if your after a fork or spares for it.

Welcome to the forum, Good luck with the bike, and keep strict control of your wallet!

 

[daj]

I had suspension forks on mine and they were sold with them on!! It would muck it up if you tried putting modern long travel on I would of though. Anyway much more people in the know will input I am sure

 

[jimihendrix]

You can fit the older style forks but not modern ones as they are too long and will mess up the geometry, maybe the dealer you spoke to thought you were talking about new forks :? , otherwise he is talking pish.

Threaded steerer is no problem too, if you go for Pace forks these have a steerer that is seperate to the crown and can be changed, threaded steerer needs to be the same length as the one on your existing forks or you could change the stem and headset for A-head ones and use a plain steerer.

Being an Orange you should really go for Pace forks (RC35 - 36), theres a member on here (justbackdated) who can supply a refurbished set, maybe even with a steerer to suit.

 

[npinks]

:shock: thanks for the quick responses :shock:

I do suspect the dealer was talking new sus. forks buy I was thinking eBay or something

Really out of the loop when it comes to bikes and the like, so i'm not sure what a steerer and the difference between what i have and need

I'll look up "Justbackdated" and see what he says

Thanks again, feel free to give more help you can never have too much

 

[mikesnowdon]

I had 80mm travel forks on my 94 Cindercone. It did alter the hadling a bit but I liked the higher front end. Also I ran the forks with about 35% sag so the gemometry wasnt that different to before. I loved the handling of the bike with the sus forks fitted. At first it took a while to get used to though. Id say try it definately.

 

[npinks]

cheers for that mikesnowdon

To be honest it been that long since i rode my bike it felt strange in its standard mode for the first few miles

So if i get the forks fitted at least the learning curve will be all at the same time