Refurb or replace?
Discussion
At the risk of a bit of a repost... what do you reckon is the better option - a new fork, refurbed rear shock and maybe some new brakes for my Sub 5 or a new bike?
The frame is pretty much as new and I love the geometry and light-ish weight, but I'd like a bit more travel on the front end (currently has a basic 80-100mm Manitou Black Comp fork), possibly better braking and a general 'freshening up'. Even when new its stopping power wasn't quite as good as the MPH-equipped Giant I had beforehand and brake feel/modulation wasn't even close. The only other thing really is the mechs could do with being replaced.
I'd like to keep the same bike, but would it be cost effective once I've done a good job?
The frame is pretty much as new and I love the geometry and light-ish weight, but I'd like a bit more travel on the front end (currently has a basic 80-100mm Manitou Black Comp fork), possibly better braking and a general 'freshening up'. Even when new its stopping power wasn't quite as good as the MPH-equipped Giant I had beforehand and brake feel/modulation wasn't even close. The only other thing really is the mechs could do with being replaced.
I'd like to keep the same bike, but would it be cost effective once I've done a good job?
Chris71 said:
I'd like to keep the same bike, but would it be cost effective once I've done a good job?
I'd keep your bike, refurb the rear shock, hunt for a good deal on a fork upgrade, then hunt for a deal on a brake upgrade. Add a few quid for you bike shop to fit some fresh gear cables and do a service and you'll have a mint machine that will feel great.Sounds like a nice bike, and certainly well worth keeping ... especially if you like it!
mat205125 said:
Chris71 said:
I'd like to keep the same bike, but would it be cost effective once I've done a good job?
I'd keep your bike, refurb the rear shock, hunt for a good deal on a fork upgrade, then hunt for a deal on a brake upgrade. Add a few quid for you bike shop to fit some fresh gear cables and do a service and you'll have a mint machine that will feel great.Sounds like a nice bike, and certainly well worth keeping ... especially if you like it!
Hmm - do I trust ebay for something like this? Nearly new Fox Float 130mm RLs for £92?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/fox-float-RL-mtb-suspension-...
I'd keep the orange - its a very good frame.
First get the shock tuned properly, Tftunedshox.com
Then ditch the guff Manitous. That frame deserves a better, longer travel fork, such as a Fox Float or RS revelation.
Then get some decent brakes, I'd suggest either Avid Juicy 5/7's, or Shimano XT/XTR, all with a 200mm rotor up front and superstar brake pads.
It'll be like a new bike.
First get the shock tuned properly, Tftunedshox.com
Then ditch the guff Manitous. That frame deserves a better, longer travel fork, such as a Fox Float or RS revelation.
Then get some decent brakes, I'd suggest either Avid Juicy 5/7's, or Shimano XT/XTR, all with a 200mm rotor up front and superstar brake pads.
It'll be like a new bike.
Just given TF a call - refreshing to speak to someone who talks properly after a few years up here in Essex! 
Doesn't sound like my 2003 SID Adjust is serviceable. To be fair I haven't tried adjusting it for a while, so it might not need it.
I think a Fox Float of some description seems to be the most popular option on the front. I don't really know the range though - any recomendations? What sort of travel do you reckon an old shape sub 5 frame is good for? Budget is flexible, but I don't want to spend large amounts unless there's going to be a substantial difference (noticeable to a very average rider like me) between the two. Not sure if I'm brave enough for a used fork, but in theory there are some good 'nearly new' buys on ebay.
Doesn't sound like my 2003 SID Adjust is serviceable. To be fair I haven't tried adjusting it for a while, so it might not need it.
I think a Fox Float of some description seems to be the most popular option on the front. I don't really know the range though - any recomendations? What sort of travel do you reckon an old shape sub 5 frame is good for? Budget is flexible, but I don't want to spend large amounts unless there's going to be a substantial difference (noticeable to a very average rider like me) between the two. Not sure if I'm brave enough for a used fork, but in theory there are some good 'nearly new' buys on ebay.
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 18th February 17:05
Get yourself signed up on www.singletrackworld.co.uk for a very good forum, lots of Sub 5 Owners.
Also look on the Orange website for the info on your frame. A Fox float of some sort would be the std choice on your frame I imagine. Basic Float R performs well enough for anyone if you wont miss compression adjustment.
All the info on Fox shocks is on the Mojo site.
As for forks, I've not bought new forks for ages. Budget for new seals and oil and you can get a bargain - again, I a think a fairly standard 130mm / 5 inch fork should be what your aiming at. Fox/Marzocchi/Rockshox, typically.
Also look on the Orange website for the info on your frame. A Fox float of some sort would be the std choice on your frame I imagine. Basic Float R performs well enough for anyone if you wont miss compression adjustment.
All the info on Fox shocks is on the Mojo site.
As for forks, I've not bought new forks for ages. Budget for new seals and oil and you can get a bargain - again, I a think a fairly standard 130mm / 5 inch fork should be what your aiming at. Fox/Marzocchi/Rockshox, typically.
.Adam. said:
Assuming your bike is a 2003 model(same as your fork?), then according to this, the longest fork you should use is 125mm, don't know if an extra 5mm matter though.
Yep. That's the one - I've got a copy of that page saved on the PC actually (it seems to have dissapeared off the front end of the Orange site!). I presume I could gte away with an extra 5mm?What would the effect be? I guess it will slacken off the head angle primarily, plus slightly raise the bottom and slightly increase the wheelbase. So - all in all, it should be more stable, but less agile?
Its actually the axle-to-crown length of the fork that makes a difference, not neccesarily the amount of travel.
All what you said is technically true, but realistically, nothing to worry about it.
a 130mm/5" travel Rockshox/Fox/Marzocchi fork will be better than the manipoo you have now, thats the rub.
All what you said is technically true, but realistically, nothing to worry about it.
a 130mm/5" travel Rockshox/Fox/Marzocchi fork will be better than the manipoo you have now, thats the rub.
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