Is anyone using the DNM USD-8 Front Fork ?

[rumme]

I am a bit disappointed at how difficult it is to remove/ install the front thru axle on this shock system . There are 2 allen bolts on each fork that have to be lossened , then theres another big allen head that is used to screw out the axle and I find that when re-installing the axle it is quite hard to align properly and usually needs a rubber mallet to bang the axle it thru so the threads will engage on the other side of the fork and it can be retightened. This setup up is much more difficult then the thru axle design of the ROCKSHOX.

Has anyone did a modification to the DNM thru axle design to make it quicker/simpler for disassembly/installation or do they sell a aftermarket thru axle that is similar to the rockshox forks and doesn't require allen wrenches/ rubber mallet ?

 

[amberwolf]

In case no one else replies, this is what info I found on ES already. I don't know if the answers to your post's questions are in these threads, but the answer to your thread title is:

by topic (appear to be all but one for the 8 )
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?keywords=dnm+usd&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=titleonly&sk=t&sd=d&sr=topics&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

by first post only (probably a mix of 8, 6, and whatever others they have)
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?keywords=dnm+usd+&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=firstpost&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

by post text only (probably a mix of 8, 6, and whatever others they have)
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/search.php?keywords=dnm+usd+&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=msgonly&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

 

[rumme]

Thanks, I'm surprised that users of this front fork aren't a bit disappointed with its difficulty level when it comes to taking off and re-installing the thru axle/ front wheel . The ROCSHOX was such a simple and easy design compared to the DNM-USD8.

I may have to buy me a piece of aluminum rod and put it on my lathe and make a easier/quicker thru axle design.

 

[amberwolf]

I don't know if it's for this fork, but I do recall something about a thru-axle fork that someone had troulbe with and either made or discussed making their own for it? I only remembered even that much while reading your reply above. Sorry I don't recall more.

I found this thread
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=88541&hilit=thru+axle+problem
but I don't think it's the one I am remembering.

 

[MadRhino]

Thanks, I'm surprised that users of this front fork aren't a bit disappointed with its difficulty level when it comes to taking off and re-installing the thru axle/ front wheel . The ROCSHOX was such a simple and easy design compared to the DNM-USD8.

I may have to buy me a piece of aluminum rod and put it on my lathe and make a easier/quicker thru axle design.

Well, the one time I tried one, I was disapointed with pretty much everything. It is a cheap Chinese fork, you can't expect much anyway. You had a Boxxer before? After riding a racing fork, switching to a heavy inverted fork is another world. If you like them upside down, try a Shiver DC 35mm.

 

[skeetab5780]

Ya i have this fork on my new build and it is extremely difficult to get the thru bolt lined up and threaded in/out

I also got out a mallet and started wacking it until i realized one shock was springing down more than the other and they werent straight, then it went in alot easier...still not nearly as easy as a 15mm qr thru axle on a single crown, but oh well how many times do you take the wheel off anyway?

I actually need the disc adaptor for this fork does anyone know where to get parts?

 

[rumme]

Ya i have this fork on my new build and it is extremely difficult to get the thru bolt lined up and threaded in/out

I also got out a mallet and started wacking it until i realized one shock was springing down more than the other and they werent straight, then it went in alot easier...still not nearly as easy as a 15mm qr thru axle on a single crown, but oh well how many times do you take the wheel off anyway?

I actually need the disc adaptor for this fork does anyone know where to get parts?

Yeah..its not jus the alignment issue of getting the axle into both shock ends. Its also the pain of having to use 2 different allen wrenches and 5 allen bolts to take
the thru axle off. I'm gonna use my lathe and try to machine a aluminum thru rod, that is much easier to use.

 

[skeetab5780]

Ya i have this fork on my new build and it is extremely difficult to get the thru bolt lined up and threaded in/out

I also got out a mallet and started wacking it until i realized one shock was springing down more than the other and they werent straight, then it went in alot easier...still not nearly as easy as a 15mm qr thru axle on a single crown, but oh well how many times do you take the wheel off anyway?

I actually need the disc adaptor for this fork does anyone know where to get parts?

Yeah..its not jus the alignment issue of getting the axle into both shock ends. Its also the pain of having to use 2 different allen wrenches and 5 allen bolts to take
the thru axle off. I'm gonna use my lathe and try to machine a aluminum thru rod, that is much easier to use.

Ehhh that's how most downhill forks are that doesn't bother me

 

[skeetab5780]

Well I got the disc adaptor in the mail but now it seems my rotor size is too small. I have a 180 and its not lining up. I ordered a 203mm hopefully that works...

Im not running dual rotors so im not sure what size its setup for

 

[skyungjae]

This POS fork came on my clonebix. There is nothing good about it. The mounting system reminds me of my old Marz Drop Off, so that didn't bother me so much.

If this fork ever stops working, I'll probably replace it with a Domain.

 

[skeetab5780]

This POS fork came on my clonebix. There is nothing good about it. The mounting system reminds me of my old Marz Drop Off, so that didn't bother me so much.

If this fork ever stops working, I'll probably replace it with a Domain.

That's a funny statement, its a POS but its nice enough to keep since it still operates fine and your cheap!

 

[MadRhino]

Like any cheap DH fork that you ride on the street. You keep it until it does need a rebuild, then buy a better one. There are plenty of good DH forks that are perfect to ride the streets, and worth a rebuild when time comes. I did ride a 6 lbs 4 oz Boxxer WC almost 30,000 miles of fast commuting before it needed a new cartridge.

 

[skyungjae]

This POS fork came on my clonebix. There is nothing good about it. The mounting system reminds me of my old Marz Drop Off, so that didn't bother me so much.

If this fork ever stops working, I'll probably replace it with a Domain.

That's a funny statement, its a POS but its nice enough to keep since it still operates fine and your cheap!

Cheap and lazy. More lazy than cheap. There's nothing nice about it except the way it looks maybe?

Dual crown Domains cost just about as much when comparing forks brand new on eBay. There is no bike building scenario where I'd ever recommend the USD-8. However, if it happens to come on the fully built turn-key bike, then that's another story.

 

[skeetab5780]

I will have to see how they ride, I bought them because they are cheap obviously...If they are as bad as everyone is making them out to be maybe I will get the Dorado's

 

[MadRhino]

For those who like inverted forks, the best buy is an old Shiver DC. It can be found for 300 to 400$. It is easy to rebuild yourself, lots of upgrade parts available, and it is very durable. It does ride OK when stock, with some upgrade it is real good at both ends of the action: I does eat the small stuff perfectly, and capable of high jumps. In the middle, it is a tad slow, on repeated 4-5" bumps especially. All the range is good with an (expansive) Air cartridge.

The Dorado is weak, but does ride good. The recent ones are better.

The best is a DVO Emerald. It does flex and it is weird at first but once you get used to it, it does ride real good with a very wide and precise tuning range. It is almost indestructible, like a Shiver only lighter.

I have a Shiver with full upgrade kit. I don't ride it right now but I would never sell it, even if I prefer a good lightweight racing fork to any upside down. The Shiver is a fork that, even after 20 yrs, you still like to ride sometimes.