Mountain bikers need new front shocks

[mantis]

hello all ,
I think I might need new front shocks. I have a 2004 GT Avalanche 2.0 with Rock Shock Judy's in the front. They are starting to have cracks around the seals and seem to not hold as well as they did. They also seem to start to have play(could be the bearings in the headset but I'll replace them as well with the shocks.

What I'm looking for is a new front shock thats as good or slighty better then what I have now. I have been happy with them for all these years.

I was also considering replacing the bike with a new model but I like my bike , i have some money into it with better cranks , tires , brake pads etc and I think it would be worth replacing the shocks.

What do you guys think?

Dan

[mantis]

Here's a few shots of the bike.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/NewBikeTires006.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/NewBikeTires002.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/NewBikeTires001.jpg

[mantis]

Here are some more with different parts.
IMG]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/bikeRACK2.jpg[/IMG]
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/06-23-06_1437.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/HPIM1210-1.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/HPIM1210.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/BlazeCranks.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/Dmantis/HPIM1206.jpg

[zarrdoss]

You can rebuild it with new springs, seals or what-not. I have always been partial to Marzocchi and also full suspension. This seems to be a good place for new forks.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400205_-1_400002_400021

damn they can get expensive!

[cheif pontiac]

Mantis, If your Headset is loose that is a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP before further damage occurs.

Hold your front brake and rock the bike back and forth. Do you see the cups of the headset moving? View the seem between the cup and race. You may also feel some movement from the brakes moving on the post. look to see if you see movement between the Stanchion tubes and the lower legs.

Headset adjustment can be made by loosening your stem clamp bolts and tightening the 5mm allen head on the top. Depending on how loose it is, it may not require much of a turn. Again squeeze the front brake and rock the bike back and forth until there is no play.

The seal you see on the top of the fork legs is simply a dust seal. If you have play in the fork it would be from wear on the inner bushings. Does your fork take air? Is that what is not holding. Most Judy forks were elastomers.
o
Most new forks are good, even what was a cheap brand like RST is now decent. Fox are really popular and are great forks. They are also pricey. My new Fisher has R.S. Recon which I like a lot and it is more reasonably priced. Manitou has new owners and they claimed to have taken the best of the line and resolved the QC problem. It is like audio equipment, how much do you have to spend?

I don't know how much knowledge of bikes you have, maybe I told you what you already know. If you have any other questions PM me, I have over 20 years experience and it is my career.

[dane_peterson]

One thing I've found with mountain bikes is that you can usually sell your bike and buy a new one for about the same as it would cost to replace a more expensive part + get a tune-up.

I bought a Specialized S-Works Epic earlier this year... it was a 2004 but still cost me over $1000. I ended up selling it (since it was used, it required more investment for optimal performance) and got a new bike from BikesDirect.com instead. Brand new quality parts... and if I really wanted to, I could swap them out to a different frame. It was a great deal for $699 IMO. Loving the bike and all the components.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff29pro.htm

[cheif pontiac]

Dane, I am curious how does the quality of build and ride compare on the bikesdirect bike to the Specialized? I noticed that the spec of the wheels was pretty lackluster.

[dane_peterson]

Is the BikesDirect better than the S-Works Epic? Absolutely not. The Specialized cost well over $3000 new (Full XTR, extremely lightweight frame, Brain rear shock) and was way overkill for me. I do a lot of paved trails too. I elected to go back to hardtail for that reason.

The Cliff 29er Pro is well-equipped all things considered. Low-mid level components, but the really nice options are the brakes and fork. You won't find Avid Juicy Hydraulics on any other bike under $1000. I would have liked to get the "Team" Version, but couldn't justify the extra dough. The WTB wheels aren't that bad... and the tires are among the best I've ridden on dirt trails.

The only two challenges I've encountered with this bike are:
1. Pedal room. 29ers are truly ideal for 6'0" and taller... I'm 5'10" so I selected the small model. Cockpit is good otherwise, but due to the wheels esssentially being 6" closer together, I get the tiniest bit of toe rub on the tires at certain turn angles. Keep in mind I do also have big feet (sz 13) so that could contribute.
2. Turning radius. It's not this bike's fault, it's simply a disadvantage with this technology. 29ers are superb for rolling over obstacles, but wedging through high-speed single track can present more of a challenge. You get used to it, but there's definitely a learning curve there.

All in all, I'd recommend these bikes for the money. The Cliff 29ers are identical to comparable Fuji bikes at about 35% less the price. The Sette Ace from Pricepoint.com is also an exceptional value if you seek full suspension.

[dane_peterson]

Note: If $699 is pushing it, the $499 "Comp" option is also very well-spec'd for the price.

[cheif pontiac]

Dane, Maybe I was beating around the bush a little bit, there is no reason that a 29er should not fit you. Specialized and Trek both make 29er's for women in small sizes. The fit and handling issues are a result of a lack of engineering. Don't get me wrong, you have great parts on your bike, it is new and you are out riding.

Companies like Trek and Specialized have multiple engineers, designers and racers to design and test their product. Gary Fisher designed the current 29er for Fisher after years of testing and designing. Fisher a couple years ago contracted with Fox to make forks with new offsets to improve handling. This is something that is proprietory to fisher.

It is possible to contract a chinese manufature, tell them the specs you want and the price you want to pay and they will make a bike in that budget. Of course you need to make a pretty hefty commitment.

[mantis]

You can rebuild it with new springs, seals or what-not. I have always been partial to Marzocchi and also full suspension. This seems to be a good place for new forks.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400205_-1_400002_400021

damn they can get expensive!

Damn some of those shocks are more then the price of my bike. My bike was 500.00 new.

Thanks for the link.

Dan

[mantis]

Mantis, If your Headset is loose that is a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP before further damage occurs.

Hold your front brake and rock the bike back and forth. Do you see the cups of the headset moving? View the seem between the cup and race. You may also feel some movement from the brakes moving on the post. look to see if you see movement between the Stanchion tubes and the lower legs.

Headset adjustment can be made by loosening your stem clamp bolts and tightening the 5mm allen head on the top. Depending on how loose it is, it may not require much of a turn. Again squeeze the front brake and rock the bike back and forth until there is no play.

The seal you see on the top of the fork legs is simply a dust seal. If you have play in the fork it would be from wear on the inner bushings. Does your fork take air? Is that what is not holding. Most Judy forks were elastomers.
o
Most new forks are good, even what was a cheap brand like RST is now decent. Fox are really popular and are great forks. They are also pricey. My new Fisher has R.S. Recon which I like a lot and it is more reasonably priced. Manitou has new owners and they claimed to have taken the best of the line and resolved the QC problem. It is like audio equipment, how much do you have to spend?

I don't know how much knowledge of bikes you have, maybe I told you what you already know. If you have any other questions PM me, I have over 20 years experience and it is my career.

I started riding back in the 80's BMX. GT was huge back then and I had 3 of them. I also rode Koahara , Mongoose and Haro. I got back into riding in 2004 when a few of my friends started getting into Mountain bike riding. I have been hooked ever since. This is the only bike I have had and I really like the bike. Honestly I have been thinking of a full suspension or another hard tail. I like the GT's but I also really like Trek and Specialized bikes. The Trek Fuel ex was very nice as well as the Specialized Rock hopper.
Thanks for all your advise , I'm gonna check out the headset and check into some affordable replacement shocks.

Dan

[mantis]

One thing I've found with mountain bikes is that you can usually sell your bike and buy a new one for about the same as it would cost to replace a more expensive part + get a tune-up.

I bought a Specialized S-Works Epic earlier this year... it was a 2004 but still cost me over $1000. I ended up selling it (since it was used, it required more investment for optimal performance) and got a new bike from BikesDirect.com instead. Brand new quality parts... and if I really wanted to, I could swap them out to a different frame. It was a great deal for $699 IMO. Loving the bike and all the components.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff29pro.htm
I never heard of this brand but it looks to have a nice setup. I'll look into it. Thanks a lot.

Dan

[TNRabbit]

In 2004, I bought a used Cannondale full suspension Super V900 for $900. It had been HEAVILY upgraded by the previous owner with Manitou fork (5" travel!) and Fox rear shock, Shimano STR brakes, etc. The PO had put over $3k into the bike. I just installed STR gear changers last week. It's an awesome bike which I probably have 5k miles on. You can upgrade a good bike for years & not spend the bucks you would on a new one. I'll ride mine until it falls apart.

[acmf74]

coincidently a a bike thread came up! I'm looking for a beginners mountain bike for mostly road but some off roading too. can someone recommend me a brand/model to start off with? I want to spend around 400. thanks!

[TNRabbit]

You want new or used? You're looking for a hybrid...

[TNRabbit]

Here's a hybrid in NJ (not sure how close to you) that would be a good starter bike:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Giant-mens-mountain-bike-mans-comfort-hybrid-bicycle-/260642611558?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item3caf82a166

This is a decent bike, too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-7-3-FX-Hybrid-Bicycle-/130416736825?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item1e5d717a39

[pitdogg2]

I started riding back in the 80's BMX. GT was huge back then and I had 3 of them. I also rode Kuwahara , Mongoose and Haro. I got back into riding in 2004 when a few of my friends started getting into Mountain bike riding. I have been hooked ever since. This is the only bike I have had and I really like the bike. Honestly I have been thinking of a full suspension or another hard tail. I like the GT's but I also really like Trek and Specialized bikes. The Trek Fuel ex was very nice as well as the Specialized Rock hopper.
Thanks for all your advise , I'm gonna check out the headset and check into some affordable replacement shocks.

Dan

fixed it fer ya:cool:

[acmf74]

Here's a hybrid in NJ (not sure how close to you) that would be a good starter bike:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Giant-mens-mountain-bike-mans-comfort-hybrid-bicycle-/260642611558?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item3caf82a166

This is a decent bike, too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-7-3-FX-Hybrid-Bicycle-/130416736825?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item1e5d717a39


thanks... i can go new or used. I have some bike trails near me and want to try the hobby out.

[bikerboy]

Hi Dan,
I had 5 hardtails before I got the Specialized fsr dual suspension a couple of years ago. I had a ti hardtail before and had 3 different shocks on it. After riding the fsr a while I sold the ti hard tail. I just couldnt ride it and have the same amount of fun as when riding the fsr. The fsr has 5" of travel front and rear and disc brakes. I am not a racer, I like to ride long trail rides. The traction and comfort the fsr gives makes it a better choice for me. Its like a new bike with the fox fork. Before you spend any more $ on the GT make sure you dont want a full suspension bike with disc brakes and lots of travel. In 2 weeks some friends and I will ride around Mt St Helens. It looks to be a 30 mile day! All on single track! Then ride Lewis River the next day. Should be fun.

[cheif pontiac]

Full suspensioin can be a lot of fun and save some wear and tear on your body, if you are getting old like me! I'm still a hardtail fan though. I like a lightweight bike. I always built my own wheels when I raced and also built the lightest I could.

29er's like Dane bought are a lot of fun. They roll over the bumps easier and are more stable down hill. A 29er full suspension is probably about the most comfortable bike you can ride. Although they can be heavy. My last couple 29ers have been single speeds. I have an Origin 8 right now, that I plan to sell pretty soon.

Mantis, It sounds like you have the urge to spend some money on a bike. LOL, it can be as bad as audio equipement. Check to see if any local bike shops have Demo bikes. Trek makes EX's available for shops to prurchase as demos. Some Trek demo trucks travel the country too and show up at major events.

[cstmar01]

I love Kona and Specialized personally. Kona's can be found used and make a great full suspension rides.

The one thing to keep in mind is a full suspension really needed? Honestly if your not going to use it to its full potential then normally your wasting money on getting a full suspension. Around where I live there isn't enough tracks (that I found) that would call for that type of ride. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have one, and ride one, but for me if I'm not using it, then I will put more of that money into a nice hardtail for the tracks.

example of what I like and would love to have but alas there isn't enough track of anything that I could ride this on around here.
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=stinky

[acmf74]

I am looking at a GT Nomad (hybrid). If I am 5'9" tall would a medium frame fit me well?

[nadams]

Mantis - my Giant Yukon SE has Rock Shox Jett front forks. It's either a '99 or a '00 model year, and they are the original forks. They are an elastomer type. I've never had any issues with them. I used to do a ton of riding in the day, but not lately... so maybe you've got more abuse on yours than I do on mine. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think they should be worn out by now.

Also, see if there's preload adjustment... maybe a preloader just backed off a little.

[dane_peterson]

Chief,
I know it's a late response... but I agree. There's no reason my bike shouldn't fit me. I may have fit into a Medium, but I'm over it. For a while there, I was as obsessed with bikes as I was Audio. That egg cracked after I realized how infrequently I'd end up biking...

BTW, this is where I bought my S-Works Epic. Great resource for used equipment...

http://classifieds.mtbr.com/index.php

[SDA1C]

If you havent rectivied this issue yet Mantis, rebuild your Judy. It's a damn fine fork and fits your bike (value) perfectly. Quality rebuild...$100 to $150 @ a reputable dealership. Also, check the classifieds at MTBR.com. Ride on man!

[Upstatemax]

I'm a huge fan of the Fox fork on my Specialized. Very smooth, yet responsive.

Try and find a last year model closeout for bang for your buck. Very rare that there are huge changes year to year and you can save a lot.

[gudnoyez]

Rock Shox are owned by Sram and the newer low end models are still pretty decent, just as good as suntours or manitous, but still I would just have your dealer see if they can recondition them for you, a new pair of judys would set you back a couple of hundred
I think the Darts go for $150 If you want to get some Fox shocks be prepared to spend some money.