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Ideal Front Travel for Trail Bike

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Ideal Front Travel for Trail Bike

Old 04-16-19, 07:57 AM
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Two Wheel Tango
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Ideal Front Travel for Trail Bike

Hey!

I just bought the new GT Sensor and I'm excited to get it built up. After doing some reading online, it looks like a lot of people are swapping the front fork for a 140mm travel (comes with 130mm). What are the benefits of that additional 10mm when it comes to trail riding?

Thank you,

Ryan
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Old 04-16-19, 08:54 AM
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prj71
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A little more cush for drops and jumps.

Raises the bottom bracket up a little higher.

Rakes out the front end a little more for downhill.
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Old 04-18-19, 07:42 AM
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Two Wheel Tango
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Thank you for the feedback! I'm going to look into my options and hopefully be out on the trail soon!

Ryan

Originally Posted by prj71
A little more cush for drops and jumps.

Raises the bottom bracket up a little higher.

Rakes out the front end a little more for downhill.
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Old 04-22-19, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Two Wheel Tango
Hey!

I just bought the new GT Sensor and I'm excited to get it built up. After doing some reading online, it looks like a lot of people are swapping the front fork for a 140mm travel (comes with 130mm). What are the benefits of that additional 10mm when it comes to trail riding?

Thank you,

Ryan
I would not buy a new fork just to go from 130 to 140. If you have other reasons for upgrading (like you just want a better fork) then sure, go for 140 if you want.

If you want to slacken the front end there are other ways to do that.

Otherwise, 10mm is a pretty small difference performance-wise. Other differences (spring curve, damper design, rigidity) are going to make a bigger difference than 10mm travel.
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Old 04-24-19, 09:46 AM
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Thank you for the quick reply!

Ryan
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Old 04-25-19, 05:45 PM
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Many times you do not need to change the fork, just the tokens or cartridge.
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Old 04-26-19, 12:26 PM
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I'm with Leebo, tune what you have unless you hit its limits and need something more. The best reasons to get a bigger fork are bigger need for suspension and more stiffness. 120-130 is sort of a middle ground... a bit short for a trail fork but long for an XC fork. You could also see if your fork can be converted by getting a longer shaft or removing spacers.
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