Mountain Biking - rock shox jett destroyed? :(

hello. i purchased a 2002 trek 4500 with rock shox jett front fork from a friend about 5 years ago. the front fork never felt right and a bike shop a while back said it was probably shot.

if i lift the front wheel in the air i can expand the shock by simply pulling on the wheel. there is no resistence.

i've done some reading on google and it seems i could try to salvage the shock but i think it might be overkill.

this past weekend after a long ride (on road) i went to remove my front wheel and the entire bottom half of the fork came off with the wheel. :twitchy: ut oh.

i think it's probably time to say enough is enough and purchase a new front fork. i don't do a lot of off-road riding, most bike paths, but really enjoy having a well working front fork when i do hit the trails.


with that said, i've looked at numerous shocks online and have no idea which one to purchase.

i've read reviews but would really prefer some direction and recommendations from you awesome folks.

budget for new front fork = $200

thanks in advance.

Tora 289.

buttdart ... what a name.

a nickname that has to do with my last name. :o

i found the tora 302 for $150.
hmm.

a co-worker just informed me that he wants me to buy his 1995 trek 8700 which is in mint condition. decisions.

Just get the tora 302 and just use the frame you have.

Just get the tora 302 and just use the frame you have.
+1...great fork

buttdart ... what a name.
:eek:

thanks for the replies. i've never really taken apart a bike before, but do work on my car so i consider myself sorta mechanically inclined.

will swapping the forks be an easy DIY or should i leave it to the bike shop?

Replacing the fork is fairly straight forward, toughest part is putting in a star fangled nut.

i just reviewed a tutorial i found online and it seems pretty easy.

thanks again for the help.

lol

some of these reviews make me laugh.

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/2008-forks/rockshox/tora-302/PRD_416287_1565crx.aspx

Don't always go by what mtbr reviews say.

+1000

i agree as some online feeback sites are horrible - however i'd hate to spend $150 on something and have it turn out like garbage even after reading others saying that it was garbage.
if i have to spend another $50-$100 i can - i just don't really want to.

i've invested about $100 in the bike recently in order to get a new tube, wheel, and tune up.

i'm starting to feel like the $ is adding up more and more and maybe i should just start from scratch and buy a new rig.

The tora 302 is a very sound fork.

I had the Tora Solo SL and couldn't get the thing to die on me.

If ed can't get it to break, it's good.

is pricepoint.com my best bet for lowest prices?

Either pricepoint or jensonusa.

+1
Jensonusa.com (my usual stop)
Universalcycles.com (#3 on the list)
treefortbikes.com
wheelworld.com

Most places price-match.

i could purchase the tora 302 for $199 on jensonusa.com and install it myself. or the LBS would charge me $250 to purchase/install it for me. i think i'm going to give them my business as i really appreciate the mom/pop type bike shops. the guy that owns and runs the one up the street from me is a top notch guy so i don't mind spending a little extra money to help keep him running. i'm excited to get my new fork. :D