Recently, we got a message from Jason at Back Alley Bikes, with a link that simply said “So many warranties voided.” Intrigued, we followed the link and found this Niner Jet 9 RDO – Krampus hack(?). Basically, Jason had built the front wheel for his new Surly Krampus but didn’t have the frame yet.
The next steps are what make us file this in the don’t try this at home section: Jason set the wheel up tubeless, and then proceeded to stuff it into the Fox Float 29 fork on his Niner Jet 9 RDO. Here’s why it’s a bad idea – while it looks like the tire will clear the fork arch, on full compression (bottom out) of the fork the tire contacts the fork crown. Got that? It’s cool, but don’t try it. With the introduction of the new tire sizes, people will inevitably wonder if this is a possibility so we’re happy to see Jason do some testing.
Setting up the Krampus wheel tubeless on the other hand – while it may also void some warranties, it doesn’t have the potential for as bad of consequences as the Krampus wheel in a regular fork. If you have a lot of Stan’s fluid, tape, and a 24 inch tube lying around you might be able to hit Jason up for instructions.
Check out the photo after the break for the tire/fork interference.
If you were to stuff a Krampus wheel in your Float 29 fork, it would be easy to think you’re in the clear with the amount of clearance around the fork arch. However….
…the first time you bottom it out, you could be in for a little surprise. This all begs the questions though – with Surly leading the way with giant 29ering (did Stevil invent that word?) tires, will manufacturers adapt suspension forks for them to fit?
Thanks to Jason for the pics.
