6500ZX

I have a 1991 Trek 6500ZX mtn bike that I've grown quite fond of.

Wondering if it's worth rebuilding the RockShox Judy "C" and, if so, is it a diy project or can you recommend a shop?

If it's not worth rebuilding, what should I replace it with?

It's functional but a bit spongy feeling. This model doesn't have a lockout which is something I'd look for if I replace.

Thanks very much.

RIC0

I would find a good used fork on ebay and ditch Judy. She always had an attitude anyway...

hig4s

For $150 you can get a new Rockshox 30 silver with lockout. RockShox 30 Silver TK Coil Forks - 9mmQR 2016 | Chain Reaction Cycles

jimc101

Another for ditch, spares will be hard to non-existence for a 15 year old fork, and technology have moved on, if your budget can stretch, would look at a Gold RockShox 30 Gold TK Solo Air Forks - 9mmQR 2016 | Chain Reaction Cycles for a little more, it weights a lot less weigh

hig4s

Nice shock, that is what came on my bike, didn't know if the OP wanted to spend that much.

hybridbkrdr

The Rockshox 30 Silver seems like a good idea for the price. But, if you wanted more, maybe a Manitou Match, Minute or Marvel. Some have been on sale for very good prices.

EDIT: Here's a Manitou Match for under $200 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/c.../rp-prod113849

I just thought of something. It's for 1-1/8" headset. I don't know if that old model takes a 1" headset or not. If so, maybe the cheapest option I'd go for is a Suntour XCR.

Holy cow, I just saw a Rockshox 30 Silver on sale for $119 https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...-steel-steerer

The only 1 inch model I could find is a Suntour XCM https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=all
The XCM is not seen as the highest quality though.

MisterK

Tho the price may be enticing, stay far away from any Marzocchi products

FrozenK

The RS 30 Gold would require also buying a new wheel and disc brake. The 30 Silver may even require a new front brakes, if the OP's 1991 Trek has cantilever brakes.

Both of them are too tall any way, that Judy the OP has is a 63mm fork. The OP could look for replacement elastomers or a fork in better shape on eBay. I'd ride it as it is until it is completely done and then get a rigid fork. But that's me.

jimc101

Why? regardless of the state of the company, their product are still good, and very easy to service at a user level.

jimc101

Another why? If the OP's bike is stock, it's a 1999 model, not a 1991 model 1999 Trek 6500 - BikePedia and stock the bike has 3.15" /80mm travel fork, which for an XC bike today could still be an acceptable travel out of the box; and even sticking a 100mm travel fork on it would not adversely affect the handling.

Your correct on the disc issue, but not even if the bike was from 1991, canti and linear pull brakes both use the same mounting bosses, so no change would be needed if sticking with rim brakes.

MisterK

Who knows if there will be any warranty in the future and yes there will always be aftermarket seals but why support a dying question mark

FrozenK

The OP said the bike was from 1991, I have no reason to think he is wrong. If the bike is from 1991, the Judy is a 63mm and it likely came with cantis. If it has cantis, he needs a fork with a hanger or a new front brake. If the OP is wrong on the date of the bike by 8 years, then you are correct.

jimc101

Having had a look at the 1991 catalog, there was no 6500ZX model, also back in 1991 threadless headsets didn't exist (in the mainstream, nor 1 1/8th steerers) and the Judy C model is of the threadless era, so if stock, they just couldn't exist in the same time period. bikpedia (and Googling) only bring back results of this model from 1999 earliest.

Would be nice if the OP could clarify!

FrozenK

I checked the MOMBAT website and it says that 1991 was the first year Trek used 1 1/8 steerers and suspension, but you are correct no 6500 that year. And the Judy didn't debut until 1994, Judy C in 1997 apparently. But even in 1997 the Judy C was a 63mm fork (with an optional long travel kit to bump it to 80mm!!)

I think the OP needs to figure out what he really has.

jimc101

Back in 1995 I got a takeoff Mag 21SL-Ti, that was 60mm with the LT kit installed, how times have changed!

FrozenK

I know, it wasn't long ago that anything over 100mm of travel was only for "gravity oriented" riding. Now 100mm is almost race-only XC.