DNM USD-8 Installation Questions

[BlueSeas]

I just installed a new DNM-8 fork on an Enduro frame. It replaced a Zoom.



I had a very difficult time removing the 20mm hub axle. That turned out to be because the shocks extend to slightly different lengths. On the installation, I aligned things starting at the axle. The resulting length mismatch shown in the original picture, and this one:



Is this OK? Is there an adjustment somewhere?

The steering tube is supposed to be straight. No flare. There wasn't an obvious flare, but in fact there is a slight diameter change on the bottom of the steering tube. The headset bearing cup stopped where shown here:



The Zoom fork had this cup on it already, it was a used fork. It didn't hit bottom either, but was probably only 1/3 the space shown here.

Is this OK?

There wasn't any play in the headset. About to go for a test ride and will check everything when I get back. Thanks!

 

[E-HP]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

 

[E-HP]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

"That turned out to be because the shocks extend to slightly different lengths." Manual says this is normal. I'm guessing because it depends on how much preload is dialed in.

 

[Matteo's Mobile Bicycle Repair]

I’ll ask friends who work with suspension

 

[Hawaiiguy]

Looks like you need a different lower bearing to match the step on your stem.

 

[BlueSeas]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

It would be possible to force that to happen. But fully extended would only hit the stops on one side, leaving some unequal force on the axle.

 

[BlueSeas]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

"That turned out to be because the shocks extend to slightly different lengths." Manual says this is normal. I'm guessing because it depends on how much preload is dialed in.

I tried the preload from end to end. It didn't help.

 

[E-HP]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

It would be possible to force that to happen. But fully extended would only hit the stops on one side, leaving some unequal force on the axle.

That seems normal on a fork where preload is only on one leg.

 

[BlueSeas]

Looks like you need a different lower bearing to match the step on your stem.

That's what I was wondering. The 45 minute test ride was OK.

 

[E-HP]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

"That turned out to be because the shocks extend to slightly different lengths." Manual says this is normal. I'm guessing because it depends on how much preload is dialed in.

I tried the preload from end to end. It didn't help.

Why would you expect that to make them even? Most forks are designed that way, but you don't notice it on a fork with a bridge between the two legs.

 

[BlueSeas]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

It would be possible to force that to happen. But fully extended would only hit the stops on one side, leaving some unequal force on the axle.

That seems normal on a fork where preload is only on one leg.

Works for me. But I think I prefer the adjustment I made on the uppers.

 

[E-HP]

So you can't just loosen the triple clamps and adjust one leg to match the other???

It would be possible to force that to happen. But fully extended would only hit the stops on one side, leaving some unequal force on the axle.

That seems normal on a fork where preload is only on one leg.

Works for me. But I think I prefer the adjustment I made on the uppers.

Cool, you've dialed in 1/4" of preload by adjusting the preload leg down in the clamps (although easier to use the knob).

 

[BlueSeas]

It would be possible to force that to happen. But fully extended would only hit the stops on one side, leaving some unequal force on the axle.

That seems normal on a fork where preload is only on one leg.

Works for me. But I think I prefer the adjustment I made on the uppers.

Cool, you've dialed in 1/4" of preload by adjusting the preload leg down in the clamps (although easier to use the knob).

I agree. It also makes it much easier to remove the axle and thus the wheel for a flat. Kinda unlikely with my moped tires, they are almost stiff enough to ride home without a tube!

I'm a bit shamed...I Read the manual and found the same thing you did. Although they didn't suggest a solution?