> Matt Mulligan wrote:
> -------------------------------------------------------
> ... the fact that magnum ii and free spirit forks are identical. ...
> ... I'm pretty sure they measure to 27 inches. ...
Thanks. I really am curious to see how they measure out!
According to Treatland, the Magnum ll are identical to the Free Spirit 'Deluxe' but the other two Free Spirits have their own forks, as do Maxis, Magnums, and Magnum lls. This is also reflected in the repair manual, there are definitely three different sets of Free Spirit forks, depending on what model. There is a note at the bottom of one of the descriptions, in the feedback section:
They describe Magnums as being 27" and Maxis as being 23".
When I measured my forks, from the centre of the axel and the bottom of the upper triple tree, they measured 25 3/8" or just under 25.5".
I'd like to see how your Magnum ll forks measure out, since according to the above chart, they aren't the same as both the Magnum Mk ll, Magnum XK, the Maxi and the original Magnum. If the Magnum ll's are the same as the Free Spirit Deluxe, then they should only be around 25.5", not 27".
I'm concerned, because even only adding 1.5" to the fork length may mean issues with cables getting too short or needing to be replaced or rerouted; as well the reviewers reporting that after replacing shorter forks with longer ones meant that the cycle couldn't be started on the stand any more, due to the rear wheel being forced down too close to the pavement. But subtracting 2.5" from the fork length will mean less ground clearance for going over bumps.
I don't mind more ground clearance but I'm not prepared at this point to start fooling around with new cables. Also, if the forks are going to be extended 1.5" then my brand new shocks are now going to be a bit shorter than I'd like. Which means I may need a new chain if I get longer shocks.
So I'm trying to be careful about this and match the 25.5" length if and when I replace the forks.