Mountain Biking - upgrading.

i think i'm going to pugrade my stock trek 6000. i'm going to replace the fork with a marzocchi atom bomb z2, and get a shimano XT brakeset, and an XT front derailleur. I'm also gonna get a selle italia race saddle, and a new shimano chain.. does this sound good?

Hey Guapo, sounds like some well thought out upgrades. I ride a Zoke Atom 80 as well and I love it!. You really can't go wrong with XT level components, but curious about your rear derailleur. What is it? Also, when replacing your chain, check the amount of stretch in it. If it's worn too much, you may need to replace the cassette as well, or you'll be slipping gears all over the place. Your LBS has a little tool that measures amount of chain stretch and to what degree. If it's not too bad, changing the chain if fine. If it's severe, you'll have to spend the extra money for the cassette. There is also a way you can check the stretch of the chain by measuring the links, but I can never remember the criteria for what's too much. I think Sheldon Brown's website shows you how to do this.

L8R G8R

the rear derailleur is an LX, which i'm fine with. i'll look at the new chain/cassette thing at the LBS. thanks for the helP!

Guapo,one tip shimano's paralell linkage system of brake calipers..they squeal like ten thousand pigs on heat when used in the front no matter how well there set up !!, you can be lucky with a change of pads..a very good start is to try koolstops and see how you go !