![Rst Capa Cl Manual Rst Capa Cl Manual](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126268338/642416985.jpg)
edited March 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Dear all,
I am very new to all this, although I have had a road bike for a while and pretty much know what all the nuts and bolts do there. However, I have just bought a second hand Speciailized Hard Rock. It is a 2003 model and I was attracted to it because I have heard of Specialized and their road stuff is pretty good, and the guy selling had lots of service records from his LBS with bills for chains, cassettes, bottom brackets and all sorts.
I've tried it out and it rides well , lighter than I thought it would be, and lots of fun on the rough stuff.
However, the front suspension forks, labelled as 'RST Capa', don't seem very springy. In fact, when I put all my body weight on them they don't move at all, and on the trail I can't feel them move. I guess I might have to strip them down and have a little look, as this is the one item not mentioned on any of the service bills. How easy or difficult is this? Where can I get advice? Could they be broken beyond repair, and if so, what should I replace them with? Any advice would be most welcome.
I am very new to all this, although I have had a road bike for a while and pretty much know what all the nuts and bolts do there. However, I have just bought a second hand Speciailized Hard Rock. It is a 2003 model and I was attracted to it because I have heard of Specialized and their road stuff is pretty good, and the guy selling had lots of service records from his LBS with bills for chains, cassettes, bottom brackets and all sorts.
I've tried it out and it rides well , lighter than I thought it would be, and lots of fun on the rough stuff.
However, the front suspension forks, labelled as 'RST Capa', don't seem very springy. In fact, when I put all my body weight on them they don't move at all, and on the trail I can't feel them move. I guess I might have to strip them down and have a little look, as this is the one item not mentioned on any of the service bills. How easy or difficult is this? Where can I get advice? Could they be broken beyond repair, and if so, what should I replace them with? Any advice would be most welcome.
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![Rst Capa Cl Manual Rst Capa Cl Manual](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126268338/850021354.png)
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- it could be a few things. make sure there are springs inside. its not unknown for some people to remove them and replace them with elastomers that seize up after about 5 minutes, making the fork totally rigid.
if the forks havent been serviced (capa are an old model, about 2003) then they might simply need a good clean and service. take the springs out and have a look. if theyre rusted then replace them. a lot of RST springs are interchangable so you wont have any trouble finding a set. buy some oil too. your lbs wil be able to tll you which wieght you need and all. - Might need new forks, RST aren't exactly a top end fork manufacturer, not sure how much in the way of spares are available. It might also cost quite a bit to get fixed via shop when parts and labour are taken into account.
Look at Rockshox Tora's as a potential replacement, they are a good value for money fork, a little heavy but good performers. Should give you better performance than te RST ones even if they are fixable (and probably won't cost much more).It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result - They should be pretty easy to strip and service. Remove top caps with suitable sized socket (or you might need the RST splined tool).
Remove springs.
Undo bolts at bottom of fork.
Pull apart, clean, grease, reassemble.
There is no oil in this fork. You need to grease the springs, bushings and seals. Use a teflon grase, not lithium grease.
Though as Jon says, are a basic fork, and pretty poor.GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/ - I'd say that you're best bet is to replace them with a set of tora's. Excellent little forks and in a different league to the c*apa forks...0
- From the RST websiteMore recently,the company has diversified further by branching out into the design and manufacture of high-performance barbeque grill units.
Sums them up really - Is only the budget ones that are 20p for the swearbox. We never see the top end ones in the UK.GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/ - High quality barbecue units eh? I wonder if I could fit them to the Hard Rock instead of the forks? Where would I put the wheel? Maybe the barbecue unit comes with a wheel or three?
More seriously, thanks a lot for the advice, particularly supersonic for the advice on how to disassemble these forks. I think I'll have a go myself as money's a bit tight around here at the moment (although I guess it's that way with everyone right now). Anyone else had any experience with disassembly of this kind of fork, or reassembly? I am kind of disappointed that a reputable outfit like Specialized would fit something which is well known to be a pretty poor quality item, but I guess it's a competitive market, and every penny saved counts. - It is a few years old, and back then was pretty par for the course.
Is worth servicing, but you will never have a damped performance fork - more a comfort unit.
If you get stuck, post back!GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/ - hi all,
first time on this forum... looking for the answers as to why my RST's aren't working .... thank you. thank you, thank you... at least i now know what the problem is and have now got time to get fixed/replaced before comp this weekend!!! phewe!
have fun what ever it is you are all up to!
eco.
PS: Happy BBQ's