Replacing CSUs
 

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Replacing CSUs

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Anodising coming off the stanchions on my fork, which isn't a surprise after 10 years and one service.

Is there any point in replacing these (which presumably means a new CSU) or should I just cut my losses?

 
Posted : 14/08/2025 12:08 pm
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10 years, 1 service they don't owe you a lot.  

First question for me would be 

- can I get a new CSU that fits

Next question 

- how much (including fitting if needed) and how does that compare to new

 

Without those answers I'm not sure you can really make any choice other than it's obviously better value to buy a whole new bike

 
Posted : 14/08/2025 12:20 pm
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I need to go and look at the fork and see what CSU I need, that will inform the rest.

Problem is that 100mm 29er forks are a bit thin on the ground ATM unless I want a SID...

 
Posted : 14/08/2025 12:45 pm
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I think it'll be far more economical to buy a lightly used secondhand fork - I'm guessing it's something like a Reba or Fox 32?

 

 
Posted : 14/08/2025 1:06 pm
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if you can stretch. 

https://www.biketart.com/products/dt-swiss-f-232-one-forks

are very good. I have recently bought a pair. they also come with the L2 underbar remote too, and the integrated mudguard.

otherwise you can find fox 32sc on ebay for between £250-300, or older rebas/sids at lower. problem is, with older used forks, they will need a strip and service and if you've not serviced your current ones, is it because of lack of time, knowledge or rather be riding...? you may end up in a similar situation in a couple of years. 

 
Posted : 15/08/2025 10:10 am
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Finding an appropriate CSU might be tough and even if you do it maybe that the bushings are also knackered.

 

I've a set of used 32 SC 100mm if that would be of interest (700km, could look at doing lowers service). Currently on my xc race bike but I have a set of 34 SC to replace them with.

 
Posted : 15/08/2025 10:28 am
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Anodising coming off the stanchions on my fork, which isn't a surprise after 10 years and one service.

I resemble this, but I don't ride my MTB enough to worry too much. Will ride them into the ground.

Do Bird.bike still do ex-display forks? That's where I got these from in the first place, good value.

 
Posted : 15/08/2025 10:40 am
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Posted by: lovewookie

if you've not serviced your current ones, is it because of lack of time, knowledge or rather be riding...?

Lack of mechanical sympathy. Wouldn’t be doing it myself anyway, but booking it into the shop for a service is one of those things that gets forgotten.

Posted by: nixie

Finding an appropriate CSU might be tough and even if you do it maybe that the bushings are also knackered.

Judging by the brake judder, the bushings probably are gubbed. But I assumed they got replaced during a full service anyway?

 
Posted : 16/08/2025 10:10 am
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Posted by: ratherbeintobago

But I assumed they got replaced during a full service anyway?

No they aren't, it's seals, o-rings, fluids and crush washers only. Iirc some brands (Rockshox) don't even sell replacement bushings, they direct you towards new lowers. 

 

 
Posted : 16/08/2025 2:03 pm
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TBH even if the parts were available I don't think I would bother.

Merlin have some cheapish 100mm 29er forks at the moment. Not top of the range but certainly useable.

 
Posted : 16/08/2025 3:26 pm
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Posted by: nixie

Posted by: ratherbeintobago

But I assumed they got replaced during a full service anyway?

No they aren't, it's seals, o-rings, fluids and crush washers only. Iirc some brands (Rockshox) don't even sell replacement bushings, they direct you towards new lowers. 

 

Ah well. New fork time it is then.

 

 
Posted : 16/08/2025 4:01 pm

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