front fork with shock absorber is one of the most important components of the modern bicycle.Its main task appears blanking shock loads on the front axle in contact with the bumps in the road.
action shock absorber is designed for fast compression plug on encountering an obstruction and the relatively leisurely decompression.This principle of the suspension fork allows the rider to stay in the saddle, especially at high speed driving on rough terrain.
Naturally, over time, even the most expensive, reliable bicycle front fork comes into disrepair.At the same time constantly use the services of the masters, if necessary, its maintenance and repair can afford not everyone.Therefore, it is useful to understand the device plug, especially its disassembly, assembly, maintenance, replacement of components.
Types of plugs
Based on the design features and equipment depreciation, the following types of bicycle forks:
- hard;
- spring;
- air-oil;
- air;
- spring-oil;
- spring-elastomeric.
rigid fork on a bike allows you to travel at higher speeds when driving on smooth, paved cover fluctuations due to the absence of shock absorbers.
Speaking of spring-elastomer types of plugs and air, they are primarily designed to mitigate exposure to large irregularities, such as to facilitate the move over curbs or ramps.At the same time, these plugs perform worse with the punches when driving on small stones.
As for air-oil and oil-spring forks, then these mechanisms are able to effectively absorb and to mitigate as much as possible practically any shocks, even when driving over small cracks in the asphalt.
device plugs bicycle
basic components of depreciation forks act:
- rod - axis static coupled with a crown.Performs a connecting link to the bicycle frame.
- Crown is a transition element, which is attached stem and leg.
- Leg - a component that is removably connected to the pants fork.The inside of the legs, which contains the plug on a bicycle filled with springs, regulators and amortization blockers.
- pants consist of two cups connected by a rigid guard.Speakers holders for suspension fork legs.
internal structure
suspension fork on the bike a distinctive internal structure compared with the standard, rigid models that are relatively simple design.The main internal components of depreciation forks act:
- Seals - parts that prevent the ingress of moisture and dirt plugs, thereby maintaining a stable level of lubrication mechanism.
- guides, which are represented in the form of thin-walled plastic sleeves placed inside pants fork.
- stiffness regulators are bolts that are an extension of the outer nut on the fork crown.Compressed spring legs forks for loads on the structure.
- springs are installed in the fork legs to absorb impact energy by deformation of the metal.Bicycle front fork air and air-oil-type contains no springs.It performs the function of compressed air.
Adjusting fork Bike
select suitable for riding style and the structural features of the bicycle frame suspension fork, the owner of a two-wheeled horse is able to adjust it.To properly configure the bicycle fork, it is necessary to understand the responsibilities of individual settings and in what direction they should be corrected.At the same time it is worth noting that the real adjustment can only speak in the presence of air plugs, oil and air-spring type.
Rigidity
Each fork on the bike initially has a certain level of rigidity.This characteristic is called a negative way.Ideally, the rigidity index should be no more than ten percent of total capacity stroke shock absorber.
Adjust shock absorber for a bicycle is recommended, based on the weight of the rider.Typically, once a parameter is adjusted after buying a bicycle and adjusted only when you change driving style, for example in the case of transition from the high-speed driving on the plains in the downhill.
Rebound
Adjusting rebound suspension fork is important in changing the nature of the coating.To maximize speed performance while riding a bicycle requires a minimum fork rebound in contact with irregularities.Only in this way to overcome obstacles is not spent pedaling energy.For cross-country skiing on the level of the rebound is adjusted by setting increased his record.
There is a sufficient number of innovative systems in which a shock absorber for a bicycle self-adjusts the level of rebound when you change the nature of the coating.The principle of operation of such forks is based on the increased sensitivity to fluctuations in the internal components.
Compression
Setting a certain level of compression bicycle forks allows to reduce or increase the speed of the compression mechanism.This setting acts as the opposite of the previous one.Unfortunately, the right to adjust the compression level in practice is possible only to a few specialists.
lockout
Setup involves blocking the suspension fork in a static position.Useful for athletes who use the mountain bike model for driving on smooth coating for long distances.
Dismantling fork
disassemble the bicycle fork?Perform disassembly cushioning mechanism recommended in the following sequence:
- using hexagons unscrewed the lower mounting bolts;
- unscrewed a bolt, which is responsible for the adjustment of amortization properties of the spring;
- recovered elastomer designed to limit the travel of the spring;
- gently removed his pants fork;thus it is necessary to monitor the resulting oil, and water pollution;
- extracted glands and bashing.
understanding how to disassemble the bike fork in practice, it is possible to perform the assembly, having carried out the same actions, but only in reverse.The main thing - be careful and follow the instructions exactly.
maintenance and repair
Timely care, maintenance and repair of the bicycle forks are the key to its "health".Lubricate the fork is recommended no more than once per season.However, when driving or frequent heavy use of mechanisms to this procedure will have to resort more often.In general, the process is only lubricant in the oil filling a boot with a syringe.Next, plug the legs developed pressing mechanism and grease residues are removed with a damp sponge.
It is imperative that the fork on the bike remained clean.Therefore, after each riding is strongly recommended to wipe his feet in the anther.This avoids clogging the internal mechanism of oil contamination by dust, which can lead to inappropriate behavior mechanism.
As for repairing the suspension fork, then, not having sufficient experience, it is better not to risk once again, entrusting this task on the shoulders of professionals.In order to acquire the necessary skills, should benefit from the experience of seasoned cyclists, performing several times disassembly and assembly under the supervision of a knowledgeable person.Over time, even such seemingly complex activity, as replacement parts suspension fork and adjustment of its mechanisms, can turn into quite a simple procedure.
