Zongshen RX3: 21-inch Front Wheel

[Coloradogoose]

Another question, I know that the ground clearance went up based on the size of the wheel and tire you chose. Any idea what the actual ground clearance is now? Clearance is the only thing on the bike that has me a little concerned since I ride a fair bit of rocky Jeep roads. The metal skid plate would be ordered with the bike but I worry a bit about high-centering the bike too often. I don't go super fast and I pick my lines carefully, but I would hate turning around just because I don't have the clearance to make it through a rocky area. Thanks!

[Coloradogoose]

A quick bit of research shows that my current KLR has the exact ground clearance that the RX3 does when it's stock. I can't imagine doing anything more on the RX3 than I've done on my KLR so additional clearance is gravy.

[SpudRider]

I haven't calculated or measured the new ground clearance, but I would estimate the ground clearance has increased about one inch over stock. Switching to a knobby rear tire from the stock rear tire increases ground clearance, and switching from an 18-inch to a 21-inch front wheel also increases ground clearance. Saddle height has also increased about the same amount as the ground clearance.

[Coloradogoose]

Excellent, Thanks. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam so seat height shouldn't be a prob at all. Knobby tires, 21" front wheel, and progressive rear shock should give me more than enough room for riding whatever I want.

[SpudRider]

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that installing a center stand will reduce ground clearance. However, my RX3 still has sufficient ground clearance to ride any terrain within the bike's potential considering its suspension quality and suspension travel.

I wish a set of stronger fork springs were available for the RX3. Stiffer fork springs would significantly increase the off road capability of this bike.

[Coloradogoose]

I would assume someone has contacted progressive with stock spring specs to see if one of the springs they make would retrofit into the fork. I've had bikes in the past that no one made springs for but I could use a spring from a different fork in it. I know you run into concerns with proper spring rate, etc... But may be worth a look if no one has tried it yet.

[fjmartin]

On my bike I have the progressive 465 shock, 19" front wheel and Shinko 804/805 tires and measuring the bike from ground to the lowest point on the saddle is now 32.5". Stock is supposed to be 30.9.

Also, as mentioned, the hing mount for the center stand is over an inch lower than when the upgraded skid mount is. I've had a couple of issues where I went over something that contacted the skid plate and then as I slid over it came to a sudden stop due to hitting the hinge mounts. Those instances occurred in seriously technical singletrack that is beyond what most people would ride the RX3 in.

I've contemplated having something built to mount to the aftermarket skid plate that ramps up to the height of the hinge so maybe it will slide up on it and over without the sharp edge that stopped me.

EDIT: I'm 5'7" but fairly long legged. I can tippy toe both feet down at this height. When it was stock I could flat feet both of them.

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that installing a center stand will reduce ground clearance. However, my RX3 still has sufficient ground clearance to ride any terrain within the bike's potential considering its suspension quality and suspension travel.

I wish a set of stronger fork springs were available for the RX3. Stiffer fork springs would significantly increase the off road capability of this bike.

Lots of front fork home brews have been spoke about for these average China enduros. Have you made any enhancements for the oem rx3 forks?

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by fjmartin

On my bike I have the progressive 465 shock, 19" front wheel and Shinko 804/805 tires and measuring the bike from ground to the lowest point on the saddle is now 32.5". Stock is supposed to be 30.9.

Also, as mentioned, the hing mount for the center stand is over an inch lower than when the upgraded skid mount is. I've had a couple of issues where I went over something that contacted the skid plate and then as I slid over it came to a sudden stop due to hitting the hinge mounts. Those instances occurred in seriously technical singletrack that is beyond what most people would ride the RX3 in.

I've contemplated having something built to mount to the aftermarket skid plate that ramps up to the height of the hinge so maybe it will slide up on it and over without the sharp edge that stopped me.

EDIT: I'm 5'7" but fairly long legged. I can tippy toe both feet down at this height. When it was stock I could flat feet both of them.

Wow, pushing the limits

I was thinking about some kind of quick release for that center stand but of course you would lose the benefit of the stand out in the bush where it would likely be needed in the first place. That may be a good idea for the hinges . Expected when exceeding the limits of this bike

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

Lots of front fork home brews have been spoke about for these average China enduros. Have you made any enhancements for the oem rx3 forks?

I replaced the stock fork oil with Mobil1 Synthetic ATF, which greatly improved the damping of the forks. I highly recommend replacing the stock fork oil with either 10W fork oil, or Mobil1 Synthetic ATF.

I encouraged Ryan to work with Progressive to develop stiffer fork springs for the RX3. Ryan is now gone, so I will chat with Matt, or someone else regarding this matter.

[RC]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

You are very welcome. We are glad you joined us, and we are always happy to help.

I need to look through my records. Give me a day or two, and I will post my Buchanan's order number for the 21-inch spokes for the RX3 front wheel.

Spud,
Any updates on this? Also, do you recall what kind of turn around time they had to make and ship the custom spokes?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by RC

Spud,
Any updates on this? Also, do you recall what kind of turn around time they had to make and ship the custom spokes?

Yes, I'm very confident I found the correct spoke information for Coloradogoose. I will call Buchanan's tomorrow morning to confirm I have the right data.

After they receive your order, I think it takes about 4-7 work days before Buchanan's can manufacture the spokes. After the spokes are completed they call you to confirm your order, and accept payment. If you pay by credit card, they ship the spokes by UPS that day. It will probably take about 2-3 business days for your spokes to arrive in either Portland, or Colorado, from Azusa, CA.

I believe it costs $104 for 36, single gauge spokes with stainless steel nipples. I think they charge about $10 for shipping.

Did you order your rim? They will want to know the diameter of the spoke hole so they can send you the correct size nipples. If you plan to order a Warp9 rim, which I recommend, I can measure the diameter of the spoke nipples for you.

[SpudRider]

If you guys decide to build a 21-inch front wheel, don't forget to order an aftermarket brake rotor. You can read the details at the following thread.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18547

[SpudRider]

Here are some photos from my recent rides. I continue to enjoy the 21-inch front wheel very much.

[SpudRider]

I called Buchanan's and requested them to verify the 21-inch spoke data. They said they will check their invoice and send me an email and/or phone message in a day or so.