Help needed re: Fork upgrade

[gavcav]

Hello, this is my first step into the world of eMTB and this forum, which i was advised to join. I've just purchased a 2021 29" Cube Reaction Performance 625... I want to upgrade the forks from the factory SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil, 100mm to ones which i can lockout. I'm not sure what to look out for, but all i know is they are tapered stem and the head tube is 120mm (size L frame) 29" wheels. Not bothered about more clearance, just want a better fork with lockout feature. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[R120]

There will be a few options, but the 100mm of travel might limit what's available as most forks of that travel are fairly spindly xc forks and you would probably want something a little more robust on an EMTB. Whats the budget?

 

[R120]

Also looking at the front wheel it looks to be a quick release rather than a through axle - this would limit your choice fo forks to the budget end unless you change the front wheel.

 

[R120]

Best option might be another SR Suntour Expion - I believe it has a lockout

Details - SR SUNTOUR Cycling

www.srsuntour.com

 

[Neeko DeVinchi]

View attachment 62422
Hello, this is my first step into the world of eMTB and this forum, which i was advised to join. I've just purchased a 2021 29" Cube Reaction Performance 625... I want to upgrade the forks from the factory SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil, 100mm to ones which i can lockout. I'm not sure what to look out for, but all i know is they are tapered stem and the head tube is 120mm (size L frame) 29" wheels. Not bothered about more clearance, just want a better fork with lockout feature. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Where are you based @gavcav ?
Are you based in the UK?
if so, let me know and I'll see whether I've got some 9mm qr forks available in a 29" straight steerer ?

 

[TrailBoB]

Where are you based @gavcav ?
Are you based in the UK?
if so, let me know and I'll see whether I've got some 9mm qr forks available in a 29" straight steerer ?

You could always put a jubilee clip around each fork stanchion. ??. Only kidding. Will be very limited to upgrade to a lockout, as others have suggested. Good luck.

 

[gavcav]

There will be a few options, but the 100mm of travel might limit what's available as most forks of that travel are fairly spindly xc forks and you would probably want something a little more robust on an EMTB. Whats the budget?

not really sure what the cost of a middle on the road set of forks is tbh, was thinking/hoping i could do it for around £150-200?

 

[gavcav]

Where are you based @gavcav ?
Are you based in the UK?
if so, let me know and I'll see whether I've got some 9mm qr forks available in a 29" straight steerer ?

Yep UK based.

 

[deksawyer]

Im my opinion, lockout on an eMTB is pointless. Save your money for other things.

 

[Frankenbetty]

Don’t get hung up over having a lockout. if you upgrade to a better quality fork with decent compression and rebound damping you’ll find that a lockout is really necessary.
itd be worth seeing if you can convert your hub to a 15mm through axle as most decent quality forks are though axl rather than QR
i went from some Suntours to a Marzocchi and it’s like night and day..

 

[carlbiker]

I’m no expert but switching lockout on its massively noticeable when riding uphill and helps on flats also which probably helps yours battery out also....wouldn’t say it’s a deal breaker though if it’s never been used during riding but I switch all the time, it’s fun when you forget dh too as you get a bumpier faster ride ?

 

[steve_sordy]

Don’t get hung up over having a lockout. if you upgrade to a better quality fork with decent compression and rebound damping you’ll find that a lockout is really necessary.
.......................

Typo alert? Don't you mean un-necessary?

 

[steve_sordy]

From personal experience I would not waste money on a lockout. I have had forks with lockouts and I very soon stopped bothering with them. None of my last four bikes had a "lockout" that actually locked out the travel, just a lever or dial that increased the low speed compression damping and I never used them either. If I was contemplating spending £150-200 on your bike I would buy a dropper seatpost instead. It will transform your ride.
Take a look at the
Brand-X Ascend Dropper Seatpost
They come in a variety of seatpost diameters and travel. Look for the diagram that gives all the dimensions. These are good. I bought one for my grandson's bike and I was properly impressed. I would have no hesitation in fitting one to my onw bike once my current KS dropper fails.

 

[gavcav]

Thanks everyone, all very good comments..my problem is i'm not totally sure what i need to be looking for other than keeping the travel around 100-120, 29" wheel compatible, QR drop out axle ( i don't want to mess about changing from QR to through axles?) i'm unsure whether my model has a tapered steerer/stem and what size it needs to be. At the moment it's got Suntour XCM 100 mm which have corrosion so i need to replace.

 

[gavcav]

just looking at the Cube website and it shows the Headset info:

29: ACROS AZF-1039, 1 1/8" straight, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8" (ZS 44mm), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2" (ZS 56mm)

..so it looks like my current forks have a straight stem? does anyone know if that is correct?

 

[gavcav]

Right i think i've got all the info i need?

Current Fork: SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil, 100mm

Headset: 29: ACROS AZF-1039, 1 1/8" straight, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8" (ZS 44mm), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2" (ZS 56mm)

Stem: CUBE Performance Stem Pro, 31.8mm

Axle: QR, Centerlock

 

[Jackware]

As you've got a tapered headset ZS44/56 if you change the lower bearing you'll be able to fit forks with a tapered shaft which open up options and a 120mm fork won't make much difference to the geo when you take the sag into consideration, so that should help with the options and availablity as well.

 

[gavcav]

As you've got a tapered headset ZS44/56 if you change the lower bearing you'll be able to fit forks with a tapered shaft which open up options and a 120mm fork won't make much difference to the geo when you take the sag into consideration, so that should help with the options and availablity as well.

So it's a tapered stem? what does the 'straight' refer to in the tech specs?
[Headset: 29: ACROS AZF-1039, 1 1/8" straight, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8" (ZS 44mm), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2" (ZS 56mm)]

 

[Jackware]

So it's a tapered stem? what does the 'straight' refer to in the tech specs?
[Headset: 29: ACROS AZF-1039, 1 1/8" straight, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8" (ZS 44mm), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2" (ZS 56mm)]

The steerer on your forks are straight as they don't taper at the bottom but because cube have used a larger diameter bearing at the bottom you can change the bottom bearing to have the correct inner diameter to fit a fork with a tapered steerer tube.
Basically Cube have cut costs by fitting a cheap fork but kept the frame they use on other models.
I forgot to say also measure from the bottom of the head tube to the top of the stem to make sure you buy a fork with a long enough steering tube (especially important if you buy secondhand)