In 2001, I bought a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo (26er):
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/bike-hardtail/gary-fisher/2001-hoo-koo-e-koo/PRD_355598_96crx.aspx
The bike has performed well for over 10,000 miles, but it is time to replace worn parts (drivetrain, fork, possibly wheels). I am looking for suggestions/ideas for a new suspension fork. I am willing to spend about $500 - $700 for upgrading/replacing parts; hence my budget for a new fork is $150 - $250. While I could just get a new bike at Bikes Direct for this price, I think I can get a better ride tailored to my exact needs by just upgrading my existing bike. Also note that my GF frame has lifetime warranty. Finally, in the next year, I will be getting a Motobecane Ti 29er for $1500 to $2500 (spec'd to my needs) that will be my primary mountain bike. The new 29er coupled with the availability of nice 29ers and 26ers in the $1000 - $1500 range (bikes direct) caps my upgrade budget at $700. But I am a serious rider so I want a decent backup bike---I will now be riding 3000 miles a year---and my wife (takes same frame size) may also use the bike for trail riding. Besides the need for a backup, the bike will also be delegated to "mud" duty to reduce wear and tear on my new 29er.
The bike will be used for XC riding on roads like these in the Flint hills of Kansas:
So I am looking for the best XC fork (80 mm - 100 mm travel) in my price range that can handle thousands of miles of Flint Hills riding: rough gravel and cobblestone roads, very steep hills, no jumps. (I currently have V brakes and QR axle, but could upgrade my front end to disc if necessary).
Here is what I have come up with so far as the best bang for my buck:
(1) 2009 Rock Shox Dart 3 ($135 in silver)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK405A01-Rock+Shox+Dart+3+Fork+09.aspx
(2) 2009 Manitou Drake Comp Suspension Fork ($153.99)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK287A04-Manitou+Drake+Comp+Suspension+Fork+09.aspx
(3) 2010 Marzocchi 22 Rlo Fork ($169)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK279A12-Marzocchi+22+Rlo+Fork+10.aspx
(4) 2009 Marzocchi 44 TST2 Fork ($199)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK291A04-Marzocchi+44+Tst2+Fork+09.aspx
(5) 2007 Marzocchi XC 700, TST2, Eta ($239). This fork gets mixed review on mtbr.com, but I called Marzocchi and they say some of the problems with this fork come from people using it for AM/DH. For my XC application, they think it will be fine.
(6) 2009 Marzocchi 33 TST2 ($239)
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18...-Forks/Accessories/Marzocchi-33-TST2-2009.htm
I realize that most of these are from Jenson, but they seem to have many of the best deals in my price range. Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/bike-hardtail/gary-fisher/2001-hoo-koo-e-koo/PRD_355598_96crx.aspx
The bike has performed well for over 10,000 miles, but it is time to replace worn parts (drivetrain, fork, possibly wheels). I am looking for suggestions/ideas for a new suspension fork. I am willing to spend about $500 - $700 for upgrading/replacing parts; hence my budget for a new fork is $150 - $250. While I could just get a new bike at Bikes Direct for this price, I think I can get a better ride tailored to my exact needs by just upgrading my existing bike. Also note that my GF frame has lifetime warranty. Finally, in the next year, I will be getting a Motobecane Ti 29er for $1500 to $2500 (spec'd to my needs) that will be my primary mountain bike. The new 29er coupled with the availability of nice 29ers and 26ers in the $1000 - $1500 range (bikes direct) caps my upgrade budget at $700. But I am a serious rider so I want a decent backup bike---I will now be riding 3000 miles a year---and my wife (takes same frame size) may also use the bike for trail riding. Besides the need for a backup, the bike will also be delegated to "mud" duty to reduce wear and tear on my new 29er.
The bike will be used for XC riding on roads like these in the Flint hills of Kansas:
So I am looking for the best XC fork (80 mm - 100 mm travel) in my price range that can handle thousands of miles of Flint Hills riding: rough gravel and cobblestone roads, very steep hills, no jumps. (I currently have V brakes and QR axle, but could upgrade my front end to disc if necessary).
Here is what I have come up with so far as the best bang for my buck:
(1) 2009 Rock Shox Dart 3 ($135 in silver)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK405A01-Rock+Shox+Dart+3+Fork+09.aspx
(2) 2009 Manitou Drake Comp Suspension Fork ($153.99)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK287A04-Manitou+Drake+Comp+Suspension+Fork+09.aspx
(3) 2010 Marzocchi 22 Rlo Fork ($169)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK279A12-Marzocchi+22+Rlo+Fork+10.aspx
(4) 2009 Marzocchi 44 TST2 Fork ($199)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK291A04-Marzocchi+44+Tst2+Fork+09.aspx
(5) 2007 Marzocchi XC 700, TST2, Eta ($239). This fork gets mixed review on mtbr.com, but I called Marzocchi and they say some of the problems with this fork come from people using it for AM/DH. For my XC application, they think it will be fine.
(6) 2009 Marzocchi 33 TST2 ($239)
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18...-Forks/Accessories/Marzocchi-33-TST2-2009.htm
I realize that most of these are from Jenson, but they seem to have many of the best deals in my price range. Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.