Should I go with a suspension fork?



Sheik Yerbouti

Sheik Yerbouti

New Member
Aug 9, 2005
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I've got a wonderful old Trek 970 that I've put more miles on than I can count. I'm getting older and have never ridden a bike with front suspension. Would it be worth it to go with a Rock Shox or whatever? I don't want to dump a load of cash into a fork, I ride about 30 miles a week off road, some weeks more, some less.
I guess I'm just curious as to how this would affect my ride, comfort etc. I know I'm being pretty vague but I've been out of the loop in bike tech for a long time, just started riding again, and see that almost every bike out there has some form of suspension. When I got this, rigid was the norm, now I don't think Trek even makes a steel bike anymore. Anyway. Any input would be appreciated.
 
Sheik Yerbouti said:
I've got a wonderful old Trek 970 that I've put more miles on than I can count. I'm getting older and have never ridden a bike with front suspension. Would it be worth it to go with a Rock Shox or whatever? I don't want to dump a load of cash into a fork, I ride about 30 miles a week off road, some weeks more, some less.
I guess I'm just curious as to how this would affect my ride, comfort etc. I know I'm being pretty vague but I've been out of the loop in bike tech for a long time, just started riding again, and see that almost every bike out there has some form of suspension. When I got this, rigid was the norm, now I don't think Trek even makes a steel bike anymore. Anyway. Any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
might have a problem finding a fork that fits...might be able to find one from a hybrid that will work with your head tube

good luck
 
Sheik Yerbouti said:
I've got a wonderful old Trek 970 that I've put more miles on than I can count. I'm getting older and have never ridden a bike with front suspension. Would it be worth it to go with a Rock Shox or whatever? I don't want to dump a load of cash into a fork, I ride about 30 miles a week off road, some weeks more, some less.
I guess I'm just curious as to how this would affect my ride, comfort etc. I know I'm being pretty vague but I've been out of the loop in bike tech for a long time, just started riding again, and see that almost every bike out there has some form of suspension. When I got this, rigid was the norm, now I don't think Trek even makes a steel bike anymore. Anyway. Any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
A cheap sus fork is a waste of money.Make sure you get a decent fork if you upgrade.
If your BODY is indicating that you need some suspension.If you ride bumpy trails and like to cruise down gravle roads.:D
Its time to upgrade to a full suspension.
Every now and then i ride my old trek ridgid and then I appreciate my full sus when i cruise over those bumpy roads.
 
On an older bike the geometry may not like suspension forks.
As a rough calculation you will lose 1 degree of head angle for each 1 inch of fork length you gain and this can result in slow handling/steering.

Cheers.
 
I am going the other way. I have a Trek 6500 and I am slowly changing over to a hybrid. I have put on a set of Cane Creek 700 wheels and road tires. I have changed the largest chain ring to a 48. I want to change the middle chain ring, go to a carbon ridid fork (Excite), and a nicer seat. When I change the fork out Ill have a Rock Socks Team suspension fork???

Mark
Sheik Yerbouti said:
I've got a wonderful old Trek 970 that I've put more miles on than I can count. I'm getting older and have never ridden a bike with front suspension. Would it be worth it to go with a Rock Shox or whatever? I don't want to dump a load of cash into a fork, I ride about 30 miles a week off road, some weeks more, some less.
I guess I'm just curious as to how this would affect my ride, comfort etc. I know I'm being pretty vague but I've been out of the loop in bike tech for a long time, just started riding again, and see that almost every bike out there has some form of suspension. When I got this, rigid was the norm, now I don't think Trek even makes a steel bike anymore. Anyway. Any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
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