[mcoomer]

Hello,

I'm considering some upgrades for a bike ('06 Hardrock Sport Disc) and I can't seem to find an answer for a couple of questions. I'm hoping that someone can help me out.

I'm looking at front forks on EBay and since a lot of them are cut already I'm trying to figure out what is long enough to hang on my bike. According to Specialized the Head Tube Length is 160mm (6"). I believe that'st the length from the bottom of the head tube to the top. If that's correct, how much additional length do I need on the steer tube of the fork to fit my bike?

I'm also thinking about cranksets, cassettes, and derailleurs. I've searched the FAQ's at Specialized and can't find out what size BB the bike has. The spec sheet has BB Drop and Height but nothing else. I suspect that it's 73mm but how can I confirm that?

Last question...how long until I don't suck so bad at climbs? Please make it a small number cause I rode hard yesterday and I haven't been so gassed in my life as I was a the end of a couple of those climbs.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[binary visions]

The bottom bracket is a 68x113mm, so says Specialized's website (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12277&bikeTab=techspec).

When measuring how much steerer tube you need, measure from the bottom of your headset cup to the top of your stem. That's how much you need - you really shouldn't go any shorter than that, unless you have spacers under your stem in which case you can subtract the length of the spacers.

As for your last question, the answer is in 8.62 years of riding 3.91 hours every day, you'll be good at climbs - seriously, just keep at it and you'll be in great shape in no time!

 

[mcoomer]

[Homer]Doh![/Homer]

The bottom bracket spec is right there with the rest of the specs isn't it. I find that I do that a lot...make things much harder than they have to be. Just ask my wife, she'll be happy to fill you inA

 

[binary visions]

[Homer]Doh![/Homer]

The bottom bracket spec is right there with the rest of the specs isn't it. I find that I do that a lot...make things much harder than they have to be. Just ask my wife, she'll be happy to fill you inA

Hey, no problem, we all do it

I'm just familliar with out Spec. lays out their spec sheet so I knew it was there and went hunting for it.

By the way, there's no hard-and-fast rule for how much to add on top of your headtube length to ensure the steerer tube will fit. It's highly dependant on how tall your headset and stem are - some stems aren't very tall, some are. Just mentioning, so you knew why I didn't give you numbers to go by.

Good luck with your upgrades!

 

[sanjuro]

I'm looking at front forks on EBay and since a lot of them are cut already I'm trying to figure out what is long enough to hang on my bike. According to Specialized the Head Tube Length is 160mm (6"). I believe that'st the length from the bottom of the head tube to the top. If that's correct, how much additional length do I need on the steer tube of the fork to fit my bike?

There is only one way to get the correct steerer tube length: measure it from the crown race seat (basically the top of the crown) to the top of the steerer tube.

The best way is to remove the fork before measuring it. You also measure it while on the bike, but I would measure it to the top of the stem. The measurement will be a little long but better long than too short...

 

[Arsbars]

There is only one way to get the correct steerer tube length: measure it from the crown race seat (basically the top of the crown) to the top of the steerer tube.

The best way is to remove the fork before measuring it. You also measure it while on the bike, but I would measure it to the top of the stem. The measurement will be a little long but better long than too short...

Agreed - you can always add extra spacers but can't add anymore steer tube.

 

[mcoomer]

Picked up a NIB Reba Team on EBay so the uncut steer tube alleviates any worries about length.

Now I have to consider the next upgrade...wheels! A friend from work has offered to build them I just have to provide the components and a 6-pack. Any suggestions?