Petem95

I used to be really into mountain biking in the mid to late 90's, and have decided to get the old 1995 Kona Cinder Cone bike out to get some exercise - BUT the rubber inside the suspension forks (the elastomers) have turned rock solid

Anyone got any idea where I might source some new 'elastomers'?! The forks are 1996 Manitou Comp's.

Thanks

Coffin Dodger

I would say you have no chance I suspect they're too old to be able to find anyone with bits in stock for them.

Assuming it's the usual 1"1/8 threadless headset you'd be better off getting a cheapy new set of forks. They will more than likely be coil sprung too with no nasty elastomers and will probably have proper damping. If you can get the crown race of the old forks and onto the new ones then that is really the only hard bit in fitting. If not you might need a new headset too.

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Matteeboy

I'd get new forks. Elastomer forks aren't made any more for a good reason...

Get something like Rockshox Toras - just over a hundred quid and they work well and have steel springs. Lighter ones, like the Fox Floats I have, are air filled but more expensive.

I still have a fully rigid 1997 Stumpjumper (and a hardtail 2007 one!) that is being used by my parents - it's a great bike!

falkster

Being a '95 it wont have a 1" 1/8 headset it will be an inch.

At my parents house Ive still got a 95 Alpinestars Almega XT with elevated chainstay near mint with 'brand new' Manitou 2s. An Orange P6 with mix of XT/XTR groupo which again is near mint.

Used to love riding until I left home and could get back into MX.

ChrisB

Yup, I would expect choice to be limited with a 1" steerer. Something like these Marz' ETAs might be you best choice (other looking through eBay):

Marzocchi MX Pro ETA 1Inch Forks 2009 : Bikes | Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes| Winstanleys

GrantyBoy

new bike time

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

If your anywhere near Surrey I have some budget rockshox in the garage you can have.

Petem95

Might have to just get some cheap used forks instead - seems a real pity to waste the old Manitou's as they don't make them like used to!! (in terms of construction anyway - I'm sure the newer stuff has much better damping!)

I changed the headset to a 1 1/8" one when I got the forks, so at least it should fit newer forks ok

Tim, cheers for the offer PM sent

turbogav

Join up and ask on here, sure someone will be able to help, loads of retro bits available

retrobike :: Index

phil_wrx

iTrader: (2)

on a fork subject, i have dropoff 4's fitted to my orange crush and was looking at maybe getting the rockshox pikes 426 forks but i was advised u need a certain axel ? is this right and how can i find which axel is fitted to my crush ?

ChrisB

Without checking, I'm sure all Pike forks have a 20mm bolt through front axel (what Rock Shox call a Maxle), so you need a front wheel hub that can handle that. Some manufacturers do hubs that you can convert between a standard quick release and a 20mm Maxle eg Hope.

ChrisB

If you swap the forks, don't forget to check the measures (eg axel-crown length) to make sure you don't end up with a chopper bike