Servicing and possibly upgrading RS Judy DH 95's

[Tsundere]

I am always curious why people choose springs over elastomers. When the performance and the ride feel of steel springs are way "worse" then elastomers? Also the costs are almost the same. The work and effort you have to do for servicing is also the same. AND with this fork model, a service and maintainance (lube) dont even take 5 minutes. In contrary to other forks where servicing or reaching the elastomers or springs can be painful.

I'm not very experienced with suspension, I only had one other set in my life and never serviced them. I've been doing some research though and it seems almost everyone who still rides these old forks prefers springs to elastomers. I'm just going by their experienced opinions.

Springs do seem like a more logical solution, we see them used in so many everyday applications, maybe it's just the familiarity and relative simplicity of springs that people go for?

 

[fguki]

I am selling these sets (elastomers and steel springs) for more than 4 years now. Elastomer purchases outnumber the steel springs with a landslide. So, I can not confirm your assumption.

 

[Tsundere]

I am selling these sets (elastomers and steel springs) for more than 4 years now. Elastomer purchases outnumber the steel springs with a landslide. So, I can not confirm your assumption.

Interesting, my assumption is only based on a limited sample of threads and videos covering servicing and upgrades of specifically Judy 95s.

It might be that most people assume that forks which came with elastomers are only compatible with elastomers. I myself was surprised to discover that springs (or even air) options exist for these early forks.

 

[fguki]

Why not? It all about length, diameter and load

 

[Tsundere]

Why not? It all about length, diameter and load

Of course, everything is obvious when you have the knowledge and experience. For average consumers who aren't really interested I can see why they wouldn't even wonder about the existence of alternative solutions, 'elastomers are finished, get some more elastomers',

 

[Tsundere]

Looking to save the decals. I bought some repros, but they vary quite a lot from the originals. The originals were a bit dog eared with dirt that's worked its way behind them.

You can't beat original so I may as well try saving them.


I cleaned them up with some isopropyl, both sides and took away most of the dirt and old adhesive.

They aren't perfect but they look a lot better, just the dog ear corners and creases to sort out. Enter 2 steel slabs, some baking parchment and a heat gun...



I bought the slabs from a local metal workshop for a couple of quid, the baking parchment should protect the decals while being non stick and heat proof. I'm hoping the heat conducted through the steel softens the vinyl enough to allow the vise and slabs to flatten them out. Right now they're cooling, I'll leave them until cold and see how it went.

 

[Tsundere]

Not too shabby.

 

[benjabbi]

Springs aren't affected by temperature and don't eventually crumble to dust or melt into goo. Elastomers are considerably lighter if that bothers you and if you can pick up a few extra harder or softer ones allow more fiddling with the overall spring rate. They both do the job, go with whatever feels right to you.
Interested to see what happens with the decals.
Edit: you've saved them nicely!

 

[d8mok]

If elastomers were decent why does nobody use that tech now? Genuine question

I prefer springs in Judys personally apart from weight.

 

[benjabbi]

If elastomers were decent why does nobody use that tech now? Genuine question

I prefer springs in Judys personally apart from weight.

Apart from a few outliers most forks are air sprung these days, infinitely adjustable and even lighter than elastomers. I suspect the fairly rapid (in most cases) deterioration, possible inconsistencies in manufacturer and the fact that with air they don't have to manufacture anything at all, just add a couple of seals and a valve, lead to their demise.
Edit: I have several sets of Judys in use with full springs, full elastomers and type 2 spring/elastomer combos, they all work, are simple to work on and are relatively light, they're not the best forks in the world but are of their time. The worst thing is they can look immaculate from the outside but be completely fudged when you get them apart.