mtbbrian

[photo101]

I realize that this question really has nothing to do with photography but I know that you are a mountain biker and I have a question for you. (or anyone else for that matter who likes to mountain bike too.)

I am looking to upgrade some of my bike's componants this for this summer and I was curious if you had any suggestions on good sources of information on componants. I am looking at upgrading my shocks (Rockshox 1997 Judy SL) as well as my old style cantilever brakes.

I most likely will only be able to upgrade one at a time so what would you suggest I do first? Both of those two items still "work" but I think its time to improve them. I don't want to just get a new bike as it was a considerable investment at the time.

Thanks for any help you can give me. And Again I apologize for posting bike stuff in a photo forum. I will try to redeem myself by posting pics from any of my bike rides this summer.

[ontario_slacker]

Check out mtbr.com for part reviews. As for switching the fork or the brakes I really don't know. The fork is obviously going to much more expensive but might be a better upgrade because it would make riding much easier. How much are you looking to spend on the fork or brakes. I'm guessing you're looking for v-brakes unless you have disc brake mounts on your frame. Avid is always a good choice with brakes shimano isn't bad either. I ride a rockshox duke xc which has turned out to be a pretty nice fork for its price and its pretty light as well. You might want to join the boards at mtbr.com and they might be more helpful. I haven't really been paying attention to new stuff lately.

[greghalliday]

Marzocchi is the way to go. Super plush, durable, great engineering. Given the fact that your existing shock is a 1997, just make sure that your bike has a 1 1/8" head tube. It probably does, but you should double check just to make sure.

That said, I would definitely upgrade your suspension first. Having had a 1996 Judy XC, I can't believe that your 1997 SL is still that rideable unless you have replaced the slider bushings a few times. Having a new fork on your bike will be like having a whole new ride. Your SL is either a 63mm or an 80mm travel fork and switching to one with 100-120mm (no longer considered "long travel") will make you wonder how you got along without more springiness.

One problem you may face is finding a cantilever cable stop that can be mounted to the brigde on the fork sliders. Most manufacturers no longer incorporate a threaded mount for this in their new shock designs. So unfortunately you may be forced to upgrade both shock and brakes at the same time.

[photo101]

Marzocchi is the way to go. Super plush, durable, great engineering. Given the fact that your existing shock is a 1997, just make sure that your bike has a 1 1/8" head tube. It probably does, but you should double check just to make sure.

That said, I would definitely upgrade your suspension first. Having had a 1996 Judy XC, I can't believe that your 1997 SL is still that rideable unless you have replaced the slider bushings a few times. Having a new fork on your bike will be like having a whole new ride. Your SL is either a 63mm or an 80mm travel fork and switching to one with 100-120mm (no longer considered "long travel") will make you wonder how you got along without more springiness.
.

I replaced the original internals for springs which have surprisingly lasted for a while. BUt ya, it is time to replace or upgrade. Thanks for the info both of you.

[mtbbrian]

Marzocchi is a good way to go, it is what I ride.
But as the others have mention if you have rim brakes you might have a problem finding a new fork.
Maybe what you should do it buy a new bike!!

Do check out mtbr as well!!
Good luck!
Brian
Ride On!

[photo101]

It's a Ritchey P20, the bike itself is just as good as anything else out there so getting a new bike one get me much more. Its just the componants that are are getting outdated.

As far as shocks go, I was looking at the Marzocchi MC Comp/ETA. The Fox Talas XTT is probably what I would go for if I had that much to spend tho.

Shrug, just gonna have to go try some stuff out. Thanks for the help

[greghalliday]

It's a Ritchey P20

What a classic, classic ride.

The reason I mentioned the head tube thing is that I have a 1996 Bontrager Race Lite with a 1" head tube. If my memory serves me, Ritchey was one of the first to adopt the 1 1/8" head set. They also made classic steel stems to go along with them. Very nice. So much more soul than most of the bikes being produced these days.

[photo101]

I have had nothing but good times on my bike that is for sure.

Providing that works on my frame, is this a good deal? its a 2005 model. Would I be better off getting the 06 model?

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-2005-M...QQcmdZViewItem

here is the new version of it.
http://www.bikeparts.com/search_resu...p?ID=BPC117026

[greghalliday]

Both forks would be a great deal. I have the 120 ETA on my Santa Cruz. Just don't forget to figure in the price of a shock pump. You will need this to set the preload on the air sprung leg.

[ontario_slacker]

the shock pump is less than $50 though so not too big of a deal. That fork looks pretty good to me,

[photo101]

Shock pumps are re-usable or one time only? I plan on having my local shop install the thing for me as well as do other maintanence on my bike so is it something they have and can do without me having to purchase it myself?

[greghalliday]

They are reusable. The shop will have one for their use, but you still may want to get one for yourself. You may want to adjust the preload of your shock before a certain type of ride. And air leaks slowly, springs don't.