Measuring air gap in Maxton forks

Fast Eddie · Jul 31, 2022

Is it the same as other forks, ie springs removed and forks fully compressed ?

Schwany · Jul 31, 2022

To determine oil level? Yes, that is how it is done on a vintage style fork. I don't think it matters if it has a Maxton cartridge in it. I don't own those forks though, so put another check mark in my irrelevant box. lol

You must have gotten the answer you needed from one of those guys at the event you attended.

Fast Eddie · Jul 31, 2022

Schwany said:
To determine oil level? Yes, that is how it is done on a vintage style fork. I don't think it matters if it has a Maxton cartridge in it. I don't own those forks though, so put another check mark in my irrelevant box. lol

You must have gotten the answer you needed from one of those guys at the event you attended.

I probably would have gotten the answer… if I’d asked the question!

Just doing the front end today back in the shed, and had a mental block. I’m pretty sure you’re right though.

seanalex · Jul 31, 2022

what's your technique for how much oil you're putting in per fork? CC's, or measuring distance from the top? And what weight will you end up using?

Second guessing myself with how I assembled mine.

jan nelder · Aug 1, 2022

I have the older pre- cartridge Maxton version, and Richard at Maxton said that one was measured with springs removed and compressed : 6 inches from top.

Fast Eddie · Aug 1, 2022

seanalex said:
what's your technique for how much oil you're putting in per fork? CC's, or measuring distance from the top? And what weight will you end up using?

Second guessing myself with how I assembled mine.

Measuring the distance sean, that’s what I mean by ‘air gap’ it’s the amount of air left in the forks when full. The spec for mine is 150mm. I use 5wt Putoline GP5 cos that’s what Maxton specified.

But neither my bushes or damper are standard.

Chris · Aug 1, 2022

I think I have my Maxton letter with specs on my forks. I will dig it out later today.

Fast Eddie · Aug 1, 2022

Chris said:
I think I have my Maxton letter with specs on my forks. I will dig it out later today.

I’ve got the paperwork Chris, it gives the spec (150mm) but not the method. Probably cos it’s obvious and I was over thinking it!

Fast Eddie · Aug 1, 2022

jan nelder said:
I have the older pre- cartridge Maxton version, and Richard at Maxton said that one was measured with springs removed and compressed : 6 inches from top.

6 inches seems to be a very common figure in old bike forks, and is remarkably close to 150mm too !

Measuring air gap in Maxton forks

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