Has anyone put a suspension fork on a vintage mountain bike? If so, can I see some photos. I'm trying to decide if it's even worth the upgrade or should I look for something else. I have an indestructable '87 Trek 800 Antelope. I'm assuming it's a 1" threaded fork and the local shop says they can get a new one for around $80-90.

Pretty sure it would throw the geometry off, no?

That's what I don't know. I haven't done much mountain biking but am getting ready for a 24hr race in two weeks and have enjoyed the offroad training rides. I don't really want to buy a different bike and am not sure I want to ride with a rigid fork mtb in the hills.

Unless you can find a suspension fork that has the same axle to crown length as the stock fork, it will throw off the geometry. How much difference it will make will depend on the geometry of your frame and the fork you select.

You could compensate by using a 20 in wheel in front, but we'd have to move this thread to alt bikes.

That is what we did back then. Couldn't afford a new bike with front suspension, so we just bought forks on sale from the popular mail order bike store. Did it change the geometry? probably did we know? not really. made it easier on the rocky stuff and i know my eyes didn't get as blurred on those rough down hill blasts.

Something with short travel, maybe 80mm or so might not be bad geometry wise.

Personally, I'd rather just ride with the suspension benefits of the fattest front tire that'll fit than a $90 suspension fork.

+1

Get at least a 2.5 in the front and maybe spring for some new gloves.
Good luck on the Race.

You mean I could have my own "funny" bike.

Thanks - I'll be on a Klein Pulse Comp (my dad's) and am really looking forward to it.

I have a Mogul 1" shock I just pulled off my Fat Chance doing the opposite of what you are proposing if you want a real cheap alternative . IMO the handling is WAY better with the correct fork length. Put the largest tire you can fit in their and and maybe scrounge up a rigid Ritchey Logic fork, they are pretty compliant . I found one for $5.00.