Had an old basically trashed set of '74 model 34mm forks laying about. Tubes were rusty and pitted, lower legs heavily corroded/oxidized and wasn't intending to use them for anything. Then a small short track project bike popped up, British single, and I've got plenty of front XS hubs and 19' hoops so figured get a set of new tubes, clean up the lowers and use them.
Started looking online. Mike's XS had 70-73 tubes but not the later 34mm, XS650 Direct had the Later ones but not the early ones.
Prices were fairly comparable and I figured they're all Chinese anyway for the price, $109 a pair, so ordered a set. From Canada they arrived in only a few days.
Disassembled the forks last night and pulled the new tubes from the decent packaging, individually wrapped in oiled paper, then plastic sleeve, then in a nice fitted cardboard box. Pretty impressed so far.
At a casual glance they looked pretty good but on closer inspection I noticed little pock marks in the ground finish of the tubes seal area. Not a lot, just individual spots along the tube.
I figure there will be some weepage over time. For my purpose the price and the abuse they'll get I'll keep and use them but not sure I'd want them for a restoration or daily runner.
Started looking online. Mike's XS had 70-73 tubes but not the later 34mm, XS650 Direct had the Later ones but not the early ones.
Prices were fairly comparable and I figured they're all Chinese anyway for the price, $109 a pair, so ordered a set. From Canada they arrived in only a few days.
Disassembled the forks last night and pulled the new tubes from the decent packaging, individually wrapped in oiled paper, then plastic sleeve, then in a nice fitted cardboard box. Pretty impressed so far.
At a casual glance they looked pretty good but on closer inspection I noticed little pock marks in the ground finish of the tubes seal area. Not a lot, just individual spots along the tube.
I figure there will be some weepage over time. For my purpose the price and the abuse they'll get I'll keep and use them but not sure I'd want them for a restoration or daily runner.