[hungryhead]

I've been riding a titus switchblade for over six years with almost everything, except the front and rear suspension, being replaced. Finally the front fork, duke, has COMPLETELY gone (its been dead for awhile but not like now).
I know this a personal decision, and i truely love the frame, but is it worth investing in a new front fork (man they are pricey) without buying a new bike when your old bike has been through a lot?

 

[nautilus]

You know you want one, if you're riding around the front range you could probably use a little more travel any way, go for it.

 

[ignazjr]

Good question, hungryhead. The Switchblade is a very capable frame and if it's still working for you, it's a lot cheaper to go new fork than new bike. I get that question a lot, actually. I guess the only way I can answer is that it's time to get a new bike when the Switchblade ceases to put a smile on your face.

Otherwise, go with the new fork and if you want to get a new bike, you're only a frame and a couple parts away from a whole new ride.

 

[joelalamo45]

It's time for a new bike of some sort every 6-12 months.

 

[hungryhead]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
man, i wish I made as much $$ as you - but a question: I have never had to buy a new fork, so, forks are pretty much interchangeable from bike to bike? any cases where this isn't true?

 

[nautilus]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
man, i wish I made as much $$ as you - but a question: I have never had to buy a new fork, so, forks are pretty much interchangeable from bike to bike? any cases where this isn't true?

Pretty much, you can buy bigger forks with thicker steer tubes(1.5) but that's nothing you should have to worry about with the switchblade. Aside from that, there's fork length (longer length creates a slacker head tube angle making the bike feel more sluggish, but less twitchey). Also you can look into through axles, this will make the fork/wheel integration stiffer (but you'd need to buy a new wheel assuming you use QR). And some forks don't have disc mounts(that's what you're runing right?). If you want to go about the new fork route I've got a real nice near mint fork collecting dust ( 07 Marzocchi All Mountain II) that should be a nice fit for your bike,and could be had for a bit over $100 or so if you're interested. I think it's even still under warranty. (A couple months ago the eta knob fell off, I gave them a call and they mailed me one for free)
I'm in fort collins.
Here's the review
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/2007-forks/marzocchi/all-mountain-ii/PRD_414368_1550crx.aspx

 

[lubes17319]

It's time for a new bike of some sort every 6-12 months.

I'm about 24-30 months behind schedule on my current.....and my previous bike ended up being 64-70 months behind schedule.

 

[TooManyToyz]

6 years old?? Get a new one. I rode my last bike, '01 FSR Enduro, until it completely died but that was only because I didn't have the money for a new one sooner. And I still don't have a new one, just a temporary to get me through to next spring.

 

[ignazjr]

Hungryhead, chances are your fork is a 1 1/8 qr fork, so that's what you'll be looking for. If you're running V brakes in the front, though, you'll be hard pressed to find a new fork with brake bosses. If that's the case, worst possible scenario, you're looking at new fork, new wheel, new cable brake caliper. $$ ads up at that point.

 

[hungryhead]

thanks for the replies...yeah i'm running disc brakes so no big issue there...

 

[davec113]

If you're happy with the bikes suspensioin and geometry it might make sense to put the cash into a nice fork, if you're ready for a change it makes sense to buy a complete bike (new or used) at this point, because they are a better value than buying parts. If you're not sure than go test ride some bikes and see what you think.

 

[Yetigirl]

If you're happy with the bikes suspensioin and geometry it might make sense to put the cash into a nice fork, if you're ready for a change it makes sense to buy a complete bike (new or used) at this point, because they are a better value than buying parts. If you're not sure than go test ride some bikes and see what you think.

Definitely go test ride some bikes and see how they feel and respond to your type of riding. Another thing to keep in mind in frame warranty. Some manufacturers only warranty a frame for 5 years. Some have a limited life-time. Not sure, but I think that Titus has a 5 year warranty on theirs. Make sure you check your frame or have someone check your frame for any cracks, etc. No sense in putting money into a new fork if the frame is shot.

 

[jugdish]

H2 rides hard and the bike in question has seen more than it's fair share of use and abuse.
6 years of hard rides, dude. Be good to yourself. Either that or finally build the Spec up as a SS.
Talk to JB or Dave up @ RS in Lyons.
Want to ski (tour), give me a call.