GeoBigJon

Long story short I have gotten back into riding about 3 weeks now, joined a gym, and have been working out faithfully 6 days a week either biking or biking and gym. Today I was out and about, was going to be an all bike day and I had a failure on my bike. The front fork depressurized when the seal blew, see photos below. Nothing dramatic like jumping anything higher than off curbs, I'm 6' 2" 296 I know I would break stuff, maybe more than my bike if I got crazy with it. So now what do I do, bike is down, LBS owner left yesterday to mechanic on an across country race that starts tomorrow and will be gone for a couple weeks. Do I get them rebuilt? Do I buy another set, maybe higher quality? Will I have the same issues since I'm a healthy Clyde no matter what I get? I'm at a loss here fellow Clydes as to which path do I go from here, any advice or wisdom would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Bikes stats: 2007 Trek Fuel EX 6
Front Suspension: RockShox Tora 318 Solo Air w/Motion Control, rebound, compression, LO, 100mm


Bike sitting with no weight.


Bike with me leaning on the grips.

jethro56 

Seals don't last forever. Have it repaired.

jr59

If you like the shock, then jethro is 100% correct. Seals will not last forever. rebuild it.

I don't care for shocks on bikes. I would refit it with a ridgid fork.

I guess it depends on how you want to ride.

bautieri

I'm sorry to read about your failure on such a snazzy bike...however, it seems like a good excuse to upgrade to a Fox Vanilla!

I actually look forward to failures on my bikes. It gives me the excuse to buy better schwag.

GeoBigJon

So it's safe to say my fat butt was not the cause for the failure, just time and wear, I have no idea what is a normal interval for having shocks go out. I would really love to replace the front forks to some Fox Shox. The other LBS not my usual one, quoted me $60 plus parts to have it rebuilt, I feel that is a fair price.

billyymc

How many miles do you have on that bike?

nfmisso

+1

jyossarian

Normally I'd +1 the rigid fork, but not in this case. The Fuel's too nice for a rigid fork. Get the fork repaired or look for a DIY on replacing the seals. You'll probably need a shock pump.

GeoBigJon

Thanks for the suggestions, I went ahead and dropped off my bike with the LBS that quoted me the $60 plus parts. It is a Specialized only dealer, felt funny taking in my Trek. They were great folks and thought they could get the parts ordered and installed in about 3 business days. I saw the same brand shocks on some of the bikes they had for sale, I am sure they will do a good job even though its a Trek in the house of Specialized, LOL. I also happened to check out a Tricross, they didn't have one that fit me or I might have bought it. No ability to order one that would fit me. I went looking for a Trek Portland, none to be had in my size. Sounds like everyone is sold out of my size and can't order one till the new models come out, late August to October. Guess I will be without a road bike till late summer to early fall. Again, thanks for everyones suggestions and opinions.