Checking forks over...

[andyoxon]

Going to look at first (2nd hand) bike today, any tips on checking the forks are good?

[Torslanda]

Smooth action? You can tell a lot from a bounce.

Check full compression, lockout - if it's fitted.

Hold the upper stanchion andcheck the lower legs for wear and play.

Visually there should be no wear or rub on the sliders, top seals should wipe clean, look for signs of grit.

HTH

[andyoxon]

Thanks.  I've had a look.  Good frame - right size for me, decent components (though non-disk brakes).  Forks were oldish RST with no lockout.  There was some light corrosion 'film' on the forks, as bike not used for two years.  Probably needs on oil change and some DW40.  

[Torslanda]

A quick trawl of the *bay will yield a 100mm disc only fork, pair of disc wheels and the brakes for less than 200 quid and it will all be better quality than o.e. on a 600 quid bike.

Depends how deep you want to get with the spanners but relatively straightforward