If you are keen or need to change your bike forks, you may be wondering if you have to stick to the same size…
Can You Put Bigger Forks On A Bike?
You can put bigger forks on a bike to a certain extent, but the decision to do so must be made carefully. You shouldn’t attempt to install forks more than 20 millimeters larger than the bike’s original forks, as it may not work. Forks that are larger than this may make it more difficult to ride your bike than intended.
There are a couple of reasons why you might consider putting bigger forks on your bike. The most common reason is to improve the front suspension of your bike once you gain more experience with your bike. It may also be done to make mountain or road biking a bit more of a physical challenge.
If you’re not experienced with assembling or maintaining bikes, replacing or changing your bike forks is something you should do in consultation with a bike shop. There are a lot of different components that make up a fork that need to be considered before you decide to make an upgrade.
Can I Put A 140 mm Fork On A 120 mm Bike?
An increase in fork size from 120 mm to 140 mm is an example of the maximum amount of fork size increase that you’ll want to make on a bike. If you try to increase fork size by more than 20 mm, your overall ride isn’t going to feel right.
With this small difference, you’ll find an improvement in your suspension and will also find a change in how straight your back sits.
Can You Upgrade Forks On A Bike?
You can upgrade forks on a bike if you would like to, but you want to be cognizant of how much of a size difference you consider. Upgrading your forks may not have anything to do with changing the size; you might simply find your forks no longer support your riding comfort the way they used to.
If you have a warranty on your bike, you should review it before you make your decision to complete an upgrade. Making a change to your bike’s frame could end up voiding your warranty. If you end up making a mistake during your upgrade and cause permanent damage to your bike, you unfortunately wouldn’t be covered under your warranty.
Do All Forks Fit All Bikes?
Not all forks will fit all bikes, so your decision to upgrade, replace, or put bigger forks on your bike is more complicated than you may have considered. The first couple of attributes you’ll need to look at to see if a fork will work for your bike is the size and the model so you know if it’ll fit on your bike.
Since making upgrades to forks has become a popular customization technique for bikers, there are forks designed for different bike models as well as forks that offer different benefits to a bike. For instance, there are forks made for mountain bikes, BMX bikes, or road bikes.
Can You Put Any Fork On A Road Bike?
There are specific types of forks that are designed for road bikes, and it’s best to stick with those when you’re making an upgrade. With road bikes, changing the fork isn’t going to make a significant difference positively.
You don’t need that added suspension power for a road bike where you’re simply looking to navigate rough terrain instead of maximizing how well your bike bounces through those obstacles.
Does Fork Length Matter?
There can be some benefits to your riding experience when you change the length of your fork. The length of the fork will determine how high the front of your bike sits, which can change the angle of your seating. This can have an impact on how you’re able to push your energy into your pedals.
The length of a fork can also change the way you’re able to steer your bike. This makes a lot of sense and is one major reason why a cyclist wants to change their fork. It can also be of great benefit to those who might ride narrow trails or are looking to improve how their bike handles bumps and other obstacles.
How Does Fork Length Affect Handling?
Fork length can affect the handling of a bike because it can either support or alter the overall structural integrity of a bike. If you end up with a fork that’s either too big or too small, handling your bike will become less intuitive. You might find, for example, you have to change the way you sit or angle your bike when riding, which could end up becoming uncomfortable.
Is A Stiffer Fork Better?
While it might sound counterintuitive, a stiffer fork can make your bike ride much more pleasant. When the fork is stiffer than steeper, it can improve how you handle your steering, especially if you need to make a quick turn. A stiffer fork can also have a positive impact on how well your front brakes work.
How Do I Increase My Fork Suspension?
Increasing fork suspension can be very simple depending on the fork that’s on your bike. Some forks will have a dial of some sort that lets you adjust suspension when needed. This adjustment can make the difference you need in terms of how your bike can absorb the friction or shock from overcoming an obstacle on its path.
You can usually find these dials on the top of your fork, though they might be on a side or somewhere else since there are so many different kinds of forks.
How Do I Know My Fork Size?
The easiest way to measure your fork size is by measuring from the axle of the fork to the crown. The axle holds the bar that fits through the center of your bike wheel and connects the fork on both sides of the wheel. The crown is at the top of the fork where you’ll find a hole that connects the fork to the bike frame.