Ditched the Chopper Front End
Posted: June 20th, 2012, 9:18 am
Just wanted to update you guys that I finally sourced some sweet Mavic 221 (gold) rims and Deore LX cantis, fixed my vintage 7 speed XT 1st gen shifter/brake levers, and installed a Rock Shox Mag21 on the XX.
I must say the ride is better. Mark was quite astute in his comparison of cruising no hands with a short vs long travel fork. Much easier with the Mag 21.
I took her out on the trails Monday for the first time (riding to work doesn't tell too much about performance) and was pleasantly surprised. While the front end is not as plush, the riding position certainly is more comfortable so the net benefit (in terms of comfort) was definetly positive. The only thing I don't like is not having the hyrdraulic discs. The canti's have plenty of stopping power but not with the light touch of one finger...
The new front end is way more responsive, even a bit twitchy, but I am sure I will get used to it, just like I got used to the previous one. As far as looks go, I like it alot...no longer is she trying to be something she is not.
Tuning up the cantis gave me a renewed appreciation for being a bike mechanic. What a pain in the bum...slapping on a set of discs sure is easier!
I will get some pics up ASAP
I forgot to mention, I was able to score an old Manitou EFC (like the one on Marks's Eric Carter Tribute) off EBay for $50. It is good shape and has really smooth travel. I am thinking about swaping it out since I also just picked up a cool GT Karakoram frame (the first real mountain bike I ever owned). I think the Mag21 would look better on the GT, especially since the Manitou has some of the same coloring as the XX...
What do you guys think? The Mag 21 is good performer, even with todays technology..Roch Shox was ahead of the game when they built that fork.
I must say the ride is better. Mark was quite astute in his comparison of cruising no hands with a short vs long travel fork. Much easier with the Mag 21.
I took her out on the trails Monday for the first time (riding to work doesn't tell too much about performance) and was pleasantly surprised. While the front end is not as plush, the riding position certainly is more comfortable so the net benefit (in terms of comfort) was definetly positive. The only thing I don't like is not having the hyrdraulic discs. The canti's have plenty of stopping power but not with the light touch of one finger...
The new front end is way more responsive, even a bit twitchy, but I am sure I will get used to it, just like I got used to the previous one. As far as looks go, I like it alot...no longer is she trying to be something she is not.
Tuning up the cantis gave me a renewed appreciation for being a bike mechanic. What a pain in the bum...slapping on a set of discs sure is easier!
I will get some pics up ASAP
I forgot to mention, I was able to score an old Manitou EFC (like the one on Marks's Eric Carter Tribute) off EBay for $50. It is good shape and has really smooth travel. I am thinking about swaping it out since I also just picked up a cool GT Karakoram frame (the first real mountain bike I ever owned). I think the Mag21 would look better on the GT, especially since the Manitou has some of the same coloring as the XX...
What do you guys think? The Mag 21 is good performer, even with todays technology..Roch Shox was ahead of the game when they built that fork.
