Mountain Biking - To suspend or not to suspend...

About a month ago, I pulled the trigger on a Drone (http://www.dmrbikes.com/res/pdf/catalogue/BIKEDR.pdf). Currently stock except for Ruffian Lock-ons and Easton Flatboys. So much more fun than the old 26" DJ. The only thing I'm finding that I miss is that little bit of suspension that smooths out my landings, because God knows I'm definitely not the smoothest jumper. So, the dilemma...put something like this (http://www.bikepedia.com/PA/Item.aspx?itemid=578332) on there? The pro is obvious...I get suspension. The cons are weight, the fact that I'd need to buy a 20mm through-axle hub, and I'd either need to pick up a front BB5 or go rear brake only (and the stock rear brake sucks). Factors I don't think will make much of a difference is loss of responsiveness (it's an 80mm DJ fork, so I'd be very surprised if it wrecks that) and added stiffness from the through-axle (I'm not noticing any axle flex with the current axle). Thoughts? Suspension is great? Suck it up and learn to love the rigid? Give it a season and decide then (though that risks that a 2005 NOS fork disappears off eBay)?

I better not weigh in here. I'm such an un-smooth jumping hack I need front and rear forgiveness. If I wasn't such a hack, I'd say give it a season and see if you still feel that way. Other fork deals will come along; they always do.

I LIKE the bike - - that's what I want when the BMX track opens here later this year.

That's probably sound advice. The reason that fork stood out is that it's a 24" specific, and I'm afraid to put a 26" fork on there because I really like the way it handles now, and I'm not sure I want to raise the front end. Know of anyone else who makes a 24" suspension fork? As long as there are other options out there, waiting is probably the best plan.

Yeah, it's a fun little bike. I love the way it handles...a little more responsive and flickable than my mountain bike, but not as twitchy as the BMX. Perfect pump track bike as far as I'm concerned. Bet it (or a similar bike) would be great on the BMX track you're talking about.

A 26" fork shouldn't have that much of an effect on the handling.

I would look at getting a DJ2 or similar with standard drop outs and lowering it.

I think no matter what I'd need a new hub. It's currently got a 14mm BMX-style axle. Though as long as a 26" fork won't change the handling too much, I don't mind waiting a bit to see if I get used to the rigid, since they're a lot easier to find. The issue was that I was having trouble finding 24" suspension forks, and I was afraid that if I didn't buy now, I won't find another one.

I've seen 24" forks before but they're crappy no name brands. First time I've seen a Marzocchi in 24. Didn't know they existed. Are those rare or can you order them new anytime?

It's an '05 fork that was made for a few years and is no longer in Marzocchi's lineup.

I think if you ride it more, you should get used to the rigid. It takes a while, but you will. You don't need much, it any travel on a DJ. If you feel you do need a suspension fork, a 26" will only change things slightly. Again, it will take a little getting used to, but the HT angle will change only slightly. I have a 80mm Stance (QR) I took off my jump bike if your interested, just PM me.