Mountain Biking - XC Suspension

Hey! I'm looking for some advice on front shocks for my Mt. bike. I have just resently purchased a Rocky Mt. Fanatik. It is my first new bike. I would like to upgrade my front suspension , but I need some good advice. The bike came with Manitou Magnum. I would like to know what is the best bang for my buck. I would also like to know if I should perhaps just stick with what my bike came with.

Another Quick question. I am going to be riding around 500 km this summer from Grand Forks to Hope in B.C. an the old Kettle Valley Railway. I was wondering if anyone had any tips as to things I should take along to make the trip more confortable, eg Gear, tools, info on the rout, etc........:)

take Jolly Ranchers good to eat and you can also use them as barter for stuff you might need:)

What's your price range/limit?

I would recommend a Marzocchi fork over all others. They cost more, but are worth every extra penny! I like many of Manitou's other forks as well, The new reverse arch BLACK's with the adjustable travel have a nice ride and lots of yummy features. I've never been a fan of RockShox forks after too many bad experiences. The new FOX Forx have been getting great reviews, but I've not had the opportunity to try them for myself.

I'd buy a leftover Marzocchi Z-2, 80mm of travel, with an open bath, coil springs. Super smooth and very durable!

L8R

My price range limit would be around $300 US. WHich is a fortune Canadian but what can you do. Another quick question do shoxs transfer well from one bike to another after a lot use.

I went with a Judy XC. One because I found it new for $130 with Avid V-brakes, and two because I was just getting into the building of my own bike and knew no better.

While I like the feel of the shock and it seems to preform very well with no problems, it's much to heavy for my frame it seems. It needs to go on a diet.

Just wanted to share my experiance :D

I love my '01 z3's. Smooth, strong and so far no trouble. Also you can switch between 80 and 100 mm's, which is a great feature.
Never rode any other forks but getting a marzocchi is always a good idea!

Switching fork between bikes is not too big of a deal as long as the components are compatible. There are a couple of different diameters of steerer tubes available, however most now are 1-1/8" threadless. Threadless is the newer "Standard" that came about in the 90's so most newer bike have this. The steerer tube is smooth and the stem clamps to the top of it! Some older models have different diameters OR a threaded steerer and a quill stem (little wedge in stem that tightens against the inside of the steerer tube).

The other possible problem is the actual length of the steerer tube. Some bikes have a short headtube and the steerer tubes get cut! If that's the case and you want to put it on another bike with a long headtube you're out of luck or out of more $$ than it's worth! I did this once because I bought a new fork and installed it on my bike, then ended up buying a new frame. I had to buy a new crown assembly for the fork and by the time it was all said and done it would have been cheaper to just buy a whole new fork (newer model, better performance for only $50 more!)

Since you're a newbie, I'd just ride the Cr@p out of the stuff you have and replace it when it breaks (or there is a "can't pass up" closeout deal).

L8R:beer:

Hey thanks tor the great info guy's! Looking forward to your advice in the furure! Oh ya and great advice on riding the crap out of what I got a2psyklnut. I have a habit of getting into something and obsesing over having the best, when what I have will do the job.

I'm the same way! Sometimes though, it's hard to pass up that new "thingymabober"! When I was younger and raced BMX, my buddy and I would "HAVE" to have the latest and greatest new product. It took me a long time to break that habit, especially when I see the new bikes in magazines and the shops! I also hate having what everyone else has! I have to change something, somehow, even if it's just the grips or the tires! What can I say I'm a sucker to the marketing departments!

L8R:D