Front Suspension advice

[chefscott]

I am sure this topic has been beaten to death many times, but I'll start the beating again. I finally took the plunge and bought my first bike, although compared to what most of you ride it was a small plunge.
I wanted too get started, but did not want to go overboard, just in case I did not like it, I am a late starter, I'll be 49 this fall, anyway I bought a Giant Yukon Disc and the components are pretty good for the most part, but they really skimped on the front suspension, it has the Rockshox DART1, I would like to know want would be a reasonable step up, that would really be a noticable difference, but not have to break the bank, or hopefully find something used.
Thanks Chefscott

[Danimal]

Scott, First off CONGRATULATIONS! I'm willing to bet that when you turn 49 this fall it won't matter, because as soon as you hit the trail you will feel like you are 12 again, :) That's why we ride.

As far as the fork topic goes it has been & will continue to be beaten to death. It all depends on the type of riding you will be doing or "grow into". More than likely the shock that came with the bike will suffice, I'd wait til it wears out or dies to replace.

I for one have a lefty shock and love it, not because it gives me 5.5" of travel but it strikes up the best conversation out on the trails and it works great for my riding style. If you were looking for something entry level I'd go of course with a Lefty or bottom line Marzocchi or Fox for starters. They have pretty much a proven product out on the market.

Good luck and it's nice to see someone getting into it regardless of their age. You have a great trail out there in Elk River hope to see you on it soon.

All Lefty non-believers are now free to bash away. :)

[GreySquirrel]

Scott
Great to have you on the trails. But 49 is still a youngster as far as I'm concerned.
I started racing in the MNSCS series at 63 and I'm now 67. I don't know if your interested in racing but the shock you have is probably good enough to get you started. My son has been racing with no suspension. There are lots of good forks out there. You need to be sure they will fit on your bike. This time of year is a good time to get deals as next years models come out.

[chefscott]

Hi Dan And Greg, thanks for the reply, I think I met you both at the Hillside Dualathalon, this summer, I have ridden Hillside several times already, but only sections 1 and 2. You are probably right that what I have is probably fine for now, I was just looking at getting some possible ideas if a fork becomes available. I doubt if I will be racing, I like to do it because all the people I have met so far have been great and I hope to meet more of you out on the trails.
Thanks Chefscott

[DMonkey]

As it has been stated this subject has been covered..
But here are some thoughts..

How much travel does the current for have? 3" or 4" (usually what is on a hardtail).

Some good forks to watch out for:
Fox forks are great, but you pay for them (worth it to me, but maybe not just yet for you).

Marzochi usually can be found for less - MX Comp isn't bad option for the price.

The Rock Shock Reba's are a pretty solid fork for the price.

Manitou - I'm not the biggest fan of, but the Minutes or the Blacks are decent/ok.

Hope that helps a bit,

[fallingup]

David (dbruning) may have a Rockshox Duke for sale... you should pm him.

[Slimpee]

My advice would be to ride the Dart for a while and figure out why you don't like it then figure out the best option for the type of ride you want.

[widespot]

My advice would be to ride the Dart for a while and figure out why you don't like it then figure out the best option for the type of ride you want.

+1

The Dart is just fine to start out with.

[gtbikes]

David (dbruning) may have a Rockshox Duke for sale... you should pm him.

Also have a Judy xc in great condition for cheap ($50), hydracoil I believe...

[Scotch]

i switched my dart out for a tora. not light or fancy, but plenty stiff for better handling.

[stuntjunkie]

i switched my dart out for a tora. not light or fancy, but plenty stiff for better handling.

I have a 2 month old Tora and have had the worst luck with it. is yours the 302? or the 318?

[chefscott]

Hey, everybody thanks for the excellent advice, I hope to hear more on this subject, but I think I am going to ride some more and see how it works out, bit I am still going to keep an eye out for any good deals on an upgrade fork anyway, it won't hurt to keep improving the components as I go, so keep the info coming I enjoy reading the great info I get from people who have alot of experience out in the field.
Thanks Chefscott