New fork or new bike?

DaKid

I mainly do road-riding on a Specialized Tricross that I bought last year, but I'd also like to do a bit of off-road (nothing extreme, just canal tow-paths and gentle forest tracks) with my old bike. Unfortunately it doesn't have any kind of suspension and I think I'd quite like some.

One solution is to buy a new bike, but I'm wondering if I could instead just buy some new forks? The idea of only spending a hundred quid or so instead of over œ500 certainly appeals.

The bike is an '01 model Gary Fisher Napa which was designed as a kind of MTB-style hybrid bike. It runs 26" wheels with V-Brakes. The frame is pretty chunky and undamaged as far as I know of, so I'm thinking it could probably take a new fork. Question is, how feasible is this?

Another complication is that I currently have a threaded headset on it. Is is fairly simple to get forks for non-Aheadset headsets, or am I looking at getting new headset and handlebars as well? (Already have a spare oversized stem from my Tricross that I could use)

Any and all advice would be very welcome ... thank you! [:)]

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>

Unknown

I think a new bike is in order!
If you are on a budget check out www.decathlon.co.uk and look at the Rockrider 5.2.

Some days you're the statue.Some days you're the pigeon.

My Rockhopper

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DaKid

I think if I were to buy a bike, I'd be spending somewhere over œ500, and be looking at brands like Giant, Trek or Specialized. Buying any really cheap suspension bike is just asking for trouble, really.

The question really was about whether I'd get a year or two's use out of just a new fork with my existing frame, which would save me money for quite a while.

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>

Unknown

Just go for a cheap fork Save you a bit as long as your not battering it should be fine

DaKid

No intention of doing downhill, jumping or tricks. Can anyone recommend a fork with a threaded steerer for, ideally, under œ100 (is this possible?) that would have v-brake mounts on it?

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>

Unknown

Don`t know of any forks with a threaded steerer,I'm afraid.

Might be cheaper and easier to sell what you have and start again,hence the suggestion for the Rockrider.(It got a good review in WMB as a starter bike,BTW.)

Otherwise,have fun riding a totally rigid bike,and its a good way to hone your skills.

[:)]

Some days you're the statue.Some days you're the pigeon.

My Rockhopper

My XTC

My biking pics

tompsk73

I'd go for a new bike, its never just a case of 'just some new forks', I'm not sure but I think even if you find a cheap set of forks that fit your headset youll end up getting a new stem / bars and so on. Plus, once youve got the taste for a bit of off road you'll only want more and will end up going out and buying a new 'modern' mtb so you can take it anywhere and not worry that the forks arent up to it. So you'll have bought new forks, and a new bike; thats just silly. Buy a new bike, the missus will forgive you eventually.

making it all up as i go along

juankerrwmb

Get a new bike you know you want to.

Here's a tip - if you ask the following question in these forums:

Should I..

Option 1 - Spend Less Money
Option 2 - Spend More Money


...the majority of us will advise Option 2.