What do you guys think? Suspension a must? Or not?

[Boromedic]

Cheers all for your advice! I've highlighted a skills centre which myself and me buddy will be heading to in the near future. Its at Cannock Chase so a good place to do it I think.

I may keep my eye out for some new forks and see what crops up, no hurry or anything. I think some Pace's might be on the cards for me maybe.

Cheers,

Al

 

[mikee]

most paces have swapable steerers so that's a good way to go

 

[warpedboy2]

I too ride a rigid p7, and love it!

Try putting on some beefy tyres. I am using some Continental Rubber Queens which are 2.2s. It has really transformed the ride, but mud clearance at the rear is somewhat compromised.

 

[NeilM]

I started riding mtb's back in the 80's... all rigid.

In 94 I built a Zaskar with front suspension, which I rode and rode and rode and still ride.

In 97 I bought a GT STS-2 full suspension, which I rode a bit... and then went back to the Zaskar.

With rigid front forks, the ride depends on the quality of the forks. I have a Yates with Project 2 forks. It rides well, tracks superbly and will almost shake your eyeballs from their sockets on a fast rocky decent... don't ask me how I know this :shock:

I have a Roberts, with Roberts rigid front forks, and it is a totally different ride, although there is no feel of flexing when cornering, your eyeballs remain where nature intended them to be on a fast decent.

 

[Dave_H]

It's certainly not essential but brings a different element.

Take the thought on amd riding down a rock strewn descent at speed on a 6" full suspension bike brings about a pleasure rush you don't get picking your way down on a rigid bike. Don't let anyone tell you it takes the skill away either - it's not easy to ride fast and remain relaxed to stay in control over a rock garden.

If you feel the need ... Do it. If you don't ... Don't. It's your bike after all.

 

[Anthony]

You don't need it (hence the poll result), but it's an advantage.
If you don't try it, you'll never know.
For a P7, you 'need' a Pace, which often come with 1" steerers, or if not the steerer can be changed from 1 1/8 to 1".

 

[Boromedic]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the good advice, I have got my feelers out for a set of RC35's to try out and see the difference. (If anyone has some, please feel free to let me know!) Would RC36's work too or is it 35's only?

Thats the only way I can compare, and then decide. I suppose based on all your advice, I don't "need" them but may well "like" to have them and its all down to the differences in feel between the two.

Thanks again for all your input, its very much appreciated!

Al

 

[cce]

i wouldnt waste your money on an RC35, they're not a good fork, might as well stay rigid.

The RC36 is from the first generation of forks that really worked well.



For the record i'm of the opinion that my merlin is a better, faster, more enjoyable ride with the SIDs the majority of the time, but i still run the RC31s now and then because rigid does have fun to offer too.

 

[Boromedic]

i wouldnt waste your money on an RC35, they're not a good fork, might as well stay rigid.

The RC36 is from the first generation of forks that really worked well.



For the record i'm of the opinion that my merlin is a better, faster, more enjoyable ride with the SIDs the majority of the time, but i still run the RC31s now and then because rigid does have fun to offer too.

Cheers for the help mate, am I right in assuming that rc36's are v brake only? If so thats a bit of a nightmare because I'd probably have to change my STX brake/shifter too wouldn't I?

Anyone else have any thoughts between RC35's vs RC36's?

Thanx

 

[Rich Aitch]

"Front Sus needed for XC riding?"
I'd say that a tyre is essential on your front wheel, afteral that is a form of suspension. What more do you need?