Traxxion or Race Tech???

[HandJuice]

Well, I think I'm close to sending in my forks for a rebuild. I thought I would get your ideas on which company to go with. Traxxion will rebuild for around $550 (with new seals). It sounds pretty good. Wyane was great. He took the time out to answer all my questions and explained what they would be doing.
I tried to call Race Tech but they are closed on Friday They are open Mon-Thurs. (I wonder if they are taking tips from the Italians?) I would like to know more about Race Tech and how they have worked out for you. Anyway, any input is welcome.

[doug]

I use the Race Tech gold valves in past bikes but I install them myself, like the way they work if you are in the northwest you might also want to check Circuit1 in Portland there web site shows a rebound valve for the KYB forks that no one else seems to show might want to check into that.

[HandJuice]

I have never broken down forks. I have worked on a lot of stuff in the past so I'm afraid to. I just don't know what tools I need for the job.

[Miles B]

Got the manual? Doug used to have a whole bunch of photos on his fork job. I wouldn't be too afraid if you've done other stuff. Looks like you only need a couple of tools and can make the others really easily.

I haven't pulled forks apart yet but I plan on doing mine.

[mstingray]

it's possible to do it yourself but i'd get someone to tune it correctly and mess w/ the shims for you. they have knowledge that DIY's don't when it comes to tuning. replacing the parts themselves isn't difficult w/ the right tools.

both places should be good. it's all preference. every tuner shop has their fans.

personally, i'm taking mine to aftershocks suspension in palo alto. mostly because the owner also races in my org. and i can contact him whenever i need help w/ suspension.

[Wondertwin]

I'd go with Lindemann...

https://www.le-suspension.com

[doug]

One nice thing about the race tech gold valves is they come with a video on how to install them. Also if you do it yourself and you get into suspension setup a bit you can then change the shim stack internally and thus vary high and low speed compression which I found very usefull on my old gixxer.

[HandJuice]

Originally posted by doug
One nice thing about the race tech gold valves is they come with a video on how to install them. Also if you do it yourself and you get into suspension setup a bit you can then change the shim stack internally and thus vary high and low speed compression which I found very usefull on my old gixxer.

You know, I think I might want to go this direction. I could save some money and I would learn all that I need to know about it. If I tear these guys down do you think a local shop could polish the tubes for me? What kind of shop should I be looking for? How much is the "kit" for the rebuild? Or do you mainly replace just the valve?

[doug]

The video shows you what to look for in the way of worn out parts or you could go all out and order the super slick fork bushings and seals from race tech if you go to there web site and do a valving search it will give a list of parts that are offered. You need a factory manual and you can make a spring compressor or you could take it to a local shop to get the fork apart and to reasemble them, I made my own fork spring compressor out of some aluminum blocks and some redi rod which is really handy if you deside on different valving the next time you go to take apart the forks its about a 2 hour job if you have the compressor. If you have resonable mechanical skills and can read it is a do it yourself job also race techs technical department is very helpfull. When you buy the valves there is a code in the package that you plug into the web site and that gives you the valve stack to use off of there chart. Also they send extral shims you need access to a micrometer or a digital vernier to sort the shim thicknesses but with the extras they send you can change the valving to really dial it in for your particular riding style and you will learn about suspension in the process of doing it.

[HandJuice]

Cool! I think I'm gonna tear into it. How much are these Digital Verniers? I don't know anybody, personally, that can look over my shoulder. Although, I'm not too worried about that. Maybe I'll PM you if I have any detailed questions while I'm doing the job. What settings would you suggest for a 195-200 Lb. rider that likes to dig really hard in the canyons? Thanks for the input.

BTW, I have a manual. What "size" aluminum blocks did you use and what size/length of threaded rod? Thanks.

[doug]

you need to use race techs suggestions on where to start. You dont have to use blocks you just have to come up with a way to pull down on the spacer tube so you can get at the nut on the rebound rod and get the rebound valve assym off and get the fork apart. I used 2 blocks bolted together witha hole in the middle the dia of the spacer tube with a couple of small socket heads threaded into the blocks to grab the holes in the spacer tube. I will try to post a pic of what I used some where in the archives I think is a pic of Doug's setup which was a little diff but did the same job.

[ama530]

Go with the Race-Gold valves and add the Traxxion Dynamics upgrade kit. Works sweet.

[HandJuice]

Originally posted by Wondertwin
I'd go with Lindemann...

www.le-suspension.com

You know. That looks like a good deal. How do peps feel about the quality/performance of their parts?