1997 F1000 DD60 Headshok: repair suggestions?

[Blair]

Hi Forum,

Happy for any suggestions. I have a 1997 F1000 with a DD60 Headshok. The bike has enjoyed many adventures over the years. My problem is the DD60 Headshok has okay spring but no dampening. In suspension mode (as opposed to locked out) I can ride it on roads and gravel while seated but it really pogos when I ride out of the saddle. In locked out mode, there is a bit of play, so I leave it in suspension mode.

With the frame, headset, fork, and stem all based on the Headshok, I can't swap the set-up for a conventional assembly.

Could the dampener be serviced to provide dampening? Beyond that? Any other repair suggestions? I imagine I'd need some specific Cannondale tools?

It feels like it's maybe better to just ride it as is rather than make it worse by trying to disassemble it. Would be nice to somewhat fix that dampening issue, though.

Thanks.

Blair

 

[MikeA]

You have lost oil past the seals in the damper cartridge. It simply needs basic service. At that time they recommended changing the oil once a year, and the seals every 2 years, as well as regular telescope bearing maintenance. I'm guessing you are well past that! It does require special tools and specific knowledge. Read through this post to get an idea of what it takes: https://community.vintagecannondale.com/threads/headshock-super-fatty-first-attempt-on-service.277/.

The best bet is to remove the fork from the bike and send it to this guy: http://www.mendoncyclesmith.com/.

Lastly, there are reducer headsets available to replace the Headshok with a standard fork, but any 26" fork you can find these days will be of lesser quality and performance than what you have, and the service on yours will be much cheaper.

 

[Blair]

You have lost oil past the seals in the damper cartridge. It simply needs basic service. At that time they recommended changing the oil once a year, and the seals every 2 years, as well as regular telescope bearing maintenance. I'm guessing you are well past that! It does require special tools and specific knowledge. Read through this post to get an idea of what it takes: https://community.vintagecannondale.com/threads/headshock-super-fatty-first-attempt-on-service.277/.

The best bet is to remove the fork from the bike and send it to this guy: http://www.mendoncyclesmith.com/.

Lastly, there are reducer headsets available to replace the Headshok with a standard fork, but any 26" fork you can find these days will be of lesser quality and performance than what you have, and the service on yours will be much cheaper.

Thanks a bunch Mike! I had the fork serviced a couple of times in the first years but then the bike was in hibernation for many years and then I found most places wouldn't service it anymore. Also tried to find the reducer headset but not successful.

Will try your suggestion.

Lots of memories with that mango bike, so it'd be nice to keep it in the fleet for years to come, despite the ridiculously long top-tube. Keep well!

 

[MikeA]

The reducer headset to go to a 1 1/8" steerer is Cannondale part # KP058, but I would really hate to see you go that route.