[dan_mtcycle]

I recently purchased a 2001 Jr T (first DC fork), and I'm expriencing a lot of bob when pedaling out of the saddle, is this normal? Do I need stiffer springs at 180 lbs.?

In addition, will changing the skewers to 10 mm threaded axles (XT hubs) make the fork stiffer?

 

[Brian HCM#1]

Originally posted by dan_mtcycle
I recently purchased a 2001 Jr T (first DC fork), and I'm expriencing a lot of bob when pedaling out of the saddle, is this normal? Do I need stiffer springs at 180 lbs.?

In addition, will changing the skewers to 10 mm threaded axles (XT hubs) make the fork stiffer?

You have to remember the Jr T is not a XC fork, where you can stand up and hammer up a hill with. Its a 6" freeride/light DH type fork. You can however tighen up the preload to stiffen it a bit more for climbing.

 

[WTGPhoben]

adding some oil will make it more progressive... 5-10mm should make a big difference.

 

[MikeD]

It's a 6" fork...any 6" fork SHOULD bob when hammered out of the saddle. Otherwise, it wouldn't be sensitive enough to small hits--ones you shouldn't even feel on a 6" fork.

That said, at 180 lbs, you're riding the line between the medium and heavy springs. A lot of it depends on how you ride. However, the pro-wind stock springs should perform well. If it's bottoming on big hits, I'd add a little oil 1st, like WTG said, before touching the springs.

Adding preload on these long springs, in my experience, is a very limited adjustment.

MD

 

[jonikl]

AT 180 lbs you should be fine with your stock spring rate, med/heavy.
Your fork is going to bob as long as it's in proper working order.

Don't add oil to reduce bob! ONLY add oil if you are bottoming your fork easily.
And have a certified tech check your oil height and do the adjustments properly.
100mm for light DH 90mm for more agressive riding.

 

[Rustmouse]

even the best suspension rig bobs when you get outta the saddle... your pedaling motion creates too big a weight shift and the shock reacts like it's trail bumps...

 

[Inclag]

Originally posted by dan_mtcycle
I recently purchased a 2001 Jr T (first DC fork), and I'm expriencing a lot of bob when pedaling out of the saddle, is this normal? Do I need stiffer springs at 180 lbs.?

In addition, will changing the skewers to 10 mm threaded axles (XT hubs) make the fork stiffer?

Yes, the fork is going to bob. If you're using too much sag (use a zip-tie to determine this, it should be around 25% of the travel), then you need heavier springs.

As for the threaded axles, I know of some people that have done it, but XT skewers have some of the highest clamping forces of QR's so I'm not sure how significantly it will stiffen the fork.