Installing A 29er Fork On A 26" Bike

5

5-7HEAVEN

Guest
Anyone done this before?
Any disadvantages to doing this?
When I installed my Tanaka three-piece pipe on my center-mounted engine, I had to run the pipe forward for leg clearance. The fat chamber was less than 2" above the front tire, but turning radius was unaffected. Although strictly for on-road, if I hit a pothole or jump a curb, the tire would probably contact the expansion pipe and damage it.
I have a spare 29" ROCKSHOX Dart 3 suspension fork for another project. I installed it for trial-fit and everything looks good. There is 4.25"(108 mm) clearance from the 26" tire to the pipe. This shock has100mm rebound, which should clear the tire if I bottom out the fork.
Before I cut the stem, are there any disadvantages to installing a 29er fork on a 26" mountain bike? It might look odd, but that doesn't bother me one bit.
I'll measure maximum rebound when I jump the curb. If there's lots of clearance, I might install a 29" front wheel to absorb more road shock.

Thoughts?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The local bike shop owner said it's not a problem using a 29er fork on a 26" bike. He said the bike will sit higher in the front. I had him cut the stem to length and install the star nut. I installed the fork, but forgot the cap and star bolt at the shop. Everything else bolted in place with no issues, including the 26" wheel.
 
Anyone done this before?
I might install a 29" front wheel to absorb more road shock.

The front will sit higher and it'll probably add a tad more weight but 29er is just another way of saying wide 700c wheels so I don't think you'll inherit any real problems.

Hmmm, I am curious though why you think the change out of of wheel size would absorb more 'road shock'?
 
Last edited:
My new build is a diamondback hybrid w/700c wheels and it definately has a different feel to the ride vs 26in. Jurys still out but so far I like it, hard to explain but it just feels more responsive and faster. Reminds me of riding my 10 speed back in the 70s.
 
Do be careful - shocks on a stock rigid frame can bring issues, you should be able to dodge any of those worries by using the larger forks, but still, be careful.
 
The front will sit higher and it'll probably add a tad more weight but 29er is just another way of saying wide 700c wheels so I don't think you'll inherit any real problems.

Hmmm, I am curious though why you think the change out of of wheel size would absorb more 'road shock'?

Hi Richard. Actually, the new ROCKSHOX is measurably lighter than the OEM Diamondback suspension fork. I have read that the larger wheels and tires absorb road shock better than 26" wheels. We'll see.

darwin said:
My new build is a diamondback hybrid w/700c wheels and it definately has a different feel to the ride vs 26in. Jurys still out but so far I like it, hard to explain but it just feels more responsive and faster. Reminds me of riding my 10 speed back in the 70s.

Oooh, don't need more speed or response, mainly exhaust clearance and shock absorption.:)

DucTapedGoat said:
Do be careful - shocks on a stock rigid frame can bring issues, you should be able to dodge any of those worries by using the larger forks, but still, be careful.

Thanks for the warning, DTG. My bike had an OEM suspension fork, so shouldn't have more issues, I don't imagine.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do be careful - shocks on a stock rigid frame can bring issues, you should be able to dodge any of those worries by using the larger forks, but still, be careful.
Don’t mean to change the subject on Heaven’s post, but can you explain this ? My Schwinn hybrid came with front shock, nothing on back and with spring loaded seat post. I have ridden bikes with shocks on front and rear and don’t particularly like them. Just curious. Thanks !
 
To be a little more specific, I love having a front shock, but with both front and rear, the bikes I rode just felt to mushie and out of control to me. Full suspension might be an advantage for off road/mountain bikes, but I don't like them on a pavement pounder. Might be because I've never ridden one enough to get used to it. 5-7, hope I'm not out of bounds here on your post, but I think the suspension issue is to your and the rest of our advantages. Let me know if I/we need to take this discussion elsewhere.
Thanks !
 
Back
Top