For Forks Sake, in a dilemma and looking for advice.

@it

Hi all, firstly may I say congrats to a great forum and fountain of knowledge, I have spent many hours reading posts, advice and all sorts during my joining, so thought I'd submit my first post on joining (please be gentle).

Ok, a little on me, (I know it's not a dating site) I'm 5'4" weigh around 11stone, keep myself fit by going to the gym (weights, an older type bodybuilder in old money) I run and cycle as much as I can and can't wait until the really good weather draws closer, I snowboard in the winter, and my job I'm constantly on my feet if not sat in front of a PC (work related).

Bike wise I have a GT Avalanche 1.0 2008 (small), can I add the bike in my eyes is perfect, fits me (I feel that I'm sitting in the bike and the bike is part of me), it's maintained very well, and only comes out on good dry days, (I know, I know), however on those not so dry days I'm on one in the gym or running and in worst case scenario I have a cycle trainer at my disposal.

Ok for the dilemma, the bike is pretty much standard, however recently have changed pedals, seat, seat post, and possibly with a view to changing the braking, now I'm looking at making the well I think the biggest change to the bike and that by upgrading the front forks, I have read looked and drowned myself in info on a couple, these being the Rockshox Reba and the Rockshox SID RCTS, both of which are 26", 1.1/8 steerer and 100mm drop funded by the employers (CycleScheme) (£600), now not wanting to forgo the entire amount on one component as I'd like to get a new jacket, lights although I did have pedals, seat, lights (front/rear) seat posts, however some of these parts have been upgraded in the month or so as advised above.

Now which front suspension to go with, may I add the SIDS are available now (2014 model) or wait until this coming June for the newer REBA's, my cycling is mainly XC, Off Road and on, smallish jumps and more so mainly for pleasure and fitness.

Many thanks on any advice and hopefully not bored anyone with the above ramblings.

Cheers again.

@it

Chunkers1980

You can't buy components on the scheme, and only 'safety' stuff with a full bike.0

@it

Chunkers1980 wrote:

You can't buy components on the scheme, and only 'safety' stuff with a full bike.0

Hi can I add I have the certificate in hand and as part of the scheme you can purchase accessories, safety equipment if you already have a bike, as detailed below (may I add I call CycleScheme and spoke to them personally, I'd like to add the were very helpful and polite)

http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/eops

@it

kajjal

@it wrote:

Chunkers1980 wrote:

You can't buy components on the scheme, and only 'safety' stuff with a full bike.0

Hi can I add I have the certificate in hand and as part of the scheme you can purchase accessories, safety equipment if you already have a bike, as detailed below (may I add I call CycleScheme and spoke to them personally, I'd like to add the were very helpful and polite)

http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/eops

@it

The previous post is correct you can get the bike and safety equipment only.

Seems more and more schemes are really bending / breaking the rules with top up payments and also equipment which is not safety equipment. Have a look on the HMRC website for the definitions and rules for the scheme. I am guessing a lot of companies are now just reaching for more and more profit. Who knows how that will end

@it

Kajjal wrote:

@it wrote:

Chunkers1980 wrote:

You can't buy components on the scheme, and only 'safety' stuff with a full bike.0

Hi can I add I have the certificate in hand and as part of the scheme you can purchase accessories, safety equipment if you already have a bike, as detailed below (may I add I call CycleScheme and spoke to them personally, I'd like to add the were very helpful and polite)

http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/eops

@it

The previous post is correct you can get the bike and safety equipment only.

Seems more and more schemes are really bending / breaking the rules with top up payments and also equipment which is not safety equipment. Have a look on the HMRC website for the definitions and rules for the scheme. I am guessing a lot of companies are now just reaching for more and more profit. Who knows how that will end

Cheers for the comments, however I took their advice, submitted the required details and now have the said £600 available to spend on equipment, can I add the above posts do not really have any effect in the original post requiring info and advice.

Now please can we get back on topic and as said looking for advice.

Thank you.

@it

apreading

I dont think you will find alot of difference between REBAs and SIDs, to be honest. SIDs used to be much lighter but a bit flexy and not up to the rougher stuff or heavy riders. Since then (about 3-4 years ago) they put the same width stanchions on the SIDs to make them stronger and made the REBAs lighter - so now I am not sure there is much difference or much point in keeping both going - other than from a marketing point of view because so many are bound to the names they knew and loved in the past. Either will be a big upgrade for you and either will be fine.

I wouldnt bother with lights you can buy from a UK shop - find the lights thread on here and buy some MUCH cheaper and much BRIGHTER lights from china.

Gore Phantom could be awesome for you if you look at jackets.

You might want to look at Shimano hydraulic Brakes if you think yours need upgrading - dont know what you have at the moment.

@it

apreading wrote:

I dont think you will find alot of difference between REBAs and SIDs, to be honest. SIDs used to be much lighter but a bit flexy and not up to the rougher stuff or heavy riders. Since then (about 3-4 years ago) they put the same width stanchions on the SIDs to make them stronger and made the REBAs lighter - so now I am not sure there is much difference or much point in keeping both going - other than from a marketing point of view because so many are bound to the names they knew and loved in the past. Either will be a big upgrade for you and either will be fine.

I wouldnt bother with lights you can buy from a UK shop - find the lights thread on here and buy some MUCH cheaper and much BRIGHTER lights from china.

Gore Phantom could be awesome for you if you look at jackets.

You might want to look at Shimano hydraulic Brakes if you think yours need upgrading - dont know what you have at the moment.

Many thanks for the reply and advice "apreading", I would have to agree with yourself in regards to the Rockshox REBA & SID, hence my asking, I guess the purchasing the SID's is good for future proofing the the bike and it's longevity, as they will be replacing the standard Suntour SR X-100, that I feel need replacing as the rebound on them isn't as snappy as they used to be, although I have a friend who has offered me a pair of Rochshox XC30 (2013) so in theory I can wait until June for the newer REBA's, though I guess as time goes by I may look at a new frame or entire bike, and exchange the parts across, however that's a long time off.

Lights wise I looked at the Cateye Volt 300 (front) and the Cateye LB-610 (rear), although feel free to submit some you may have in mind from China.

Jacket wise I'll look at the recommended Gore Phantom as I short listed the ALTURA Men's Night Vision Jacket.

Brake wise the GT currently has the Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulics.

Many thanks again.

@it

rockmonkeysc

Even the XC30 will be a huge improvement over your old fork.
I wouldn't wait for the new Reba, it's not going to be worth the wait or the extra cost. The 2014 Reba is an excellent fork.
Not sure why you think a SID is more future proof than a Reba. The SID has a slightly better damper but thats about all.
It might be wort getting a 650b fork, it will work fine with 26" wheels and if you change your frame in the future its most likely to be 650b.

@it

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Even the XC30 will be a huge improvement over your old fork.
I wouldn't wait for the new Reba, it's not going to be worth the wait or the extra cost. The 2014 Reba is an excellent fork.
Not sure why you think a SID is more future proof than a Reba. The SID has a slightly better damper but thats about all.
It might be wort getting a 650b fork, it will work fine with 26" wheels and if you change your frame in the future its most likely to be 650b.

Sorry forgot to mention the REBA's (2014) aren't available as I've been advised that the new 2015 models of forks are due out in June, however the store advised that the SID's (2014) were available immediately, not considered a 650B fork may look into that option, in regards to the future proofing aspect my thoughts were the SID's are a better shock and would last the test of time. As for the XC30, I may just take them and fit them for the time being and or keep them as a spare or future project.

Cheers Rockmonkey SC for your advice.

@it

rockmonkeysc

Rebas will last just as well as Sids. They're a good reliable fork.

@it

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Rebas will last just as well as Sids. They're a good reliable fork.

Splendid, looking forward to using one come decision time.

@it