Mountain Biking - When to get a new fork?

It seems most fork replacements I hear about are due to obvious fork damage or "just got to have a new one" upgrades. Others (not me!) really need new equipment (fork or whole bike) to match their riding skills. OTOH- some MTBers I've met have decent stuff that they like alot and run it for years. In that case, how can you tell when a fork is just wearing out? (BTW- I've been a roadie until this year)

It's time for a new fork when a $550 fork goes on clearance for $250 and your sister just sent you a check for a favor you did for her and weren't expecting anything in return, but she mailed you $250 anyways!!!!

I buy when I have money burning a hole in my wallet.

(I guess that explains the sick quantity of bikes, parts, accessories and clothing I have!!!!!)

its time for a new fork when
1. You want one and can afford it
2. when yours breaks!!
i usually stick w/ # 2

[edit]
To fix the aolese

its time to buy a new fork when the one you have is too soft and you ride into a rock that you would usually role over stops your bike and sends you flying.

if you buy a bike that comes with a crappy no-name fork, well you might as well just get another fork right away before you do somthing that will brake your fork and then probably cause you to brake yourself :D

if you buy a bike that comes with a crappy no-name fork, well you might as well just get another fork right away before you do somthing that will brake your fork and then probably cause you to brake yourself :D
I disagree with this - if a bike you're looking at comes with a crappy no name fork, and you're planning on replacing it right away .. just get the bike next level up.

I disagree with this - if a bike you're looking at comes with a crappy no name fork, and you're planning on replacing it right away .. just get the bike next level up.


And if the highest level bike has a no-name fork. Consider a whole different bike.

When you find a $500 fork for $250, you buy it, install it, realize the lockout is broken, return it but you leave the crown race on it, get a new one, realize you left the crown race on the old one, get a new headset, get it and the new fork installed, and then you have the "deal" you originally saw end up being just a few bucks cheaper than what you thought you would spend.

Fork shopping was crazy for me.

PS.. You also then realize you need a heaver spring kit, and also need better oil for the fork. Add some more bucks.

its time FOR a new fork when
1. YOU want one and can aford it
2. when YOURS breaks!!
i usaully stick w/ # 2

Please use full words. That was the most annoying 3 lines I have ever read.

There are many reasons for a new fork. All of them good reasons

when ur fork bottoms out constantly. thats another good reason.

-Ben

when ur fork bottoms out constantly. thats another good reason.

-Ben

Stiffer spring and heavier oil. Usually when this happens the right weight spring isn't in the fork or the fork needs a tuneup...

when your riding style changes

I am told that a clunking noise from a fork when turning is not a good sign :)

Just a brief F/U-
I ended up geting a Rock Shox Duke C U-Turn......attached to a DS bike!
I was looking at $250-350 for a new fork. I did not plan on going to a DS right now ,but fate stepped in by way of a Galyan's close out. The bike is an Iron Horse Hollowpoint frame (delivered in an IH box with a lifetime frame warranty by IH's parent co) with RS Duke C fork/Deore/XT drivetrain/Hayes Mech disc components with a Manitou rear air shock. I literally could have spent this much (or more) on upgrading my entry-level HT to RockShox Duke fork/Hayes discs/XT drivetrain!
My impressions so far:
The Duke C U-turn is WAY smoother and more solid than my old Judy TT. And I love the plush DS ride and the smooth XT derailleur of the new bike that came with my new fork:)

I am told that a clunking noise from a fork when turning is not a good sign :)

Could be a bad headset...

Just a brief F/U-
I ended up geting a Rock Shox Duke C U-Turn......attached to a DS bike!
I was looking at $250-350 for a new fork. I did not plan on going to a DS right now ,but fate stepped in by way of a Galyan's close out. The bike is an Iron Horse Hollowpoint frame (delivered in an IH box with a lifetime frame warranty by IH's parent co) with RS Duke C fork/Deore/XT drivetrain/Hayes Mech disc components with a Manitou rear air shock. I literally could have spent this much (or more) on upgrading my entry-level HT to RockShox Duke fork/Hayes discs/XT drivetrain!
My impressions so far:
The Duke C U-turn is WAY smoother and more solid than my old Judy TT. And I love the plush DS ride and the smooth XT derailleur of the new bike that came with my new fork:)



MUST HAVE PICTURES!!!!!!!

Real ones, not the ones from IH website!

L8R