Ignorant newbie requests sympathetic advice

[therocs]

Hi Folks,
I have just bought myself a 1991 Trek 8000. At the moment it has non original rigid forks. I would like to replace these with suspension forks. Am I correct that I will need 11/8" forks with only up to 80mm of travel?
I would be most grateful for any help/advice or suggestions as to which forks would be appropriate. The frame size of the bike is 18" running canti brakes and my budget is about £250.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Steve.

 

[JeRkY]

Not sure of the bike, or the diameter steerer you would need, but 80mm would of been virtually unheard of in 1991. Would suggest something with much less travel, Pace RC35 sort of travel.

 

[therocs]

I found an old reference to a 1991 Trek 8700 (I think it is the same frame) using Rock Shox RS1 forks with 49mm travel. Don't want to spend the dosh and then find out the forks I have bought won't do.

 

[elite504]

Ditto Jerky! Welcome aboard, and thanx for the sympathetic titling- saves being shot down in flames! 2" ravel fork from the early 90's woudl be best, rockshox mags or quadres, manitou 2,3,4 etc.
Probably best avoid any thing "too" modern or your trek will handle like a chopper.
Check the for sale section. All good fun. Trysome stuff, if you don't like it, you can always move it on . . .

 

[Tallpaul]

Why do you want suspension forks?

Odd question perhaps, but the sorts of forks being talked about in the previous posts are hard to find in good working order and even then don't do a great deal in terms of offering useful suspension. If it's a restoration for looks and light use then they'll be fine, if you are expecting an improvement in off-road performance then you'll probably be disappointed.

 

[legrandefromage]

I have a Trek 1991 7000 which has 1.1/8 headset and is good for shorter travel forks

 

[velomaniac]

I have a trek 8500 circa 1990, it will not take anything longer than a 50mm travel fork without upset :shock:

Should you want a modern fork, Suntour offer reasonable 50mm travel forks with disc mounts and Rockshox recently had 50mm travel forks though possibly aimed at comfort bikes. Best get a good set of old school forks as mentioned or some fat tyres or both.

 

[therocs]

Thank you all for your patient and helpfull replies. I am begining to see the pitfalls including encountering the snowball effect Not yet sure if I will go with the 50mm travel forks option. I may just leave the bike and enjoy it as it is. However if I do leave it as it is I already sense a burning desire to buy a frame to build up. Do you think this means I am hooked Thanks again!

 

[Sidewinder]

Thank you all for your patient and helpfull replies. I am begining to see the pitfalls including encountering the snowball effect Not yet sure if I will go with the 50mm travel forks option. I may just leave the bike and enjoy it as it is. However if I do leave it as it is I already sense a burning desire to buy a frame to build up. Do you think this means I am hooked Thanks again!

Welcome to the Paypal club

 

[CAS]

Thank you all for your patient and helpfull replies. I am begining to see the pitfalls including encountering the snowball effect Not yet sure if I will go with the 50mm travel forks option. I may just leave the bike and enjoy it as it is. However if I do leave it as it is I already sense a burning desire to buy a frame to build up. Do you think this means I am hooked Thanks again!

I'm afraid so - and be warned..... even the "odd woman" is not immune .... when your wife has a more comprehensive tool kit than you do and her purchases of spare bike parts are discreetly delivered to work you really need to worry!