Mountain Biking - My (first) monthly update with pics! (and fork questions)

Well about a month ago you guys help me pick out a bike. Got a '07 Hardrock Sport as most of you probably know. Well I've really gotten into mountain biking and been doing lots of upgrades so figured I'd show some pics. These were taken after a short ride today so thats why the bike is so dirty.

Upgrades:
Eggbeaters
Race Face Stem
XT Shifters
XT Deraliure
Locking Grips
Sun RIngle Disc Jockey Rims
Maxxis Ranchero 2.0 Tires
Hayes Disc Brakes (front and rear)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3959.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3958.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3957.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3951.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3950.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3949.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/muffin_eater/HPIM3945.jpg

Ok so the only reason for this wasn't to show off....I wanted some suggestions for a fork. The one that came on it sort of sucks and weigh a ton. Its a 100mm RST. I would like to keep the new one unde 300, but will go up some if needed. I've heard that a 130mm fork feels good on that frame but I'm not really sure....and that is why I'm here! The brand doesn't really matter and Ebay is fine. Hoping to keep it sorta light also.

What kind of shoes do you ride with?

What kind of shoes do you ride with?

I'd imagine something with eggbeater cleats...

For under 300, all I can put forward is the fork I use, Marzocchi Z1 FR 3. 130mm (130-150) travel is an option and I got one new and shipped for $250.

Although it fails in the "light" catagory. It's a good six pounds if I remember right... but this thing is beefy.

Also, dirty is good, as said before, mud is sexy :D

Bag it, tag it, sell it to the butcher in the store! Get yourself some REBAS!!!!

i'd keep the fork at 100mm...130-150 will slacken the head angle and make the bike sluggish in tight turns...also, do you have the clearance between the tire and down tube for 6" travel?

looks like your RST has sag adjustment...i'd look for a fork that also has rebound adjustment and a lock-out...the lock-out really helps when climbing on a hardtail...

I am running the Rockshox Judy J4 w/ pop-loc (~$250)

80-125mm of travel adjustment on a U-turn spring - so its instant travel adjustment.
It has an external rebound adjustment which is nice.
Then it has a Pop-loc remote lock-out, so you can lock and unlock the forks in a instant with out ever having to stop.

I have been riding them for about 3 months now, and I love them.

What kind of shoes do you ride with?

Pearl Izumi Vagabond M3's.

Why not get a Marzocchi MX Comp/Pro? The 2005 models (they are new, they are just last year model) run for around 200-300 on sites like Blueskycycling and Pricepoint, they are great forks, very light too.

Here is a link:
2005 Marzocchi MX Pro w/ETA 120mm- http://www.blueskycycling.com/product843_39_-2005-Marzocchi-MX-Pro-ETA-Fork-120MM.htm

Hmm, there used to be 2005 MX Comps w/ETA and 105mm travel at like a hair under 200$, that would be perfect but I can seem to find them anymore.

The quick release lever for the skewer typically goes on the non-drive side.

The quick release lever for the skewer typically goes on the non-drive side.

I KNEW something was odd looking in that picture :D

i'd keep the fork at 100mm...130-150 will slacken the head angle and make the bike sluggish in tight turns...also, do you have the clearance between the tire and down tube for 6" travel?

looks like your RST has sag adjustment...i'd look for a fork that also has rebound adjustment and a lock-out...the lock-out really helps when climbing on a hardtail...
wouldnt that only be a concern if he were getting a fork with less travel? dont worry about a hardrock having 130-150mm or travel i have a pike on mine and 130 even 140 mm of travel feels perfect and im sure 150 feels fine as well
id have to say lockout helps alot more when climbing on a full suspension bike more than a hardtail

typically goes on the non-drive side.

Ah, the joys of being atypical.

http://www.paradigmhosting.net/images/atypical.jpg

The quick release lever for the skewer typically goes on the non-drive side.

Thanks for pointing that out....put the XT skewers on in a rush last night and didn't realize I put it on backwards.

Ah, the joys of being atypical.

Leave it to Foes.

So is that a 12 x 150 with QR? And if so, did they do it just to be different, or is it a workaround for the floating brake setup?

So is that a 12 x 150 with QR? And if so, did they do it just to be different, or is it a workaround for the floating brake setup?

135 w/ normal QR skewer. The usual QR nut is replaced by a nut with a shaft (dirty circular top is visable in pic) that the floating brake bracket rotates on.

The quick release lever for the skewer typically goes on the non-drive side.
I actually read somewhere (dont remember where) that you should have the quick release levers on the non-disc side. It had something to do with added torque on the rotor or something.

For under 300, all I can put forward is the fork I use, Marzocchi Z1 FR 3. 130mm (130-150) travel is an option and I got one new and shipped for $250.

I wouldn't put that fork on this hardrock. He's got is setup for XC, and a big freeride fork just wouldn't make sense.

they have 05 manitou minute 1's on sale at price point for $235. that would be a nice upgrade from what you have and wont break the bank. plus its 130mm

Ah, the joys of being asexual.

http://motorcycleaupairboy.com/images/lesinrock02.jpg

...

mvonb, do you realize that asexual means to reproduce on it's own? It's how microscopic creatures reproduce. Don't confuse this with homosexual, it's completely different.

Clearly you have some money to spend on your bike, almost right away. If thats the case, why did you buy the HR sport? Why not a higher end bike?

COuldnt find the right mix of parts? Or you just REALLY liked the frame?

mvonb, do you realize that asexual means to reproduce on it's own? It's how microscopic creatures reproduce. Don't confuse this with homosexual, it's completely different.

Being a Biology teacher, that may have crossed my mind. More pertinent, do you think Morrissey is a fan of Hope brakes like me and Hank?

I don't get it.

So its wasnt a flawless zing. But the pun wouldnt work if he used homosexual.

Well first of all....I like to start out small and upgrade slowly....and the second reason is that I cant slip a 400 doillar bike through the door without them (parents) noticing....and they just love to tell me how to sepnd my money.

It's easy to order my parts without them knowing since I have a credit card....It just kills them how much money I spend on my hobbies. I dont know why, I still get my bills paid.

Plus I got all those parts in this update for a cool $100. :D It's nice having friends into the same hobbies as you.

I will be selling this bike in about a month and getting a good frame and moving the nice parts I have to it and replacing the rest.

What are you going for? XC or FR?

75% Xc 25% Fr

Something like a Tora or a Marzocchi All mountain fork might suit you.