Explore E+1 - free play in front suspension fork

[Acadiandad]

This is my first bike with front suspension so not sure if it’s normal. But I noticed some free play in the front fork today.

Eg if I hold the front brake clamped and then rock the bike front and back, I can feel the play where the stanchions go into the lower parts of the fork. It’s not the headset which is what I suspected first - it’s definitely in the fork itself. It doesn’t matter whether it’s locked out or not - except when riding, I can feel it when locked out.

Is this normal ? If not, any idea if it can be repaired ?

 

[iskjone]

Upper or lower stem bearnings are loose. Simple fix to tighten or better yet replace with new Giant FSA sealed bearings. Made a big difference for me.

 

[gorse]

As already mentioned, headset is first thing to check. Forks always have some bushing play in order to function; some more than others. If it's very sloppy, I'd be talking to the dealer about a replacement fork (replacing bushings is a specialised job that most shops would not be up for).

 

[Acadiandad]

Thanks for the suggestions - to be clear, it’s NOT the headset bearings - the free play is absolutely in the stanchions into the lower tubes of the suspension. There is no detectable free play in the headset.

 

[iskjone]

You have a high end Explore E+ model so I don’t suspect that your factory fork would be a terrible as mine was. I have the base E+4 model which had a pathetic fork that I updated with a Fox Flow 29” fork. It made an astonishing improvement in overall ride. I know that a number of forum member have also noted that the factory stock forks that Giant use on Explore models are very much underperforming. Perhaps even the E+1 version has a crappy fork like the 2,3 and 4 model.

 

[Acadiandad]

You have a high end Explore E+ model so I don’t suspect that your factory fork would be a terrible as mine was. I have the base E+4 model which had a pathetic fork that I updated with a Fox Flow 29” fork. It made an astonishing improvement in overall ride. I know that a number of forum member have also noted that the factory stock forks that Giant use on Explore models are very much underperforming. Perhaps even the E+1 version has a crappy fork like the 2,3 and 4 model.

interesting - the fork I have is an RST Pulse Air - the Giant store where I bought the bike will take a look and submit a warranty claim to RST - so perhaps that will address it - but I will keep in mind a replacement if that does not work out

TBH I was thinking about swapping it out for a fixed fork like on the QuickE+ if I had to pay my own $$ for a replacement

 

[iskjone]

I had a RST suspension fork on my Explore E+ that was totally worthless. It felt like I was steering with a wet noodle. I think overall the RST branded forks are the weakest link in the Giant model line. Your instinct of swapping over to a rigid fork is sound. If I could have found a tappered rigid fork at a reasonable price I may have done that myself but I am very pleased with my aftermarket Fox Flow 29" fork. It works like I had expected a brand new bike with front suspension to behave. I would suggest enlisting the help of your LBS to replace with either a rigid or aftermarket suspension fork. Also I would avoid any suggestion to mount another RST fork. (I can't remember any forum member stating they were satisfied with a RST fork.) That's my two cents worth, good luck.