Carreras kraken 2009? Fork replacement

[Markbarry1977]

About 2 years ago some scrote nicked my Carrera kraken 2012 model. This was the third one in as many years nicked by professional thieves (disk cutter through two locks). Fed up with this I purchased a used 2009 model second hand with the insurance payout.

The bike has been reliable and good for the trails I do. I'm looking to upgrade the now knackered front fork. It's a suntour scr-lo. I'm looking to upgrade to an air fork probably Reba or recon. It seems though these forks are worth more than the bike itself.

Is it worth upgrading the fork or am I just better off taking the plunge and getting a new bike?

My plan is to use the bike a lot more as a fitness thing as I have reached nearly 100kg and could do with shifting the middle spread I have going on.

[Celtic Dragon]

If you can get a set of Reba's second for not a lot then yes (assuming your a 26er), if you are looking at brand new then no, a new bike would be a better bet.

If you look on Singletrack forum, there they come up quite often now everyone is going 29er.

[Markbarry1977]

Thanks for the info. Will look on single track then.

[Celtic Dragon]

I don't know what axle you have but to give an example (20mm axle on your age of bike is quite rare)

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-shed-cl...

Edited by Celtic Dragon on Wednesday 28th December 14:31

[Markbarry1977]

It's a 9mm qr axel. I'm not sure on the stearer size, tapered etc. Might take it to my not so local bike shop. Or Halfords which is 400m away. Other than the knackered fork it's an ideal bike for my use with sram x5/x7 stuff and avid juicy brakes. It's no mega lightweight but does everything I will need for local trails. Sherwood pines.

[Celtic Dragon]

Working out if it straight or tapered is easy, and can be done visually If the head tube is a lot wider at the bottom than the top it will be tapered (rough guide) if its straight, then it will be well, a straight steerer.

If the photo's I've just googled are right then, you will be looking for a 26er, straight 1 1/8" and 9mm QR.

[The_Jackal]

Another second hand Kraken will only cost you about 150, so its not worth paying that for another set of forks.
For under 200 you might find a bike with air forks on Gumtree.

[Markbarry1977]

Celtic Dragon said:

Working out if it straight or tapered is easy, and can be done visually If the head tube is a lot wider at the bottom than the top it will be tapered (rough guide) if its straight, then it will be well, a straight steerer.

If the photo's I've just googled are right then, you will be looking for a 26er, straight 1 1/8" and 9mm QR.

Yep I went out and had a look and a quick measure up with a set of calipers and it appears it's a straight 1 1/8" 26" with 9mm qr is what I am looking for.

I am torn as to if it's worth fixing the bike or just selling it on.

I quite like the look of the whyte brand and on-one as well. Both British made too I understand. I'm very tempted to just set a budget of £750-£1000 and just buy new.

My old carrera kraken is on the original crank, headset etc by the looks of them and could do with replacing. If I could get £150-£200 for my carrera to offset against either an ex demo or last years model then that might be the way to go. I'm quite handy with a spanner and although I have never done any work on the carrera myself it does seem a waste to effectively get rid.

[subsea99]

Have a look on pinkbike.com lots of spares on there

[BenGismo]

There are some great bikes you could get for £750 which will feel much newer/lighter....on the other hand though....

there are loads of forks on ebay and pinkbike etc... so you should be able to get something easily for £80-130.

Do you know what travel your after (100mm, 120mm, 140mm etc?) id guess its a 100mm on your bike?

What colour is your bike? I have about 3 spare air forks in the garage and will be getting rid/selling them as I need the space and dont use them.

Edited by BenGismo on Thursday 29th December 13:19

[Markbarry1977]

BenGismo said:

There are some great bikes you could get for £750 which will feel much newer/lighter....on the other hand though....

there are loads of forks on ebay and pinkbike etc... so you should be able to get something easily for £80-130.

Do you know what travel your after (100mm, 120mm, 140mm etc?) id guess its a 100mm on your bike?

What colour is your bike? I have about 3 spare air forks in the garage and will be getting rid/selling them as I need the space and dont use them.

Edited by BenGismo on Thursday 29th December 13:19

The current fork is 120mm travel. I was hoping to stay around the same so as to not alter the geometry too much. Bike is grey with white forks.

I found this through pinkbike

http://flatoutcycles.co.uk/rockshox-recon-race-100...

Opinions?

Edited by Markbarry1977 on Thursday 29th December 14:00

[BenGismo]

They would certainly do the job. (maybe ..a touch expensive)

If your used to 120mm travel and riding the bike with that, then id consider holding out for another 120mm travel fork to not steepen up the headtube a little and leave the front with less plushness.

[gazza285]

Go rigid, suspension is highly overated.

A bit like gears...