So I own a 2012 Giant Roam 1. It has a "SR Suntour NEX 4610 w/ Mechanical Lockout, 63mm Travel" fork. What would be a better fork in the <$300 range that would give me a "springier" or more comfortable ride over rough terrain? Do I not want that? I guess I'm wondering what makes a fork "better" compared to cheaper stuff. Would it be worth it to upgrade given my price range?

In short, what makes an adequate fork better than a cheap one is adjustable rebound damping. That is what gives the suspension and rider a degree of control over rough terrain.

Are the one that I have now bad? If so, what would be some that you'd recommend?

Your Suntour fork does not have rebound damping; however, since you have a 700c hybrid that I'd hope you won't be taking on anything more demanding than gravel paths and buff dirt paths, you will be fine.

I'd get a new Lauf TR29 fork for that puppy. Probably knock 3 pounds off that pig.

And you'd be the bike vs fork version of the people who put the $9000 bike on top of their 1980 Ford Taurus.

(I had to look up Lauf because I had never heard of it. That is one fugly, yet very lightweight, fork).

So...any real recommendations?

Knowing C Law, his recommendation was most likely with tongue firmly in cheek.
Haha, trailing-link Euro fugliness. Doesn't Iceland have a high suicide rate? Stands to reason if that's all their bicycle product developers can give them to ride.


BTW, glad to see you back, CL.


Yeah, leave well enough alone and ride what you've got.

Yeah, I got that. Probably didn't come through in my post.

But agreed. Just leave what's on there. Save the money towards your next bike, or check Craigslist and find something that's still in decent condition. Every so often you get lucky...I picked up a Domain that was $75 because no one wanted a 1.5" steerer.