Fork : 80mm - what to buy?

[BrightYellow]

Okay... I want to do a little upgrade to the old '00 S-Works hardtail and put a new/different fork on it this year. A new ride isn't in the works this year, since the little one just arrived, so I need to upgrade what I have and get another year or 2 out of it.

I'd like to get the best new fork that I can, for the least amount of money - I'm thinking $250 or less. Less would be better, and maybe there isn't even anything out there for that price. I'd like to buy new, but would consider buying used, if it was cheap enough.

Mostly I want to upgrade the front to disc brake. I'm thinking of throwing on a mechanical front disc brake, like the Avid BB7 - something I can bolt on and use my XTR lever with.

So, what's out there and what is the best? I do mainly XC riding, nothing too crazy, with (hopefully) a yearly trip out west. The last time I did any shopping for this kind of stuff was in '02 and I'm sure a lot has changed since then.

Thanks!

[BrightYellow]

Has anyone tried this fork?

http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=FS&ssid=PAOHADDANIIEBACO&ap=199.99&StartRow=1

[Matthew]

My Skareb was absolutely terrible. Bushings, negative spring, and rebuilds every week or so. It was a major hassle and dissapointment. Also the stiction on it made the dampening irrelevant.

[crux]

Have a Marz X-Fly that is a great fork 80mm also a Fox F80 RLC Pushed and F80X. Still would take the X-fly over the Fox. Just feels better.

All should be in that price point if you look around. Might have a spare 80mm laying around will have to check my stock back at the folks house.

[BrightYellow]

Okay, I guess I have another question - can I replace the old Manitou Mars 80mm with one of the newer 100mm forks? Well, I'm sure I can, but what will it do to geometry/ride of the bike, if anything?

Thanks!

[natehakensak]

You should buy my SID World Cup for dirt cheap. If interested, message me. Additionally, a 100mm fork isn't going to throw anything off too much. You'll just be more stable going down hills and a little slower in the tight twisties.

[transplant]

Marzocchi MX Comp 80. I put one on my old hardtail last year (replacing a Manitou Marc C, which replaced the orignal RS Judy). Love it. Stiffer than the other two by far, plusher and within your budget. You should be able to find one online just about anywhere.

[crux]

Okay, I guess I have another question - can I replace the old Manitou Mars 80mm with one of the newer 100mm forks? Well, I'm sure I can, but what will it do to geometry/ride of the bike, if anything?

Thanks!

Would first figure out what head tube angle you are currently at then figure if you slack it out a bit. Going with a 100mm fork will make the bike handle slower.

[transplant]

Additionally, a 100mm fork isn't going to throw anything off too much. You'll just be more stable going down hills and a little slower in the tight twisties.

It might not throw things off a whole lot, but many frames aren't meant to handle the stress of the additional travel, and adding a 100 will void the warranty (if it's still in effect). They're designed around 80, both in handling and durability. I'd check with Specialized to see if your frame can handle 100.

[BrightYellow]

Marzocchi MX Comp 80. You should be able to find one online just about anywhere.

Do you remember where you got it from? I'm not coming up with any matches on the web for Comp 80 - there are newer MX Comps out there, but they all seem to be 100mm +.

thanks!

[Wolfchimp]

I have a 2003 Marzocchi Marathon S 80mm Dopio Dual Air sitting around. It needs to be rebuilt though(seals, and oil) Its a nice fork. I just haven't gotten around to rebuilding it.

[transplant]

http://www.greenfishsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2074

Try this link.