1992 Rocky Mountain Vertex (steel) Build

K.":6rumqqv0 said:

Hello, I've been searching around for some info on the 1992 steel vertex and this is one of a handful of threads I've found.

I'm looking at buying one of these frames, but it won't be coming with either the original rigid fork or any sort of short-travel vintage suspension fork.

I've got a ~1996 Judy but it is 80 mm, and I'd actually prefer to put on a modern 80 mm fork (can't do a proper period correct build anyway since don't have the time or money).

Would anyone here have any thoughts on how the handling of this bike would be compromised by the extra height (ie axle-crown distance) of an 80 mm fork?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

walleater":1jt9rno6 said:

K.":1jt9rno6 said:

Hello, I've been searching around for some info on the 1992 steel vertex and this is one of a handful of threads I've found.

I'm looking at buying one of these frames, but it won't be coming with either the original rigid fork or any sort of short-travel vintage suspension fork.

I've got a ~1996 Judy but it is 80 mm, and I'd actually prefer to put on a modern 80 mm fork (can't do a proper period correct build anyway since don't have the time or money).

Would anyone here have any thoughts on how the handling of this bike would be compromised by the extra height (ie axle-crown distance) of an 80 mm fork?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

I hadn't noticed that my old thread had re-appeared! After taking mine for a decent offroad ride today, there is no denying that the front end is pretty low and the steering is pretty old school (my 'normal' rides are a Chromag hardtail with Lyric fork and a Giant Glory!) so I can't imagine that going to an 80mm fork would totally ruin the ride. That said, I'd have thought that something like an old 60mm travel Marzocchi Z2 might be a better bet.

Click to expand...