26' 1 1/8 ahead Suspension fork advice.

pete J123

Dirt Disciple
Sup.
A girlfriend has given me a 2008 GT Avalanche frame.
As a 90's mtb'er i'm clueless re. Suspension forks of that era. I'm wondering what would a good 1 1/8 straight steerer xc type fork to buy of fleabay or ask for on here. It'l be my first non-rigid disk brake bike ever lol.
 
Re:

Sup back at ya Pete

Plenty of good straight steerer forks about.

Really it comes down to budget though.

Rockshox Recon at the cheaper end of the scale are good value IMO.

Start around £40/£50.

Rockshox Reba are better but start about £70 ish.

Condition/service history is important as getting a set fixed or serviced will probably cost more than you’d paid for them.

Ideally look out for something recently serviced.

I just bought some Recon Gold RL’s (again be aware they’ll be a few versions of each fork varying in spec/price, check the manufacturers website for details!) for £75 in great just serviced condition.

Not as flashy as some but good value.

Also be aware some forks are air-sprung and some coil sprung.

Air-sprung usually lighter, plusher and more expensive and usually require more servicing.

Coil sprung can survive longer between services as a rule.

Anyway sure others will have different opinions and input!

P.s. make sure the steerer is long enough on anything you buy (apologies if that’s stating the obvious!)
 
Re:

As above really. Recons are a good choice, not too spendy and aren't too different to rebas but are a little heavier. If you can, get the sl version.

History is key, looked after forks or recently serviced will save you in the long run, but to be honest, forks are easy to maintain and service yourself if you have the inclination and a few tools.

I used to think it was fox forx or nothing, but now I'd pick rock shox reba over pretty much anything if I was looking at 80-120mm travel forks, just because I've had a few sets, know my way around them and they just work really well and don't need much attention if you keep them clean and poo the lowers off occasionally and clean and lube things, and soak/replace the foam rings (and change wiper seals when needed). You don't need more than Allen keys, sockets, fluid and suspension grease, along with a cup of tea and 30 mins spare to do it all at a relaxed pace.

Depending on your budget and spec, I might have a fork to suit.

If you buy a fork and don't want to service it yourself, I have used rsfsus (I think that's the name) for dropper post servicing and their price was great, as was the end result. They occasionally list cheap service prices on Ebay so you can get a bargain service and a plush fork for as long as you feel the need before the next service.
 
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Ah thanks guys brilliant advice, i have actually been looking at Rebas. £100 ish budget so they seem to suit. I'm quite happy giving servicing a go and have a good relationship with the LBS for tools etc. .
Woop. . time to build another bike !
 
^haven't ridden the others, but have had a couple of sets of Dukes and they are really good (Have a set of Race's that need a rebuild).

I also have a couple of sets of Manitou R7's, light and work well, but I find pretty flexy (well they are light) the last set I got recently, 100mm disc only (post ,mount) for not much cash off ebay NOS.
 
The dukes are short for a 2008 frame (they are 2002 or near forks). In 2008 the forks are taller, the recon is a better choice.
 
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A ran dukes on my 2008 gt zaskar reissue for an age they were great. Didnt seem short at all, had 100mm of travel.
They stil be in use now but need a rebuild.
 
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I’ve got a pair of Z1 MCR which are adjustable between 110-130 mm of travel which are £100 advertised on here a bit ago
 
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