SCOTT Fork Project

Carbon Fork:

Thru-axle, carbon fork, headset (never used)

I've been looking into a straight fork for my SCOTT 710+ MTB for a while. Doing a majority of my recent dirt work on gravel, didn't need a full suspension fork like my FOX 32 (which came on the SCOTT). After doing considerable research, there wasn't a carbon fork available from any major US distributors for a 27.5" boost straight fork, tapered head tube, 110mm spacing with 15mm thru axle. Several were planning on introducing them in the fall and I'm sure the price would be in the $400-600 range.

Not to be dismayed, I turned westward to several Taiwanese and China companies. I thought I would give 'er a go and ordered a carbon fork that matched my specs from Tandell Company. Cost was US $129. I added a headset to make sure all would fit OK. Total cost was US$169 delivered to my door.

Thru-Axle: Mickey-Mouse function(top), replacement (btm)

Arrived in 10 days and was well packaged with ample foam protection. Upon close scrutiny, the fork looked well made and had a smooth, clean finish. Not so for the included thru-axle. Yes, it installed OK and I did several test rides on it. But with several set screws, I knew it wouldn't last. Sent an email to Tandell and they mailed me over a replacement thru-axle that was actually the real deal.

Step By Step:
Pulled my Fox 32 off the bike in about 5 minutes. Ended up using the adequate headset bearings already installed, just added the crown race and it was on the bike. I added a few inches to the carbon tube before cutting. Later I'd double up the spacers above the stem for future stem height, if needed.

Needed DIY pump booster to mount Schwalbe tires

Fork finished, I installed it with the included mickey-mouse thru axle. It worked OK, but I ended up pulling it off and installing the replacement thru-axle  New thru-axle really worked like they should. That taken care of, next up was the hydraulic line.

Tying off the line to the fork worked fine for several test rides. Now time to feed the line thru the fork. Snip cut, feed and put on a new barb and olive. Thirty minutes and that was done. I had ordered a full brake bleed kit just for this. It worked great, getting out any bubbles. Nice feel on the lever.

Initially, I thought about some color striping on the fork to match the bike. Talked to super spray artist Bruce Phillips about this. I ordered out 2 different colored sets of SCOTT bike decals. Prepped the fork, and the decals worked great. Needed a cover coat to protect the decals, so had some matte clear coat enamel handy and used that. Next time I would put the decals on the fork before the  hydraulic line is installed. After a few photo shots, tire change next.

Tire Change:

Schwalbe 27.5 x 2.8 tires with slick fork~!

A while back, I did a multi-day test ride on a SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel Bike. I really liked the feel and speed of it's Schwalbe G-ONE tires. Schwalbe finally came out with the jumbo 27.5 x 2.80 version of this tire. After much ado, I managed to get hold of a couple for this project.

Maxxis Recon tires came off quickly. I was amazed to find around 3 oz. of sealant in each tire. After pouring it off, tires cleaned up easily. After prepping the G-ONEs, they didn't quite go on as easy. Needed to make up a pump booster for a big shot of air to seat the bead on the tubeless rims. It worked great. Added some Stan's Sealant and it was ride time.

Rider Dan Phillips (O'side Bussey Auto) had a few tips for me on installing the new thru axle and taking off the old one. They both came with the fixing nut, which I wanted to bond to the fork end. Dan suggested Loctite Red vs my other method of Superglue. (Superglue worked OK, but plugged up the threads some too)! Loctite was easier to use and holds as well.

Test Ride For Real:

Dirt Work: Mule Hill, Lake Hodges, Penaquitos Cyn.

Started with several modified 60-100 mile rando routes with added gravel sections. The Schwalbe tires really added speed on the road vs the Maxxis Recon takeoffs. Air pressure @30psi and these things were fast! I dropped to 25psi and hit the trails. Got beat up bad so did on-trail pressure adjustment with my carrying along trusty digital gauge,  Ended with 18/20psi. for decent traction and fast road riding. Suspect with gnarly trail riding pressure will end up more in the 14-16 psi. range.

Fork Project Video

BEFORE: Fox 32 fork and Maxxis Recon tires

AFTER: Carbon Fork, decals and Schwalbes

- randorides