If you are an avid cyclist, you know the importance of maintaining your bike and keeping it in top condition. One common issue that many riders face is the stiffness of their suspension fork, specifically the Suntour XCM fork. This fork is known for its robustness and durability, but sometimes the spring inside can be too stiff for your liking. Luckily, there is a simple solution to this problem – removing the spring.
Step 1: Begin by preparing your workspace and gathering the necessary tools. You will need a set of Allen wrenches, a rubber mallet, and a workstand or a sturdy table to secure your bike.
Step 2: Once you have your tools ready, turn your bike upside down and secure it on the workstand or table. This will make it easier for you to work on the fork without having to hold up the weight of the bike.
Step 3: Locate the two Allen bolts on the lower section of the fork. These bolts hold the lower legs in place and secure the spring inside. Use the appropriate Allen wrench size to loosen and remove these bolts.
Note: Be careful not to strip the bolts when loosening them. Apply steady pressure and ensure that the wrench is fully engaged in the bolt head.
Step 4: With the bolts removed, gently tap the lower section of the fork with a rubber mallet. This will release the lower legs from the upper stanchions and expose the spring.
Caution: Make sure to hold onto the upper stanchions securely while tapping to prevent any potential damage or injury.
Step 5: Once the lower legs are separated, carefully remove the spring from its position. This can be done by sliding it out of the lower legs or by compressing it slightly and pulling it out.
Step 6: With the spring removed, reassemble the fork by sliding the lower legs back onto the upper stanchions and tightening the Allen bolts. Make sure the bolts are securely fastened to avoid any issues during your ride.
Congratulations! You have successfully taken the spring out of your Suntour XCM fork. Enjoy the improved performance and adjustability of your suspension and get ready for a smoother ride.
What is a Suntour XCM Fork?
The Suntour XCM fork is a suspension fork designed for mountain bikes. It is a popular choice among cyclists looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides decent performance on the trails.
The XCM fork is manufactured by Suntour, a company known for producing reliable and durable suspension forks. It features a coil spring design, which provides a comfortable and smooth ride by absorbing the impact from bumps and rough terrain.
Main Features
The Suntour XCM fork offers several features that make it a suitable choice for both beginner and intermediate riders:
- Travel: The XCM fork typically has a travel range of 100mm to 120mm, allowing for improved handling and control over various types of terrain.
- Adjustability: Some models of the XCM fork offer adjustable rebound damping and preload, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension according to their preferences and riding style.
- Lockout: The XCM fork may also come with a lockout feature, which allows riders to temporarily disable the suspension for more efficient climbing and pedaling on smooth surfaces.
- Compatibility: The XCM fork is designed to fit 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheel sizes, making it a versatile choice for different types of mountain bikes.
Conclusion
The Suntour XCM fork is a reliable and affordable option for riders seeking a capable suspension fork for their mountain bikes. Its coil spring design, adjustable features, and compatibility with various wheel sizes make it a popular choice among cyclists of different skill levels. With proper maintenance and regular service, the Suntour XCM fork can provide a comfortable and smooth riding experience on the trails.
Why would you want to take the spring out?
There are several reasons why you might want to remove the spring from a Suntour XCM fork:
- Adjustment: Removing the spring allows you to fine-tune the suspension of your fork according to your riding preferences. Without the spring, you can experiment with different spring rates or even replace it with an air cartridge for more precise adjustment.
- Maintenance: Taking out the spring makes it easier to clean and inspect the internals of your fork. It allows you to perform routine maintenance tasks such as lubrication or replacing worn-out parts more effectively.
- Upgrade: If you are looking to upgrade your Suntour XCM fork, removing the stock spring may be necessary. Some riders prefer to replace the spring with a higher-performance coil or air spring to enhance the fork’s overall performance.
- Weight savings: Removing the spring can reduce the weight of your fork, which can be beneficial if you are aiming to build a lighter bike or if you are a weight-conscious rider.
- Customization: Taking out the spring allows for customization possibilities. You can experiment with different suspension setups, such as converting your fork into a rigid fork for specific riding conditions or bike setups.
Before removing the spring from your Suntour XCM fork, it is essential to understand the proper procedures and consult expert advice if needed. Taking apart and modifying your fork can have a significant impact on its performance and safety, so proceed with caution and make sure you have the necessary tools and knowledge.
Step-by-step guide:
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take the spring out of a Suntour XCM fork:
- Start by removing the front wheel from your bike.
- Locate the bolts that hold the fork to the frame. These are usually located on the lower part of the fork.
- Using the appropriate tool, loosen and remove the bolts. Be careful not to strip them.
- Once the bolts are removed, carefully slide the fork out of the frame.
- Place the fork on a clean and stable surface.
- Locate the preload adjuster knob on the top of the fork. It is usually a small dial.
- Using the appropriate tool, turn the preload adjuster knob counterclockwise to loosen the spring.
- Continue turning the knob until the tension in the spring is fully released.
- Gently pull the spring out of the fork.
- Inspect the spring for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replace the spring with a new one.
- If you need to reinstall the spring, reverse the steps above.
- Once the spring is back in place, slide the fork back into the frame.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the fork to the frame, making sure they are secure but not over-tightened.
- Reinstall the front wheel onto the fork.
- Test the fork by compressing and rebounding it a few times to ensure it is functioning properly.
Following these steps should help you successfully take the spring out of your Suntour XCM fork. However, if you are not confident in your bike maintenance skills, it is always recommended to consult with a professional bike mechanic.
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools
Before you begin the process of taking the spring out of your Suntour XCM fork, it is important to gather all the necessary tools. Having the right tools will make the process much easier and ensure that you can safely remove the spring.
What you will need:
- A set of allen wrenches
- A socket wrench
- A shock pump
- A soft cloth or towel
Note: Make sure you have the correct sizes of allen wrenches that fit the specific bolts on your Suntour XCM fork. Using the wrong size could strip or damage the bolts.
Having a socket wrench will allow you to easily remove the top cap of the fork, while a shock pump will be essential for adjusting the air pressure after removing the spring. The soft cloth or towel is useful for protecting the fork stanchions and preventing any scratches or damage during the process.
Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Remove the front wheel
Before you can take the spring out of your Suntour XCM fork, you’ll need to remove the front wheel. Follow these steps to do so:
- Begin by loosening the quick release lever on the front axle. This will allow you to remove the wheel more easily.
- Next, open the brake caliper by either pulling it apart or loosening the mounting bolts, depending on the type of brakes you have. This will create enough clearance to remove the wheel.
- Once the brake caliper is open, lift the bike up and position the wheel between your legs. Grip the wheel firmly and wiggle it back and forth to loosen it from the dropouts.
- With a bit of force, pull the wheel out of the dropouts and set it aside in a safe place.
Now that the front wheel has been removed, you can proceed with taking the spring out of your Suntour XCM fork. Refer to the next step for instructions on how to do so.
Step 3: Loosen the lower bolts
Before you can remove the spring from your Suntour XCM fork, you will need to loosen the lower bolts. These bolts secure the lower legs of the fork to the upper crown.
Start by locating the lower bolts on each side of the fork. They are usually hexagonal and can be loosened with a standard Allen key.
Insert the Allen key into the bolt head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. Make sure to hold the fork steady with your other hand to prevent it from rotating.
Repeat this process for both lower bolts until they are fully loosened. Once the bolts are loose, you can proceed to the next step of removing the spring from your Suntour XCM fork.
