Will Marzocchi All Mountains fit into a GT Chucker (100mm)?

[Louisa911]

I have a cheap GT Chucker hardtail (http://www.riders.com.au/images//2009/GT/GT_CHUCKER1.0_2009.jpg) that I use for trail riding practice and riding improvement before shelling out for a full sus bike. The RST forks currently on there are pretty awful, and are recommended to be upgraded. They have 100mm travel. My boyfriend is breaking down his bike for parts and has offered me his Bomber All Mountain forks (130/140mm?)

I know there's a pretty big difference in travel that could alter the geometry of the frame for better but more likely for worse- I'm pretty sure they are possible to fit, but would it be a good move to increase the travel on the Chucker by that much or should I give it a miss?

I've seen people do similar, some negative responses and some good responses but not sure what to believe. There's a link to one in particular with longer travel forks here: http://www.moredirt.co.uk/ratebike.php?id=1904

The GT frame itself is reputable for being very strong so I doubt cracking would be an issue as some have stated. What do you think?

[ezi]

Should be fine.

Lots of people use the chucker as a DJ bike without issue, coupled with the fact you are only using it to practice trails etc, I don't see any problems with the frame getting damaged.

Will probably feel weird for a while until you adjust to the higher front end but you might be able to counter this by dialing in some extra sag in the fork.

[Louisa911]

Thanks

[chrisispringles]

Wouldn't do it if I were you. You should never run a frame with a fork that is more than 10mm longer travel than the frame is designed for. It will relax the head angle a lot and put a lot more stress on the headtube which normally ends with it cracking or snapping if you use it hard.

[Louisa911]

Hmm ok thanks. 50/50 with the suggestions so far then.... any other opinions?

[hondafanatic]

chrisispringles said:

Wouldn't do it if I were you. You should never run a frame with a fork that is more than 10mm longer travel than the frame is designed for. It will relax the head angle a lot and put a lot more stress on the headtube which normally ends with it cracking or snapping if you use it hard.

I'm sure that technically, this is spot on advice. However, I spent my entire yoof swapping forks on frames, going really silly with 4.5 inch travel on frames that started with zero. I never broke a frame, and I only ever road GTs back then.

I'll stick my neck out and say you're probably a light person?

I don't think you'll have too much trouble.

I'll just reiterate; I think Chris is spot on in his advice from a technical perspective.

You could just fit a shorter stem to quicken the steering if it's too slow.

[Xenocide]

It'll be fine. It's only a cheap frame if you do snap it so who cares?

[hondafanatic]

Xenocide said:

It'll be fine. It's only a cheap frame if you do snap it so who cares?

Her face?

[Louisa911]

I think I'll just go for it anyway haha, thanks for the advice. true its a cheap frame, no worries if it decides to snap. was more concerned about some odd handling I may come across on trails considering its completely hardtail, with what will be quite long travel at the front. may as well, see what happens!