Mountain Biking - Longer travel fork and steering geometry??

I have and old 17" Norco Java with with late 90's Rock Shox XC fork. I can get a real cheap Marzocchi 100mm travel fork from a friend. How might the new fork affect the handling of my bike? Is that too much travel? I ride mostly XC here in WV but not very aggessive. Thanks.

Anyone??

It will, effectively, slacken the head tube angle, which will slow down the steering a bit, but help in the downhill stuff. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I wouldn't... I did that on one of my older bikes and it made the bike climb like crap.

I have an 02 hardrock that I put a 100 mm fork on. It came with a cheapo 63mm suntour. My old mechanic did the work for me and it has worked great. It did make the front end a bit light on the uphills, but to also aid in that, he took the spacers out under the stem so the bars would sit lower and help get the weight over the front end. It was an improvement I did not regret. Yes, it did handle a bit different, but I was able to get used to it quickly and have enjoyed it. I would also say go for it.

I would do it....however on older bikes the headtube may not be designed to handle the stresses of a slacker head angle. I generally work with a 20mm rule. If the bike came with 80mm fork I would use a 100mm fork in a second.

Seely is right though, it will mess with your climbing and steering but it isn't too hard to adjust your bod movement. I prefer a really solid bike dh then a good climbing one, but thats my preference. Your biggest concern should be headtube strength.

Thanks guys. Anyone else want to add anything?

I would do it....however on older bikes the headtube may not be designed to handle the stresses of a slacker head angle. I generally work with a 20mm rule. If the bike came with 80mm fork I would use a 100mm fork in a second.

Seely is right though, it will mess with your climbing and steering but it isn't too hard to adjust your bod movement. I prefer a really solid bike dh then a good climbing one, but thats my preference. Your biggest concern should be headtube strength.


The 20mm rule sounds good. I was just imformed I was unable to add a double crown to my Haro x3. Kinda pissed. Oh well Now I can get the Z-150, IMO a better fork. But I liked some of the internals on the SuperT more.

Same internals actually.