When I built my MTB I tried to buy used components to save a bit of money. At the time I couldn’t find forks which were pre-owned at a price I liked, so settled for a set from e-bay which were “new other” but came at a reduced and very affordable price. I’ve been using them for a while now but have looked into the recommended fork for the frame I have. As it turns, out On-one supply their scandal bikes with a 130mm travel fork whereas the ones I bought have a travel of 160mm. I’m not sure if the 30mm difference makes the ride better or worse but I’ve decided to do a bit of researching. With the conversion to a mullet I’m also trying to find out if an even shorter travel would suit better and am considering going to 120mm. Looking at the axle to crown measurements of each fork, it would seem that the lower travel also means a shorter fork which would probably sort out the strange geometry the mullet brings. This would also be different if I upgraded to a Rockshox Revelation fork which is more expensive an upgrade but offers better construction. There’s that and the question of offset. Most reviews I’ve read claim that there’s no noticeable difference between 42mm and 51mm so I guess it’s just a case of going for whatever is available.

I have seen a couple of sets of Rockshox on e-bay, one of which is identical to the ones I have fitted but in the shorter travel. The other is the higher spec Revelation so I just need to decide what I am willing to spend. As I’m otherwise very happy with the Rockshox, I’m going to stick with the brand. If I can get them for the starting bidding price, I can try out both sets of forks, keep the one which suits best and sell the others without losing any money. May as well get this done while the winter weather is still restricting my riding.

UPDATE: I have decided if I’m making the effort to change the forks I may as well go with the upgrade and have ordered the Revelation forks. Apart from having a higher spec they are also new and I can then cut the stem to suit the new geometry of the bike.