Pre 98 'Orange Clockwork' Max Fork LEngth

[redefined_cycles]

Hi guys,

I've been reading the advice from RetroBike for a few years now so first of all a quick 'thanks' for all the wonderful info you constantly provide.

My question is regarding an Orange Clockwork and fork length. I own a pre 98 frame and recently decided to up the fork length from the old Manitou Mars and got myself a (2004) Fox Vanilla 100RL. Took it for a short blast today and it seemed to handle well on the uphills (as well as the down- but that goes without saying) so am now wondering whether I'll be able to get away with sticking my (2007) Magura Menja 130mm.

Although the Magura is 130mm, it does feel more like a 120mm. I've been running it for a year or so on my (pre 2006) Santacruz Superlight for which the max travel is recommended at 120mm. On the uphills it used to climb like a goat. However, the same fork on a Boardman Pro made the bike feel too tall on the uphills.

Is there anyone out there who's experimented with fork lengths/travel lengths on the Orange Clockwork and whats the maximum you've managed to take it to without getting uphill handling problems?

Thanks for your time and hope you can help...

 

[dyna-ti]

I had an 80mm Z2 on mine and would have thought that was about the limit

I dont know if anyone fitted 100mm :? but 120 or 130 forget it :shock:

 

[Andy B]

I contacted Orange with a similar question about my '98 Clockwork

Their reply was 100mm max

I have a set of RS Reba's on it @ 85mm & it's spot on

130mm would not be recommended by Orange nor I suspect anyone else, I certainly wouldn't go over 100 on a '98+ Clockwork, let alone a pre '98 one

 

[Tallpaul]

The forks axle to crown length is the critical measurement, not its travel. I believe a frame of that vintage would have been designed around a 420mm fork.

 

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks for that guys. I will stick with the 100mm Vanilla based on what you've said and keep the Magura Menja 130 for when o manage to get hold of a Cotic Soul...

Can anyone tell me how to add the names of the bikes I've had over the years to all my messages without having to state them each time...

Also, I agree with all the reviews I've read about the Clockwork. I originally vame by it (the frame) by swapping it for two derraileurs I had lying about as the guy though the Clockwork was rubbish. After building it I realised what a beauty it is and not looked back since...

 

[redefined_cycles]

Just thought I'd give an update on the Clcokwork with the 100mm Vanilla RL. Ridden up some pretty rugged hills now and the front end stays down properly. Maybe it's not a pre98 model after all, as I spoke to the nice gentleman at StrangeLove Cycles who owns an 80s model. He stated that the older bikes only run canti brakes. Mine are running Vs so I assume it's not one of the older ones!!

I also measured the axle to crown length and it's actually very close to 445mm. I'm running it with around 20mm sag so when riding this length will be more like 425mm (as suggested by Tallpaul).

Attached is an image of the bike and some of the hills that it's ridden up.

Spec is:

Orange Clockwork frame (medium)

Shimano Deore Hollowtech Cranks (48: 36: 26)

Deore XT Sprockets (9spd)

SRAM 951 9spd Chain

XT rear mech

Deore LX Front M580 mech

Hope TiGlide front hub laced to WTB SpeedMaster rims with DT spokes

DT Swiss 370SL Rear Hub (nicked off a Spec Enduro) on an Alex Rim (soon to be replaced by WTB Speedmaster to match the front)

Kenda Nevegal 2.1 folding tyres

Easton EA70 Monkey bar and FSA 90mm stem

SuperStar oversized lock on grips

Avid SpeedDial (or maybe single digit?) brake levers with Deore Shifters

XTR and XT outer cables

Charge Spoon saddle

Outland seatpost

V brakes- Avid Single Digit 7 rear & XTR front

DMR V12 pedals although these are only so my riding pals can finally appreciate this beauty and then I'll revert back to my Shimano SPDs

M-Part 1 and 1/8th cartridge bearing headset

I think that about sums it all up

PS. If anyone can suggest how I can get my pics up here then it'd be welcome as I've tried to attach JEpeg images of the bike and two sample hills it's been up but it's not happening

 

[FluffyChicken]

It's in your gallery if anyone wants to see it.
There is also quite a difference between the late 90's Clockworks and the original early 90's/late 80's clockworks.

Somewhere in between when they use the C16 naming they became suspension corrected bikes, different tubing and quite different.
Yours has bendy stays and I know nowt about these newer Clockworks.

Why do you want more travel, whats lacking in what you have.


Say hi to Si for us.

 

[brocklanders023]

Not sure if the stays are bent or it's just the picture :? From what I know I don't think the Clockwork ever had bent stays.

Easy way to roughly date it is headset size. I guess yours is 1 1/8th meaning it's one of the later models. Not sure exactly when they changed but my 1995 C16 was 1" and my 1999 Clockwork was 1 1/8th (and corrected for 80/100mm).

 

[dyna-ti]

Not sure if the stays are bent or it's just the picture :? From what I know I don't think the Clockwork ever had bent stays.

Easy way to roughly date it is headset size. I guess yours is 1 1/8th meaning it's one of the later models. Not sure exactly when they changed but my 1995 C16 was 1" and my 1999 Clockwork was 1 1/8th (and corrected for 80/100mm).

The do look bent but i think its just the dirt on it is confusing the eye :?

 

[redefined_cycles]

Hi guys,

Firstly to answer FluffyChickens question regards why I want longer travel. Truth is I don't want anymore than what I have now with the Fox Vanilla and which I'm now happy with. Truth is the only reason why I considered putting the (2007) 130 Menjas on it is because I'm dismantling my SantaCruz Superlight as I'm a little short of cash and don't want to get rid of the Menjas as they are really good. Instead of just having them sat around I thought I'd experiment with them on the Clockwork (or is it?).

Regarding the bent stays. I can confirm that they are indeed bent and from what my calipers told me before I put the Kenda Nevegals on, I think I would safely be able to get away with running 2.25 tyres (if not more). I've posted some more pics of the frame if anyone can have a look and figure out what it might be. From looking at other images of Clockworks online, I must admit it may not be a Clockwork afterall.

The reason why I thought it was a Clockwork was most likely because someone had stuck some tatty stickers on it saying Clockwork. I then looked through the images online and from the excellent ride qualities, retro seatpost clamp and non-removable mech hanger I figured it's definitely a retro item. I suppose because it feels too nice to ride, which is inline with what people say about the Clockwork, I've never really questioned it being a Clockwork until now.

In case anyones wondering that maybe I'm used to 'substandard' bikes previously and that's why the steel frame felt so nice. I assue oyu this is not the case. I've been through many of the great in the last 5 years. A list of the bikes that I've been through (all of them handbuilt, including wheels, by myself or my bike mechanic teacher (Tez- thanks man!!) so no crap-rides due to Halfords) is at the bottom and I can say that this bike is the best I've owned.

GT Zaskar LE (late 90s model)

Kinesis Maxlight with Easton tubing (around 2004 model)

Orange P7 (around 2004 model)

Specialized Enduro- although I couldn't afford to keep it I nicked some light parts to go on my SantaCruz(around 2008 model)

Specialized Stumpjumper FS (around 2007 model and still in the family)

Boardman Pro HT (2008 model in 18" and 20". The 18" remains in the family)

Specialized Stumpjumper HT- I think it was the M4 (around late 90s early 00s)

Turner 5Spot (although never built it up as couldn't affod to become addicted to such an expensive thing at the time)

Gt Avalanche and Aggressor (mostly 1.0 or equivalent- various frame sizes and years)

Cannondale CAAD (I think it was a 2002 model)- a 2001 version of which I'll be building again soon for my mate

GT Pantera with them Kona Project lookalike forks (with cantelever bosses so must be from the 90s) which is the only HT that came close to what I'm riding now

...