fork suggestion?
 

Howdy,

I'm primarily a roadie, and typically only hit the trails a few times a year.. But I want to spend some more time in the woods this winter. I've got a 9 year old steel hard tail that came with a pretty crappy fork (Marzocchi MZ Comp elastomer), and that fork is pretty much crap (heavy, poor dampening, etc) -- my triceps are shattered from taking up the slack after riding an 8 hour mtb race over lots of roots and drops yesterday. But I really like the frame, so I'd rather upgrade the bike than ditch it.

So, I want to get something better.. But it appears that I'm limited without spending a ton of coin because I've only got v-brakes (and my hubs can't handle disc's).

So, does anyone have any suggestions for a semi-decent fork that can handle v-brakes?

Thanks,

Ken

I'm in the same boat with a 12yr old RS Judy. Looking around, I find the choices very limited because most forks now aren't v-brake compatible. Basically the only ones I can find are either the RS Toras or Marzocchi 22 or 44. Another thing to keep in mind is the change in travel. Not sure what your fork has, but my Judy is only a 63mm, so jumping up to a 100-120mm may change the geometry up a bit (someone please correct me if I am wrong on that).

Yeah.. The dart's also take v-brakes, but I'm beginning to think this is going to be a "new front wheel, new fork, and mechanical disc brake" upgrade to get a decent tracking/handling fork on the front.

Bummer.

As for travel, my current fork is supposed to have 80-100, but it's more like 10. I think the elastomers have turned into cement. :)

If you bought a Tora I think you will be very happy, especially compared to what you have now. I believe Tora's are travel adjustable down to 85mm.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...Turn+Fork.aspx

It turns out one of my friends has a Fox Vanilla 125R, which has v-brake mounts, that he just recently rebuilt. He's going to let me have it for a song. Thanks for the suggestions though.

Ken