I'm a roadie in my soul, but I took my mountain bike out today. It could have gone better.
Blog post at https://ccorlew.blogspot.com/2016/06...im-roadie.html

But my question here is about my bike. It's a Cannondale F500 from the mid 90s. Its an 8 speed triple with front suspension that's just a spring in the head tube. (bike photo below)

Can I, or should I, upgrade the suspension, or is that just throwing away money? I know Cannondale has an odd size headtube which might factor in. If you answer "upgrade," please offer a suggestion (I know nothing about mt. parts)

I ride it like I'm a older roadie. No air, no bombing descents. Fire trails and legal dirt paths, but steep climbing.

If upgrades are pointless, can you suggest a bike with low gears, light weight (sort of) and high in the traction department? I don't need a high end bike, just something reasonable.


@cccorlew rides Black Diamond. With #mtdiablo in the distance. Old school Cannondale, 1995-ish vintage. by curtis corlew, on Flickr