Suspension alternative

[IDB1]

Bottom line is that I need to dampen the bumps on the front end of a bike.. too much rattling = me in hospital and 3 months doing almost nothing that requires arms.. :?

I'd really like the rigid option but is there an alternative to suspension forks that could/would do the job?

 

[chrisv40]

Flexstem?

 

[IDB1]

I have read a couple of threads about them and there's some conflicting reports about their effectiveness (for my needs)..

If the FlexStem is a viable alternative, I'll look out for a nice one and try it out..
Would like to hear about any other options too.. must be more??

Not really interested in much after 92/93, would the flexstem be appropriate for <93 era??

 

[the_duke]

Isn't there another flex stem, "soft ride" or something similar. It looks more like a damper than elastomers. Might be worth considering.

Ti or carbon bars can reduce some of the buzz from trails too I believe. Some soft grips like Ritchey or porc rinds may also assist. . . Or all 3 together?

 

[KermitGKona88]

I am pretty sure the Flexstem was about then, and they do offer a slight dampening without compromising the rigid feel (i.e. no sideways slop ).

Other than that options are pretty much null, maybe some short travel forks would suit :?

 

[IDB1]

Well, since I have a '91 build that is completely compromised on period spec, anything else I'd like to be fairly 'right'..

I'm not averse to short-travel forks (got a pair lined up for a currently bare frame), the rigid option would be nice..

The FlexStem/comfy grip option sounds like it'd be worth a try. It's not like we're talking a massive investment if I end up going back to bouncy..

Are there different types/options of/for FlexStems (for the period) or just the one?

 

[kaiser]

Big tyres and go tubeless, running lower pressures. Have a look at specialized body geometry gloves too, superb. Could you get away with ergon grips? What fork are you running? Wheel/spoke combination? Bars retrofy some scandium ones?

 

[kaiser]

Or Ti bars?

 

[the_duke]

Wider tyres at lower pressures will def help. Also some rigid forks may be more rigid than others! A rc30 with straight legs will/should flex less than a curved one.

The stem I was thinking of was an alsop softride from 92 ish. I have seen them on ritcheys before.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/23874 ... 36a624.jpg

Flexstem predates them by a year or 2 I think.

 

[brocklanders023]

I've got a 1989 MBUK that reviews the original Rock Shox and Flexstem so they are defo period.
As mentioned, big rubber and Ti bars may help. The rigid forks originally fitted to early 90's steel Orange's had a fair amount of flex so might be worth looking out for?