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

[Boromedic]

"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?

Cheers dude, I'm just in 2 minds thats all, can't decide my asshole from my elbow so wanted to pick brains on here to see what people thought. You've all got some great experience of various bikes/set-ups etc that I'd be daft not to pick your brains!

Thanks for the advice though, much appreciated!

Al ;-)

 

[brocklanders023]

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.

Don't agree with this. A well maintained set of RC35's does a great job of taking the sting out of the ride. They're not suss in the modern sense but are well worth a go.

I'm happy to ride rigid when going retro but tbh it's only every now and then for me. Most rides are on modern full suss or modern ht as I much prefer the ride now. Retro and rigid have their place in my stable but in the 'old sports car for sunday drives' position.

I'd get the most modern forks that work for your bike if it's your main user. Some late RC36's should fit the bill.

 

[SantaHul]

I've done many laps of Cannock Chase on both suspension and rigid forks. Although not essential, I always enjoy the ride considerably more with suspension...especially at the speed I go.

 

[longun]

my wrists and arms hurt like hell now im old fat and slow so personally i say yes, ive a rigid i enjoy but its hard work, now full suspension is not essential, unless your charging rock gardens lol

 

[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.

Don't agree with this. A well maintained set of RC35's does a great job of taking the sting out of the ride. They're not suss in the modern sense but are well worth a go.

I'm happy to ride rigid when going retro but tbh it's only every now and then for me. Most rides are on modern full suss or modern ht as I much prefer the ride now. Retro and rigid have their place in my stable but in the 'old sports car for sunday drives' position.

I'd get the most modern forks that work for your bike if it's your main user. Some late RC36's should fit the bill.

Cheers mate, I've been looking around at a few pairs, but what with the Orange being an older frame its not easy to find ones to suit. Hopefully something will crop up, I'm in no major hurry tbh....

Thanks!

Al

 

[Boromedic]

I've done many laps of Cannock Chase on both suspension and rigid forks. Although not essential, I always enjoy the ride considerably more with suspension...especially at the speed I go.

Lol, not been yet but will be soon, we shall see how slow I go!!

 

[Boromedic]

my wrists and arms hurt like hell now im old fat and slow so personally i say yes, ive a rigid i enjoy but its hard work, now full suspension is not essential, unless your charging rock gardens lol

Well I'm heading for old and fat myself and as I play guitar too, I've got wrists to look after also, so its looking like front suspension is on the cards eventually. Got me eyes peeled, but no rush at present!

Cheers for the input though ;-)

 

[Midorimage]

For the last 15 years, I have been riding hard tails with front suspension. Just recently I built up a rigid Kona Kilauea (See my signature) to play with this past summer. On fire rodes and light cross country, I didn't miss the front suspension at all. The Kilauea being steel, is much more forgiven than the aluminum Trek that I normally ride. I also like the foam grips that I am using on the Kilauea. (Ritchey WSC). But overall, I think it depends on where you ride.. and who you ride with. Many of the places where I ride in Japan are extremely steep and full of rocks.. and I am glad to have the front suspension. I often ride with people who are beginners, so having a bike that you can't just go out and bomb on.. makes it more interesting for me.

 

[Thunderchief]

I voted no, suspension is not needed for XC. However it can be desirable depending on the type of XC riding done. In Lincolnshire where I live suspension is almost never required, I've certainly never come across a trail that needed it. however a lot of the trails are quite badly churned up by horses, and when this drys out it can be a killer on the wrists. a bit of front suspension in this case is very nice. Doesn't really change the skills required just aids in a bit of comfort.

 

[misteroo]

I've always used front suspension, but I hated the boingy stuff going up hill or flatter smoother ground.

So when I changed to my 853 voodoo I stuck some 100mm Reba's with lockout on...best of both worlds!!!

Sorted.



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