Need Help to get me through the next year...

[cramp]

I started getting into riding little over a decade ago. I was a Noob with no $, but loved to ride. I got a 2001 Trek 4500 hardtail.

Now that I'm getting back into it, I want to do two things before finding a my next ride. 1 - get into shape and 2 - do some research to figure out what my next ride should be.

So I want my old Trek to get me through the next year. However the fork is...well...a piece of crap. It's a Rock Shox Jett with 2.5 inches of travel.

I'd like to replace it with a not so expensive replacement to get me through the year. However I don't know what size or what I need to take into consideration when looking for a cheaper replacement (new or used).

Anyone have any suggestions of a fork that would fit my bike or what things I need to know when looking for one that will fit?

thanks.....

[DavyRay]

Where will you be riding? What terrain will you be on?

[osmarandsara]

Save your $$$ don't bother upgrading....that bike was designed for a 2.5 inch travel fork...anything else and it will ride funny or worse you could break the frame...that bike is fine to improve your fitness and your skills....just don't get too crazy you'll be fine...ve y

[Hoban]

If you just want to get into shape for a year, I'd say just ride the piss out of that one.

If you want to upgrade I'd look to get a Recon fork in 100mm. Did this to my 01 Trek 6700 to liven it up. Just lower the stem a little to compensate for the extra height. I'm thinking of spacing it to 120mm to slacken it a little more. It will not blow up like the previous poster thinks...

[fahza29er]

I wouldn't upgrade jack, ride it into the dirt and save your cash for the new one.

[cramp]

Thanks I think I will see this fork through to it's demise...

[wmac]

Thanks I think I will see this fork through to it's demise...

Good choice! You can always read the Noob Buyer's Guide and learn a bit about yourself and potential equipment. You can also answer all the questions and we might be able to help steer you in a direction that may help you pick up parts and pieces over the next year so you can slowly build a great bike!

[OscarW]

I agree with all the others and ride the old bike till you have enough $$ to buy a nice bike. Ride the cr^p out of the old one, get in shape and be amazed how well you ride when you get your new bike...