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i really feel like i ride my bike at it's limit - the new ohlins rear shock is a big help in keeping the rear planted but now the front end is really showing it's limitation ( it has for a long time ). i was planning on pulling the forks apart this winter and installing a set of race tech gold emulators & new set of springs - but after some good chats with some local racer types i decided ( not a hard decision ) to take it to the shop.
there seems to be only one shop in the northwest to go to & i just confirmed my appointment for tomorrow. i have lofty goals - but everyone who has their suspension done has rav'd about them.
they are going to completely rebuild the front forks & set-up the rear shock.
i can't wait.
the shop:
tim
[EDIT]
well i picked up my bike today after the fronk forks were gone through ! on a bad note: it will rain all weekend.
first off i should say that i wanted them to rebuild the front forks and adjust the new rear ohlins shock. well it was quickly pointed out that the new ohlins shock spring is a bit too soft ( it will need to be replaced some day - probably at the scheduled rebuild time ) it was also pointed out that the rear shock could be upgraded to add a reservour - he'd have to look into the cost of the kit. Any of you thinking about a shock that cyber has.... here is a way to get into a good rebuildable - upgradeable shock.
ok, the forks. the OEM springs that were removed measured at .74kg !
( race techs online chart has .74 kg rate for an 80 lb rider ! )
soft - soft & more soft. those were ditched for a set of .925kg springs, polished the tubes - and the rebound adjustments were gone through so they actually work well ! some new fluid & seals and final adjustments
and $356 dollars later ( i took in the bike - they pulled the tubes & installed them ) i have a new front end & a better set-up rear shock.
the ride home ( the long way ):
i can't say how great it is because i have nothing to compare it to & didn't get to really push the bike hard but i could tell the front end was planted. before i was having to pick the bike up - adjust my line 'cause i was feeling the front tire start to wash out at steep lean angles. i won't say it's on rails - but it held the line better than ever before. i'm really happy with how it feels and money well spent ( and LONG overdue ).
many people state you should ( on a budget bike ) upgrade the suspension before anything else & i agree - but i too installed a pipe & jet kit - etc. etc before buying a rear shock & rebuilding the front end but ...when you come to the point where you feel your skills are beyond the bike it's time to get it set-up by a pro.
GP was great - got to BS with them about their work & machines ( and they politely mentioned i should stop over torqueing my axle bolts ). as ferris stated: things move pretty fast... it's cool when people take the time to talk. It was also nice to hear the owner call my bike ' my hot -rod ". he builds suspensions for all the top local race bikes & yet he understood the goal - make what i have better.
to bad you all don't live here in portland. we have great local talent.
tim
there seems to be only one shop in the northwest to go to & i just confirmed my appointment for tomorrow. i have lofty goals - but everyone who has their suspension done has rav'd about them.
they are going to completely rebuild the front forks & set-up the rear shock.
i can't wait.
the shop:
tim
[EDIT]
well i picked up my bike today after the fronk forks were gone through ! on a bad note: it will rain all weekend.
first off i should say that i wanted them to rebuild the front forks and adjust the new rear ohlins shock. well it was quickly pointed out that the new ohlins shock spring is a bit too soft ( it will need to be replaced some day - probably at the scheduled rebuild time ) it was also pointed out that the rear shock could be upgraded to add a reservour - he'd have to look into the cost of the kit. Any of you thinking about a shock that cyber has.... here is a way to get into a good rebuildable - upgradeable shock.
ok, the forks. the OEM springs that were removed measured at .74kg !
( race techs online chart has .74 kg rate for an 80 lb rider ! )
soft - soft & more soft. those were ditched for a set of .925kg springs, polished the tubes - and the rebound adjustments were gone through so they actually work well ! some new fluid & seals and final adjustments
and $356 dollars later ( i took in the bike - they pulled the tubes & installed them ) i have a new front end & a better set-up rear shock.
the ride home ( the long way ):
i can't say how great it is because i have nothing to compare it to & didn't get to really push the bike hard but i could tell the front end was planted. before i was having to pick the bike up - adjust my line 'cause i was feeling the front tire start to wash out at steep lean angles. i won't say it's on rails - but it held the line better than ever before. i'm really happy with how it feels and money well spent ( and LONG overdue ).
many people state you should ( on a budget bike ) upgrade the suspension before anything else & i agree - but i too installed a pipe & jet kit - etc. etc before buying a rear shock & rebuilding the front end but ...when you come to the point where you feel your skills are beyond the bike it's time to get it set-up by a pro.
GP was great - got to BS with them about their work & machines ( and they politely mentioned i should stop over torqueing my axle bolts ). as ferris stated: things move pretty fast... it's cool when people take the time to talk. It was also nice to hear the owner call my bike ' my hot -rod ". he builds suspensions for all the top local race bikes & yet he understood the goal - make what i have better.
to bad you all don't live here in portland. we have great local talent.
tim
at least that is what an old co-worker called it.. and he designed a susp. system for GM at home.. 
man I wish I still worked in Phoenix.. So much talent and resources were available to me there... 
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