Suspension Fork?

[WheresWaldo]

I'm thinking about slapping a new fork on the front of my Trek XC850 but have no experience with suspension components what would you guys recommend for a 2nd year rider looking to do mostly trail and some downhill riding?Also my fatass weighs about 230 so I dont if that would matter with component selection or whatnot.

[Points]

IMO you're better off dropping the cash into a new bike.

[Polish Power]

IMO you're better off dropping the cash into a new bike.

Agreed. But, if you decide to buy a fork make sure to stay away from anything that's made by RST. Go for something made by Rock Shox.

[Fuelish]

..... Go for something made by Rock Shox. or something made by Fox, or made by Manitou - the "big three" of suspension, so to speak.
all three make decent equipment through various price ranges, including "entry level" (although you "get what you pay for".....the less you pay, the less you get in the way of adjustments/tuneability, etc.)

[rich86]

^^^ marzocchi are also one of, if not the biggest susepnsion retailers for mountain bikes

[Fuelish]

^^^ marzocchi are also one of, if not the biggest susepnsion retailers for mountain bikesOOPs.....yes, add Marz and make that the "big 4" ......thanks for refreshing my aging memory ;) Have never owned a Marz, (nor a RS, for that matter) ....

[fat_tyre_flyer]

Many of the "cheaper" forks will not handle a heavier rider so well... you will definitely notice it being better than no suspension but it won't be as good as it could be with a better, and most likely more expensive fork. You can spring kits/cartridges with different ratings for some forks but better to get the right fork from the start.

So I would suggest spending a little more and getting a mid-range or better one from the "big 4"... but like someone else has said, could be better to get a new bike if you have the money for it.

Any type of downhill is going to suck unless you have a decent fork, not to mention that its pretty dangerous on a cheap fork.

The rides will definitely be nicer with suspension so go for it!

[ratmonkey]

get a new bike with a good frame and fork/full suspension, with decent components. it's much better to upgrade components as you need to instead of being stuck with a ****ty frame and fork.

i'd suggest a custom build to anyone who is serious about biking.