Cannondale front suspension overhaul

[black5]

Having decided to keep my (rather old - come classic) Cannondale Delta V900, I now have it all working nicely.
All but the front suspension. It works, but I can no longer adjust then or lock them out.

I am looking at overhauling the unit myself. I have found a few articles on the net (for a similar unit) and now have some idea of where to start, but I would appreciate any tips / knowledge that anyone can share.

The suspension unit is set in the headstock, with adjuster on the top.

Any advice?

[cw42]

I used to have a v900, great bike, crap front suspension in hindsight Have you thought about getting an adapter and converting it to standard suspension forks? If that's not a possibility, then go visit your local bearing manufacturers, which is what I did years ago, as Cannondale charge a fortune for replacements if they're worn out. Other than that, I'd say leave it to an expert, as back when I had one, it was an expensive bit of kit to repair.
Good luck!

[black5]

Ta.

I was thinking about the possibility of an insert and a set of Rock Shox Dart 3, but not sure this would be better than the original sorted.

[Neil_Bolton]

black5 said:

Ta.

I was thinking about the possibility of an insert and a set of Rock Shox Dart 3, but not sure this would be better than the original sorted.

I would - while you may get spares, they are pigs to service. I was trained on the maintenance, strip down and inspection of Headshok forks by Cannondale, and I don't think I can remember one in which I couldn't get the 4 roller bearing strips back in without them pinging across the workshop.

I'd get an insert, and some decent forks - headshoks of that age will be crap anyway, compared to new stuff, never mind trying to find a Cannondale delaership these days...plus the costs will be very high.

Edited by Neil_Bolton on Wednesday 25th April 17:09

[snotrag]

Thirded. The Headshocks are not that good these days, even budget forks are far better damped. Nice idea originally, but now been surpassed.

There also a bugger to service.

Another Vote for some reducer Cups ( I.D. do them for a tenner IIRC) and a new fork, perhaps a RS Dart or even better a Marzocchi MZ. Probably more money than you want to spend, but the Marzocchi fork is very good, and easily serviceable at home.

[black5]

mmmm, I have seen Dart 3's for sale at around £100.

I suppose this way I can 'have a play' with the Cannondale shock at a later date.

[Neil_Bolton]

black5 said:

mmmm, I have seen Dart 3's for sale at around £100.

I suppose this way I can 'have a play' with the Cannondale shock at a later date.

By play, you mean lose all the needle bearings under the fridge (ahhhh Fridgesuck - the MOST powerful energy in the universe) - be very sure you never want to use the fork again

[black5]

Oh No!

I've further added to the problem.

I went into a Cannondale retailer today. Mmm, these shocks are expensive to repair.

The problem - he offered me an ex-demo Cannondale Prophet SL for £799.

[pdV6]

Just read with interest that Cannondale are offering reduced-price upgrades on Headshock forks at the moment.

http://gb.cannondale.com/upgrade/

[kieranbennett]

pdV6 said:

Just read with interest that Cannondale are offering reduced-price upgrades on Headshock forks at the moment.

http://gb.cannondale.com/upgrade/

Tried that, was offered £100 for my Lefty Max 140 against a Lefty Carbon, which would have left with another £1100 to pay for the upgrade

[black5]

Wonder what I'd have to pay for a Fatty DL traded against my old headshok?