[MikeD]

Anyone know how much Marzocchi charges to convert an 8" 888 to 7"? (just the parts cost, and/or for them to do the conversion?) I know, I should call Marzo, but they're not open right now, so cut me a break...figured maybe someone knew offhand.

Appreciate the help.

MD

 

[konastab01]

mate you have to get new damping systems and you can convert it that way.it would be alot of money and in the end you would be cheaper and easier to get flat crowns for them

 

[Dogboy]

Anyone know how much Marzocchi charges to convert an 8" 888 to 7"? (just the parts cost, and/or for them to do the conversion?) I know, I should call Marzo, but they're not open right now, so cut me a break...figured maybe someone knew offhand.

Appreciate the help.

MD

I've got a 2004 888r 7" I want to convert to 8". Want to swap cartridges?

 

[bizutch]

that's all you have to do is order the damper rods. it's something like $110-$180.00....can't remember the exact price. email brianp@marzocchiusa.com

 

[MikeD]

I've got a 2004 888r 7" I want to convert to 8". Want to swap cartridges?

That sounds like a really good idea. I was hoping someone would say that...

However, the bike (with fork) doesn't arrive till Tuesday. Let me get the bike and ride it to make sure I need to lower the fork. (It's a Cannondale Gemini, and I'm concerned for the BB height which is already tall.) I'll get right back with you as soon as I figure it out.

Mine is also a 04 888r. However, I've never opened up a later-than-2002-model Marzo, so I don't know what's involved with these supposedly more complex internals.

It's just carts we need to change, or carts and springs? Tech assist, anyone? (Since the tech manuals ain't what they used to be...)

MD

 

[Dogboy]

That sounds like a really good idea. I was hoping someone would say that...

However, the bike (with fork) doesn't arrive till Tuesday. Let me get the bike and ride it to make sure I need to lower the fork. (It's a Cannondale Gemini, and I'm concerned for the BB height which is already tall.) I'll get right back with you as soon as I figure it out.

Mine is also a 04 888r. However, I've never opened up a later-than-2002-model Marzo, so I don't know what's involved with these supposedly more complex internals.

It's just carts we need to change, or carts and springs? Tech assist, anyone? (Since the tech manuals ain't what they used to be...)

MD

That sounds good, just let me know.
As far as I know, only the carts are different. Springs, spacers, etc. should all be the same. I've adjusted the oil-level and preload on mine, so the only other step to removing the carts is taking the foot bolts off I believe. Marz has been out of the 8" carts for a while, so 'd be happy to swap.

 

[Brian HCM#1]

It's very easy to remove the cartridges, but try the bike first, and as mentioned above go with some lower crowns. I believe it will be very close to the same heigth as a stock 7" version and you'll have an extra inch of travel.

 

[bizutch]

forget the cartridge kit...it will cost you almost as much as the aftermarket crowns...and this:

 

[James | Go-Ride]

Come on man, if you're going to recommend a cool aftermarket low-stack headset, at least recomment the E-13/FSA job. Don't get me wrong, Cane Creek makes some of the best XC stuff in the world.

Some of the best XC stuff in the world. Door don't swing both ways, dagnabbit.

I'm sure there are many people on the board who've had good luck with their CC stuff, but the e-13 reducer cups and FSA Orbit bearing kit is definitely a better option as far as durability and performance go in our experience.

 

[bizutch]

well considering this is a completely new headset that hasn't even been on the market, there is no durability comparison yet.

I have personally always had Fred install my headsets at Pro Bikes in Asheville. He's one of, if not the best mechanic, on the East Coast and I've never once blown a headset in my life(any brand). And I've broken everything else on a bike more than once. He always faces it properly and gets it right the first time.

I've even ran a generic, used DiaCompe headset off a '95 Schwinn on my '03 DHR for a full season and didn't even blow that. That year I broke my frame, broke a link, blew my shock, twisted my lowers on my Boxxer, crushed 3 Singletrack rims and 2 Rhyno Lites, warped 2 rotors, gored a handlebar, snapped a brake lever, and went through 2 sets of Shimano 646 pedals and 1 right side crank arm. (Shimano just said "Hi Butch. Back in a minute." When they saw me walk up the 3rd time...hee heeee!)

I'm not too concerned with headset durability. If I do happen to blow it, Cane Creek will take care of it in no time flat. They're good guys......oh, and their warranty department and customer service can tell you what their headsets are made of......oh, and the cool blue trim (OOOOOOOOOOH) :love:

Call Kenny at FSA and ask him if they have 1.5 headsets...heck, ask him what color their parts are. Chances are he'll bat 0-2! That alone is worth running a Cane Creek.

 

[James | Go-Ride]

Well, maybe FSA doesn't have them in stock, but we do.

Anyway hopefully the new Cane Creek stuff will hold up better than what I've seen, I'd like to see more useable 1.5 options on the market. I suppose time will tell.

 

[James | Go-Ride]

Also, you're right, that blue trim is sick.

 

[bizutch]

Well, maybe FSA doesn't have them in stock, but we do.

Anyway hopefully the new Cane Creek stuff will hold up better than what I've seen, I'd like to see more useable 1.5 options on the market. I suppose time will tell.

damnit...I didn't even see the blatant promo coming....perfect setup and delivery. I give it

 

[James | Go-Ride]

You have to jump on these opportunities, letting them slide wouldn't make for any fun at all.

 

[Discostu]

How much would it lower the front end of my 04' DHR w/ 888r 8" to swap from orbit extreme pro 1.5r to orbit Z 1.5R . Is this a worthwhile swap? I like FSA headsets so I will stick with one of these 2. Thanks.

 

[Dogboy]

How much would it lower the front end of my 04' DHR w/ 888r 8" to swap from orbit extreme pro 1.5r to orbit Z 1.5R . Is this a worthwhile swap? I like FSA headsets so I will stick with one of these 2. Thanks.

The Orbit has a lower stack height of 13.4mm and I'm going to guess on the Z 1.5r and say around 5mm-so roughly 8mm.

 

[Discostu]

Hmm if anyone wants a really good deal on a one season old Orbit Extreme Pro 1.5R with brand new bearings let me know. (I've never used it, it came with the DHR I bought off Oly)

I found on FSA's site that the lower cup of the z 1.5r is 4.4mm, so overall it would drop the front end 9mm or .35".

 

[Dogboy]

I found on FSA's site that the lower cup of the z 1.5r is 4.4mm

Damn, I was pretty close neaky:

 

[Discostu]

Yeah, that was a good guess. I really should have tried a little harder to find the info on the FSA site before I asked though. Thanks

 

[ncrider]

Hey MikeD if you go 7" and it becomes to short for ya, then I'll trade you my stock crowns for your lowriders. Yeah I know, you can thank me latter.

 

[Curb Hucker]

You have to jump on these opportunities, letting them slide wouldn't make for any fun at all.

Im good at that

 

[bizutch]

How much would it lower the front end of my 04' DHR w/ 888r 8" to swap from orbit extreme pro 1.5r to orbit Z 1.5R . Is this a worthwhile swap? I like FSA headsets so I will stick with one of these 2. Thanks.

have yourself some fun. Call FSA, ask for Kenny...and ask him that question, then post what he says. I need a good laugh.

 

[MikeD]

It's very easy to remove the cartridges, but try the bike first, and as mentioned above go with some lower crowns.

It's coming with a nice spankin' set of go-rides already, and (no bad karma to Dogboy, but...) I'm hoping it'll feel just fine as-is.

But as I'm already concerned about the 14.7" BB height on the 7" bike (CDale Gemini; I know, it's supposed to run lots of sag, but look at a Sunday or something with around a 14" static BB height and even more travel...), I feel I'd best be prepared to keep this sucker as low as possible, and to balance the front with the rear. And you know how much you can mentally screw with things while you wait for a new bike...

MD

 

[Dogboy]

It's coming with a nice spankin' set of go-rides already, and (no bad karma to Dogboy, but...) I'm hoping it'll feel just fine as-is.MD

Don't sweat it. If I hadn't been trying to get 8" carts for the last 4 or 5 months, I wouldn't have seemed so eager to swap. But, if it turns out you want it lower, I'm more than happy to help.

 

[MikeD]

Thanks, dude.

My brother went to UNC for undergrad and grad, btw. Pretty familiar with the place myself; did a summer academic program there, even. His wife's from Chapel Hill, too...

 

[Brian HCM#1]

It's coming with a nice spankin' set of go-rides already, and (no bad karma to Dogboy, but...) I'm hoping it'll feel just fine as-is.

But as I'm already concerned about the 14.7" BB height on the 7" bike (CDale Gemini; I know, it's supposed to run lots of sag, but look at a Sunday or something with around a 14" static BB height and even more travel...), I feel I'd best be prepared to keep this sucker as low as possible, and to balance the front with the rear. And you know how much you can mentally screw with things while you wait for a new bike...

MD

If I remember correctly the 888 with lower crowns is very close to the heigth of a 7" Boxxer.

 

[MikeD]

If I remember correctly the 888 with lower crowns is very close to the heigth of a 7" Boxxer.

It's 23.8 or so stock (605mm for the 8" model), and the crowns drop a little over an inch , I think, so let's say 22.25" or so. The 7" model is 575mm/22.6"; with the drop crowns, around 21.5".

The frame seems to be designed around a Dorado, which is around 21-21.5", so that's the tallest I'd like to get. So a trade with DogBoy seems like the best option if the 8" ends up offensively tall...and it's mutually beneficial.

I'd also consider trading for a Dorado, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there...

MD

 

[ohio]

I'd try the Gemini with the 7" 888 first, before you go swapping. I'm assuming yuo have the DH version, which is already plenty slack, and you want to keep it low to the ground.

With a not too tall 7" fork (had a boxxer, switched to a DH3 and e13 cups) it feels perfectly balanced. I personally would not want the front end any higher or the head angle any slacker.

 

[BMXman]

Mike you know I have the 7" version...we can swap for a ride so you can see what it's like....D

 

[Curb Hucker]

With a not too tall 7" fork (had a boxxer, switched to a DH3 and e13 cups) it feels perfectly balanced. I personally would not want the front end any higher or the head angle any slacker.

youre back on a white?

 

[ohio]

youre back on a white?

Not quite yet. I need to pick up the hope adapter I made Brian order about a month ago. Ski season has been distracting me...

But yes, once that's sorted I'm back on WB. I've missed my old DH3 horribly since I sold it to Voodoo.

The Blue anodizing on this one (from kidwoo) looks completely godawful on my gemini. It's awesome.

 

[Curb Hucker]

The Blue anodizing on this one (from kidwoo) looks completely godawful on my gemini. It's awesome.

Nice

Are you gonna go to Sea Otter?

 

[Brian HCM#1]

Not quite yet. I need to pick up the hope adapter I made Brian order about a month ago. Ski season has been distracting me...

But yes, once that's sorted I'm back on WB. I've missed my old DH3 horribly since I sold it to Voodoo.

The Blue anodizing on this one (from kidwoo) looks completely godawful on my gemini. It's awesome.

Yes and it's still sitting here :mumble:

 

[MikeD]

I'd try the Gemini with the 7" 888 first, before you go swapping. I'm assuming yuo have the DH version, which is already plenty slack, and you want to keep it low to the ground.

With a not too tall 7" fork (had a boxxer, switched to a DH3 and e13 cups) it feels perfectly balanced. I personally would not want the front end any higher or the head angle any slacker.

I have the 8" coming with the bike...I wanted to swap it for the 7" version.

Good to hear my thinking wasn't far off...I'd suspected as much. have any other Gemini feedback for me? I'm actually thinking a Medium might be too small for me (I'm 5'11"), after reading Neversummersnow's review from a few months back. They have it listed as a 24" effective top tube, too...wtf?

MD

 

[ohio]

I have the 8" coming with the bike...I wanted to swap it for the 7" version.

Good to hear my thinking wasn't far off...I'd suspected as much. have any other Gemini feedback for me? I'm actually thinking a Medium might be too small for me (I'm 5'11"), after reading Neversummersnow's review from a few months back. They have it listed as a 24" effective top tube, too...wtf?

MD

The ETT is so long because it has a very slack seat angle. Out of the saddle, the BB to HT distance is the same as a standard medium. I haven't measured, but with a normal seat angle, I'd say the ETT would be around 22.75"-23" based on the way my medium feels. For reference, I'm 5'8" and it is on the longer side of my comfort range. If it didn't somehow still rail tight corners I would think it was too long. As it is, I love it.

CH, Sea Otter is a maybe. With the new job I can't plan anything more than a week in advance, and even then cancel plans a lot.

Brian, can I just come pick the dern thing up?

 

[Brian HCM#1]

Brian, can I just come pick the dern thing up?

Sure, or I can toss it in the mail.

 

[MikeD]

The ETT is so long because it has a very slack seat angle. Out of the saddle, the BB to HT distance is the same as a standard medium. I haven't measured, but with a normal seat angle, I'd say the ETT would be around 22.75"-23" based on the way my medium feels. For reference, I'm 5'8" and it is on the longer side of my comfort range. If it didn't somehow still rail tight corners I would think it was too long. As it is, I love it.

CH, Sea Otter is a maybe. With the new job I can't plan anything more than a week in advance, and even then cancel plans a lot.

Brian, can I just come pick the dern thing up?

That's comforting...if it's longish for you at 5'8" and shortish for him at 6'1", I should be just fine. What stem length do you run?

 

[bizutch]

unless of course you have the arms of a Tyrannasourus....

 

[MikeD]

unless of course you have the arms of a Tyrannasourus....

Nah, I have a long torso, though.

I had a Marine we used to call "J-rex" because his name was Jalbert, and he had this big lumpy head and tiny little arms and hands. Good dude.

MD

 

[MikeD]

Well, I got the bike, and man, it feels SHORT. Could be that the shorter bike will be a better DHer for me; I've not owned a real DH bike in a few years, and my last one was way too big. I'll see how it feels with a slightly longer stem (only a nubby 40mm on there now) on a real DH run; that's where the proof is going to be.

But man, the BB is TOWERING, even with the go-ride crowns. It's over 15". However, even if I got the 7" carts, I'd end up needing to raise the fork in the crowns a bit, just to clear the tire under full compression (almost exactly an inch of space between crown/tire under full comp), and I don't think the overall change in BB height will really be that significant.

However, the bike has the flat reducer cups in, with a King (steelset, for some bizarre reason), pressed into the cups. I'm thinking one of the lower reducer headset options might just be the ticket.

Still can't wait to put some time in the saddle; might have to wait until Wed., though.

Thanks for all the input, and Dogboy, thanks again for the offer. The jury is still out, so I'll let you know for sure in a week or two. Ohio, got any tips on setting up the Swinger?

-MD