Steerers are either steel ( cr/mo or soft steel or lowest end forks ) or 7050 aluminum. The only parts of a fork that are 'magnesium' are lowers and the crown. EDIT: also - pipe cutter tool and some sandpaper work wonders on shortening steerers.

@monsterinyourcloset7573

2 жыл бұрын

If you look at the product pages on these Chinese forks, some of them say magnesium or magnesium alloy on them. They're probably referring to 7000 or 6000 series aluminum since those contain magnesium, but honestly who knows what you're getting with them.

@BikesNotDrugs

2 жыл бұрын

You’ll need a steel pipe cutter for some steel forks.

@jakepaddyfield4767

2 жыл бұрын

@@monsterinyourcloset7573 they can be made of noodles too.. I see broken ones on amazon reviews.

@janeblogs324

2 жыл бұрын

I love that you actually think steel automatically = cromolly. If its cheap, it certainly isn't. If they don't advertise cromolly everywhere on the package it is not

@986kph

2 жыл бұрын

magnesium is also extremely soft and the dust isn't anything special

This was great - would love a similar video on the other budget components too (brakes, drivetrain, etc.).

The epixon fork, is actually, a weird version of an epicon fork, which they don t produce anymore. Its way more advanced than the new epixon forks. They come with an aion(Suntour enduro/trail line up ) damper, air spring and negative spring. They actually added a spacer to reduce its travel to 140. You can remove it and get the full 150mm of travel. So its basically an enduro fork with thinner stanchions. It is in the range of the last generation rockshox revelation forks. It is cheap because they were produced for a range of bikes that were never made due to shortages.... You can hit big jumps on it hahah.

@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921

2 жыл бұрын

Not even close. 34 or 36 mm stanchions are the standard for Enduro in 2021. The dampers are more advanced, but the stanchions need the girth to provide the rigid feel for modern downhill or Enduro. Suntour makes enduro forks, but i have not tried them. The Epixons are XC trail forks.

@hollenjoe

2 жыл бұрын

@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 thats why I said " dont produce anymore" and last gen revelation.... They were ment to be enduro/trail forks years ago ..

@chrisr8244

2 жыл бұрын

Are you saying it is better to get an epicon or epixon? I'm confused as to which forks you are referring to has the aion dampers

@hollenjoe

2 жыл бұрын

@@chrisr8244 Its an aion on 32mm stations...

@chrisr8244

2 жыл бұрын

@@hollenjoe right I'm just confused if you are referring to the older epicon or the newer epixon.

Very informative. I know nothing about this world and appreciate these basic tutorials. Thanks!

Kev.......dude....... that's why I love your videos. It's just not you rambling about this and that and riding some flowy trail somewhere. Your videos are always entertaining, and informative! Thank you for your big box bikes videos and love of bikes in general! And thanks for giving us casual trail riders a place to call home!!

Man bubba thank you for this invaluable information!! I needed this stuff. Because knowledge is power.

This was very interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us. Always helping.

Great Job! Kev! Very informative for those wanting to upgrade their forks. Wished I had someone explain this to me on my first fork upgrade. The only thing I see that most don't consider in their budget on their first set of Air Forks is the Air Fork Pump. ✌👍

@patrickj1066

Жыл бұрын

Got mine for 20€, works great.

I 100% agree with Kev. I just replaced the OEM fork on my Schwinn Taxion with a $100 Suntour and the difference is night and day. Even just a $100 fork is a serious upgrade over the junk that came on it.

Very fair video, i appreciate you not bashing low cost forks, which seams to be popular these days!

Perfect timing with this video. I’m getting ready to replace the fork.on my commuter bike.

Perfect timing! I was just thinking about those forks earlier today & wondering.

It's a good day when kev central uploads

I just bought a 26" Cannondale mountain bike, 3x9, hydraulic brakes and rock sock, in very good condition for $250. *I'm very happy.* 😁

@Snagmaster30lb

2 жыл бұрын

Ok?

I put a £100 bucklows air fork on my boys ‘15 Pitch and it’s made it a much more capable bike. He’s 12yo and 60kg he doesn’t ride gnar or jump he just follows me round the woods but I’m very impressed for what it is.

Very informative. I'm looking into upgrading my ledge suspension fork very soon and had not really thought about the additional cost of the tools

This video was very beneficial and helpful

I have a straight steerer tube and my upgrade options were limited. My local bike shop mechanic installed a Manitou Markhor and it works great.

@jakeb6703

2 жыл бұрын

Had to add a +1 to this I bought a manitou markour for a budget xc build and have been very satisfied for almost 2 years now

Great Video. Its nice to see the ins and outs and issue or the DIYer for fork and bearings. Nice Wrrk.

I'd go with a suntour airfork, especially since they can be converted to an oil bath setup and have lots of cheap replacement parts available.

JUST SEND IT!!!! I bought the gold stanchion Bucklos for the Axum. So far they've held up fine. I'm 250 -260 lbs and I send it every chance I get. I also do a post check of the bike after every ride to check for anything loose.

I used a small pipe cutter. Worked wonderfully.

Thank you. Great info on my journey to learning on more about cycling 👍

Brilliant video. Really helped me out.

Another awesome vid!

Learned a lot there Sir. Thankyou.

I've never had to install a star nut because my version of a budget fork is an old used fork that released 10-20 years ago lmao. Wayy sketchier and you need to be prepared to service them yourself but some really nice old forks can be found at Bucklos prices sometimes haha

Excellent video thank you for all your help. Is well appreciated

Oh wow, the video we all needed but didn't know we did.

Thank you for the information about the tool I didn't know they had one available for the stem I've always used a socket to pop a in the tube

My suntour 34 xcr air fork has been taken on black trails in my high desert location with rock gardens and rock rolls . I have done small jumps and drops . I have boosted the air pressure to keep the fork from diving as much on those steps going down .

I think the raidon and epixon are definitely a step above the bucklos and ztz forks. I was running with a himalo 160 fork for a good while and those are also a step above the ztz forks. The himalos have a metal piston and the stanchion walls are actually a little bit thicker than the ztz forks. I realized this when I tried fitting the piston of the himalos into a ztz fork and it was way too loose. The himalos do use similar dampers cartridge to the ztz and bucklos fork though. So from bottom to top, it'd be ztz/bucklos, himalo, then the epixon/raidon.

I have a Suntour Epixon on my 29er and saved up for another Epixon for my wife's 26er when I built that. I want both bikes to perform decently on trails. Nothing fancy, nothing technical, nor too hard. Something you can pedal along off-roads without doubts or worries. I did consider buying cheaper Taiwan brand forks but went for Suntour instead despite the hate they get on the internet. I like the knowledge that I can readily buy parts for it when it comes to fork servicing. Both forks are still in service and both bikes feel great to ride. I would also like to add that the Uding brand is also a popular fork for rebranding. Our local market has Sagmit which also produces cheap bike parts. Their forks are labeled as Sagmit on the outside but have Uding internals. I believe Uding, Sagmit, and ZTTO have one mother company.

I put a Bucklos on my "getting-back-to-mountain-biking" bike. Have been riding recumbents only for the past few years, so it meets my needs and works fine with my mid-90's EBAY frame. If I take to Mountain biking again in a big way, I'll be upgrading when it wears out.

@tac6044

2 жыл бұрын

How has it held up. Do you still like it?

I have the Epixon on my Schwinn Comp. I got the 100 mm travel one and took it apart and made it 120 mm I could of went as high as 140 mm of travel I love that air fork made a huge difference on my comp

I put the bucklos xm fork on my ledge x1 2 weeks ago. It feels way better than the stock fork but I haven’t tried it on the trails yet. Maybe this weekend it’ll get a test run.

Love this kind of video

Very very helpful. Many thanks

I adapted my motorized bike from 1 inch fork to 1 1/8 Bolany Fork. Work great for trails but im only 120 lbs.

Simply brilliant 💯✌🏻👍🏻

The Buckles Lutu is a great fork by any standard. I actually cannot believe how good it is for the price. I even prefer it over the Fox on my 27.5. Here is the problem, quality control sucks. If you order one order two at the same time and then return the one you don't need. This way you are likely to get a quality one. The first one I got leaked air and had a problem with stiction. The replacement is perfect, so smooth and everything works great. I have been beating the he'll out of it and it is literally just as good as any big brand I have ridden. Also tried the Buckles XM, the Lutu is far better which is surprising as I expected them to be the same fork.

I have a Bologna on my "Pleb-Comp" as I've dubbed it. I also put on a JG 1x, shimano megarange, wake stem and bars, and a Maxis Aggressor rear / DHRII front. I'll drop it 2 feet off the side of the driveway onto grass but that's about as far as I'll trust that fork. All in all the weight savings and lock out are worth the price for light trail riding.

I have Suntour Raidon 32 so light compare to my previous Suntour XCE 28 so happy i upgraded it.

Good info. Thank you!

HEY KEV! Just heard your voiceover on the Lectric 2.0. CONGRATS- I knew you were a “natural” for that, the first time I heard your voice. We even had a back n forth on one of your vids about doing voiceovers a long time ago. When did the new gig happen for you? More jobs in the works? Sky’s the limit with that voice….Good Luck

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure what you’re taking about…are you referring to my review video?

I love SR Suntour forks and shocks. Great quality and with a budget price.

Thank you for doing this video. I see these forks being used on pretty advanced trails and it scares me to death. They have a place, and are a great option for more leisurely and basic riding, and are a great upgrade from a cheap coil fork.....but they in no way are a reasonable replacement for a nice rockshox, fox, or higher end suntour fork. Also, serviceability is questionable on most of the budget forks. Not all air forks are created equal lol. Keep up the good work and great vids!

@tac6044

2 жыл бұрын

They are fine for moderate xc trail riding.

I had a suntour epixon, and I switched to a bucklos because I wanted to go 29, and the epixon is very much better

@thiccfrogg1380

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I wonder why

@TravisMcGee151

Жыл бұрын

@@thiccfrogg1380That was a long commercial 😖

I dont understand how having to cut the steerer, and install a star nut. are negatives for budget forks? you'll have to do this for any new set of forks you purchase.

Can you also make comparison video on lower end Rockshox, Fox, Suntour, etc... I'm gonna need one shortly... also a "how to" on measuring and fitting them... thanks.

We've got a couple of 2018 Suntour Raidon forks. Very worth going for a through axle version if you can, far better to ride. Also they're height adjustable relatively easily. Certainly on a par with 2010 age Roxshox and better than the old Z4s on my jump bikes. And then I ride my 2019 Fox 36 only with the lowly Grip damper and it's just another world.

I was just thinking of buying one of these

This was a great video, but I felt there was one topic that wasn't really expanded on. Straight steerer vs tapered. You mentioned the new bearing set for converting your standard big box straight to tapered, but honestly there's not a lot of videos out there that go into the specifics of that conversion. Like I know cane creek has a set that does it, but trying to find out the specifics is like finding a needle in a haystack. And searching forums for information mainly leads to other MTB'rs flooding with comments: "quit being a cheapo and go buy a good bike". So I'd love it if you did another video about the differences in the straight steerer you're likely going to get in a big box bike, how going tapered is an improvement, and how to convert your headset.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve actually covered that before. There is a dedicated video on my KevReviews channel that talks about the difference. I should probably create an onscreen card for that in this video. Thanks for the feedback.

The best video ❤️

I bought these forks and they actually were great for hitting pretty decent sized jumps with them and they were fine

Can you take star nut out of old fork,and reuse? Thanks for info i have new fork to put on.

This is more of a kev review video IMO but I'm happy he uploaded

Hey kevcentral Walmart has the Schwinn axum dp large in blue in stock right now! Now if walmart can ship out mine that I order almost a week ago...

// W O W !! // Super Awesome video, thanks so much. ! TONS of needed info here... wow. i knew there was more to what it "looked like".. Now i can get some forks and be pretty well armed with knowledge. Awesome stuff.

I think the un install and install of a buckloss fork especially a straight to taper would be good because you'd go over the entire instillation from un install to new crowns etc

Hand held pipe gutter would be the best way to cut it straight,also could give some advice on the Kent trauvaille and what crown race size I need for tapered forks?or would you just go with a straight fork and use existing bearings?thank you for all you’re video’s,has helped alot

Hello sir, just getting back on a bike again, we’ll EBIKE. I used to watch you several years ago, you helps me out fit my last bike. Now I’m disabled, I want to try to get out on Ebikes. I purchased a Mooncool mc3 AWD, I’m waiting for delivery, but I’m sure the forks are junk. Can you recommend anything bang for buck?

I am currently riding an ebike with stock spring fork without rebound adjustment. 99%of the time ride on asphalt and when I go above 25mph and hit road cracks or pot holes they some what feel like a pogo stick. Would those chinese air forks be a good choice for my use case? or would I not see much benefit?

do you think these are better than the suntour xcm forks im not sure if the upgrade is worth it or i should fix my suntour forks

We had the ztz 120mm on my son's budget hardtail project. It survived two days of riding, the inner part piston kinda separated on one side, kid only weight 90 pounds. We ordered it because it had a tapered headtube and air + free prime shipping and 20% off 😂 As a quick replacement I put my unused rst stitch with 180mm of travel on, the geo is all good, sorta

13:00 I just hammered it in, it's a bit tilted but it doesn't matter, it's not that big of a deal. The fork isn't held by that part alone anyway but by the head stem and it's not like the head cap will be loose anytime soon just because the screw is not exactly level. I also changed the crown race to the new fork with a screwdriver, big wrench and a hammer, worked great. You just have to be careful and not handle it like an ape. I got myself that $140 Himalo Drift 32 Airfork from China, stanchions are Aluminium alloy, Lower parts are Magnesium alloy. The nice thing is, you can also get that nice modern fork with a straight tube for older frames, other than the expensive fox forks that only come tapered. Everything about it is very precise and well made, I don't think they'd ruin all of that by suddenly using a crappy material for the steering tube without properly testing it. But we'll see if it snaps on me (god forbid).

What would be a reasonable lbs price be to adjust and install a fork? $50-75 maybe? And would this be similiar to the price of the specialized tools?

@gr8fulride

2 жыл бұрын

If you have a hacksaw and a tape measure you can measure twice and cut once. My first set , I ruined by cutting too short. So if there is any doubt, cut too long and go slow to keep a straight line. I've done several more forks since that first rock shock Judy I ruined

I just bought that Epixon fork over the weekend. It showed up today.

Do you know if any of these forks would fit on the XP Lite? Thanks!

Could you tell me the size that you ordered? I have the Mongoose Durham 29 and am replacing the same thing and need to know which one of the Funn lower headset you used?

My preferred budget fork is the manitou. But i’ll try epixon on my next budget bike.

I put a Bucklos budget fork on my Boundry. It has held up reasonably well with the exception of the rebound knob which will no longer turn which is frustrating. Budget forks are great as long as a person accepts they're a budget fork and not a raceworthy high performance Fox 36.

@tac6044

2 жыл бұрын

My Lutu rides better than my Fox to be honest but I wouldn't expect it to last as long.

U was saying about the steerer tube is not that strong do u think its safe 🤔

Do you have any suggestion for a 700c road suspension fork? I am trying to find one for the wife's bike.

And this is exactly why I paid a mobile bike mechanic to install my new forks 👍

Hi i have a 27.5 inch bike which fork would u recommend i dont want to spend over 70€

I have a bucklos, a rockshock reba, and a fox 36 grip2 factory. So cheap, mid range, and high end. The difference in all 3 is VERY noticeable. The bucklos will beat you up and blows through the travel (though it has no problems taking punishment) The rockshock is much smoother and I'm able to tune it to have more usable travel( well worth the extra $150 over the bucklos). Now the fox 36 factory, this one is even smoother and of course more supportive. It's also more tunable to make it perfect to any condition. I unfortunately wouldn't recommend the bucklos. It was just not refined enough. To stiff and not enough progression in the travel. In order to make it feel smooth like my other forks it will not have enough support to ride the trails. Spend a little more money and get something that you can properly tune

Trying to find a suspension fork that's 20x4. All I've been able to find are these bucklos. Any suggestions?

Hey brother I got a fatbear plus 500 and I’m looking to upgrade the rear shock to a A5 RR1 but I’m trying to find a front fork for 20x4 135mm To get rid of the pogo effect lol ( now I have a rockshox lyrik ultimate on my mmmbop hardtail ,so I know that top of the line is ) But I just want to smooth out the Ebike I have already taken the bike on some crazy trails for fun ( way beyond what it should do ) But I just want a decent suggestion if you may sir .

Will bucklos forks work fine for XC? What are their limit? You do some trail riding with them. Any issues there?

What happened to project XR pro vs Hydroform Video comparison? Also would you choose a Axum over the XR pro or Ledge X2?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Outdated when the hydro was discontinued. Since then the Ledge bikes have came out and outclassed both as a Project bike

The ZTZ with the orange rods a friend purchased one sent it back it failed they sent a new one out said it was corrected it filled again and collapsed

i use the bolany fork and some XC, small jumps and it works fine af.........

What is the official length of warranty for the Bucklos fork?

talkin forks... can I put a 27.5 fat bike mastedon fork on my 26" fat tire bike... the head tube diameters are the same

Would you, or will you check out the himalo drift 32? It’s a 160mm travel, 9mm quick release fork. You can get it tapered or straight steer and remote or stanchion lockout.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

If I come across one. Thanks

@orrhadar8758

2 жыл бұрын

If you want an enduro fork buy a normal one, Unless you want to get seriously injured when the fork will break on you

Here in the Philippines, there's some issues about the bolany, snapping arch, stanchions snapped into pieces, lockouts are broken, leaking air. For only about 3-5 months you're gonna feel some issues, though their coil ones are good (i use them now) and tested on our local trails.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Just get a pipe cutter from any plumbing supply store. You won't need a vice, hacksaw or anything else. You can cut your fork tube off in like 10 seconds.

Does any of these forks have a fat bike option?? Thanks Kevin…

Is the Manitou SX a good fork? Because that's what's reportedly on my 2000 Marin MTB. A bike that I recently bought off CL for $125, in excellent condition.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve ran the markhor with success

Hi Kevin do u think these BUCKLOS forks are safe 🤔

Great video very informative what do you think of the rockshox recon rl sliver I am thinking of getting one keep up the good work 👍

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

They work well, IMO

Can you make a comparison about the performance of these forks Vs the epixon

I did a high end custom XC build with a high end Rockshox Sid Ultimate ($900). Then another near all Chinese “all mountain” custom build using a Bolany $140 shock. The $900 is considerably lighter and will probably last forever. But for basic trail riding (roots , rocks, et al) these forks are interchangeable … period. They get the job done, perform well … and I have fun. I like high end stuff and I can afford it. So which fork is better? Better in what sense?

Not as fancy but a pipe cutter and sandpaper will work for the steerer. If you have no tape you can measure by putting it in with all the spacers and stem and marking where to cut

i got a mongoose fat bike 26 by 4 would a Bucklos 26 inch do the job, my knowledge of upgrades is really poor

In my opinion, I wouldn't buy any brand under RST or Suntour, I just don't want to risk cheap parts breaking and being out even more money.

@nekomeido

2 жыл бұрын

I would take RST out. I had 2 RST forks, one was a new RST F1RST fork that broke in just 4 weeks because something went wrong in the factory and it doesn't even feel good with the big stiction. And the second fork was a cheap RST Dirt that didn't really feel that bad but the stanchions have been worn out after not even a half year. Now I use a 10 year old Fox 32 xc fork for dirtjumping and it works better than the RST F1RST "trail fork". RST gets alot of hate, I was wondering too but they are just not good quality at all after I had these 2 forks.

@matrixracing8268

2 жыл бұрын

@@nekomeido I would still take RST over some of these other brands

@adamneulander

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, especially with the cost of medical care in the states

@matthewwijsma9978

2 жыл бұрын

If it has a sticker on it "not for offroad use" then I wont ride it, I dont care about the fork braking, I care about my face braking. Manitou make decent forks that are affordable.

@orrhadar8758

2 жыл бұрын

@@matrixracing8268 yeah. I will never use these type of forks if its rigid or ztz or something similar, I will go with the rigid fork

I've always just used a pipe cutter to cut the steer tube down to size, a budget tool for budget forks

Steel round fence posts have to be topped like these steerer tubes. The cutter is just a more adjustable (for size) pipe cutter so you may know someone who has one you can borrow. Pipe cutters aren't expensive though.

I got confused when Kev said that his fork steerer on the epixon is too short for the frame he's testing it in lol. I never put spacers on my bike because "if you have to put spacers under the stem, it's probably a wrong size bike" is my motto.