Orange P7 1997 - Upgrade or buy new

Jez Keates

Hi,

I have an orange p7 from 1997 with Rockshox Judy XC . It's all in good working order, but I've been thinking about either buying a new bike or just upgrading the forks and a few components.

As it's an old fame I've been told to have no more than 100mm travel on front forks. It also currently has a long stem on on the bike. What would people recommend so the ride position remains comfortable.

What other problems with having an old frame pose. New forks would I guess mean I have to switch to disc brakes on the front, would I have to change the wheel to accommodate this?

What other issues could come up i.e. replacing old components. Ultimately does it make more financial sense to just buy a new bike?

Thanks for your help.

Jez

Father Faff

Yep I've got an old one too with 80mm Marzochi Bams on and long stem. I keep wondering whether to put some 100mm forks on, possibly with disk brakes, simply because the frame has such a nice spring to it. I'd also shorten the stem and put wider riser bars on it.

Or I might just go for that Cotic Soul.....

tlw1

New P7 & then single speed the current one

toontra

Unless I'm mistaken the '97 P7 has a 1" steerer tube, which will severely restrict the choice of forks (down to a couple I think).

Otherwise I prefer the geometry of the older P7's. Run it as a rigid and you'll have a great, light bike!

Jez Keates

Hi,

Thanks for the info, you are right about the one inch steerer tube. Therefore, can any one recommend a good some good forks that would fit. I might need to go for some a few years old off ebay.

In terms of travel, some people say that no more than 80mm, although I spoke to a mechanic in Stiff bikes in leeds and he said you'll fine with 100mm.