Mountain Biking - Decided to slowly upgrade.

Well I have been tossing the idea of getting a new bike around for a few weeks but have finally decided to slowly upgrade my old Trek 6500 for now. The first thing I need to replace is my old Indy C fork, as it is making all kinds of horrible noises now. Any advice on a fork under $250 would be helpful. The other question would it even be worth getting another hardtail if this frame is still in decent condition and most of the components work since all I am doing right now is light XC and a mix of Road riding for exercise?

Thanks
Matt

P.S.
Sorry for all the questions.

Around that price range...you might wanna check out the Rock Shox Duke line.. like the XC... or the Pilot line

www.rockshox.com

Marzocchi makes some really nice forks most of them are a little more dough though.

http://www.marzocchi.com/eng/spa/default.asp

Manitou.... umm you could find a few, but in my experience you do alot more maintenance with them over Marzocchi and Rockshox.

http://www.answerproducts.com/home.htm





:beer:

You'd do fine by upgrading that fork to a newer nicer model. One of my co-worker's son is doing the same thing as you. I found him a Manitou Black Comp for with adjustable travel from 80 to 100 mm for only $150 on eBay, and he's buying a Chris King Headset and a new stem. Total budget $300, and he'll have a nice set-up.

Upgrading your wheels will be one of the most noticable improvements you can make. A light wheelset, reduces the rotational weight, so the bike "Feels" faster when you pedal.

Other things to consider when upgrading. New cranks and chainrings will improve the stiffness of the cranks and help improve the shifting. Also, the stock bottom bracket is probably pretty cheap and very heavy. Consider moving to XT level when that one starts to spin rough. No need to do so before, unless you've just got money to spend.

Tires, Tires, Tires. One of the least expensive changes to you bike that will make a significant change of the way the bike rides and handles. Also, you can get some lighter tires to help with the whole rotational weight again!

L8R

i agree with a2, wheels and tires made the biggest different for me. also you can pick up a nice used SID fork for like 100 bucks just have to look around.

dude get the marzochit mx comp fork with eta 80mm-105mm. I have it and i am in love with it. It is $259 at price point