[kirksllivan]

Hey guys!

Well just purchased a trek 6500 (09) today. New the brakes and fork. The brakes I understand, however I have searched and searched for a good manual on the Tora SL and cannot even find one on the manufacturer's website. The salesman told me that it would require a pump to... well pump it. I cannot find the schrader valve or any ports that I would pump it up at. the pre-load tab I presume has something to do with it. I am just not sure if the "solo air" means that the pre-load constantly keeps the fork pumped or what.

I would appreciate any help on this guys!
Thanks!

 

[zebrahum]

If it has a preload knob, then it is a coil fork; it won't have an air valve. Quick question, on the other side of the fork, does it have a lockout knob (right side from rider's view)? If it does, you're looking at a coil fork with turnkey damping.

This means that you don't have to pump it up ever, are you having trouble with it, or just wondering how it worked? That sales person deserves a punch in the crotch.

 

[kirksllivan]

yeah it has the lock out knob on the right side.

No problems with it, works just like every other fork I have ever had. what technically does the turnkey dampening do?

Thanks for the help!

 

[zebrahum]

The turnkey knob locks out the fork, which means it makes it harder to press down. You shouldn't hit too many big bumps with it locked out though, that could break the damping system.

 

[kirksllivan]

okay, so what about the pre-load knob? what does that do? I would go look somewhere else but its funny how nothing really gives a clear definition.

thanks again

 

[ultraNoob]

I have a 2007 Tora 318 Solo Air.... On the right side, there is a Compression to lockout knob, on the left side, there is a plastic cap, about the diameter of a dime. The valve is located underneath that plastic cap.

Quick way to see if your Tora is Air or Coil is to look at the fork lowers... is there a chart showing what pressure range to use depending on riders weight? If there is, then you have an Air Fork... if not you 'COULD' have a coil fork.

Congrats on the new bike and welcome to Ridemonkey

 

[zebrahum]

The preload knob is used to adjust how stiff or soft the fork feels (ie. sag). the knob can Only make small adjustments though. Should you not be able to tune your fork to where you want it with the knob, you'll need a different spring.

 

[kirksllivan]

thanks guys.

I am pretty sure it is a coil fork now. The left top of the tube in the fork has only a round adjuster just like the lockout tab on the opposing side.

Thanks again!