Category: HB-02

HB-03 (aka “Senator Buff”) more or less took over this blog back in 2019. To the extent that the last build post of HB-02 (which I have, just now, dubbed “Magnus”) had its fork contents strewn out across a work table.

Rest assured, Magnus has long since been completed. In 2020, with my sister stuck here during lockdown, we’d occasionally ride out to Tariffville Gorge together.

Mags has lain mostly dormant since then. This past month, it received a wash and polish, and hub overhauls to both wheels. This one’s fully tuned and ready to ride… we’ll see where it’s going next.

With work on HB-03 winding down, it’s time to revisit HB-02 and its deteriorating suspension elastomers.

From left to right:
• The orange third-stage elastomers continue to hang tough
• Clear polyurethane tube replaces our dearly-departed second stagers
• Black PU rod for the first stage (remnants of the RED originals can be seen in the background)

The new parts are quite a bit more stiff than what they’re replacing, but it’s still more cushiony than a rigid fork.

First test configuration – New saddle, new cassette, rubber stopper-reinforced fork, Kenda Kross tires, and… the same magenta bottle cage.

A very smooth and comfortable ride, reminiscent of the Trek FX (but slower, heavier, and possibly more credible off-road).

• 

Now, the feature problem of this build – the suspension fork. The third stage elastomers (orangish red, to the left) are intact, the first stagers (red) in varying condition, the second stagers (black) completely melted.

This “melted” state is the ultimate destiny of all MCU elastomers from this era. One day they’ll all be gone, leaving behind sad, empty fork shells and distant memories of trails once shredded…

• 

• 

New stem, riser bars, ergo grips, and rear derailleur. Recabling in progress.

• 

•