Need help buying new forks

wonderturtle

Well-Known Member
I have a Haro R3 (2004 model). I love the bike but my one problem - it is heavy as sin (over 35 pounds). It feels particularly FRONT heavy. I suspect that the forks that came with it (Manitou 6) are very heavy. I figure replacing the forks might be a good way to reduce the weight.

two questions:

(1) would any ole' suspension fork fit my bike or do I have to worry about which forks would "fit" my bike?

(2) Is there a LIGHTER and relatively CHEAP fork that you would suggest? I dont do any crazy riding (no jumps or anything) just regular trail riding (e.g., Hartshorne) so I need a "real" fork but nothing crazy. However, I am a big guy (6'; 220 lbs)...if that factors into the type of fork I need.

any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
 

NJ-XC-Justin

KY-DH-Freddy
This is your bike?
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Haro&Model=XLS+R3&Type=bike

Okay, first forks: you're currently riding v-brakes, but most trail forks are disc only, so to find a quality but light suspension fork you'd need to look at race-style forks like the RS Sid that, sorry to say, will be flexy under your 220 lbs, so arguably it's not really worth the upgrade money (maybe $250 used). So to get a disc-brake fork you have to upgrade your brakes to discs and wheels as well, and now you're talking real money (easily $700).

Consider this instead: My local shop will sell anything on eBay (on their much-respected store account) and not charge me anything so long as I put the money from the auction towards store credit. See if a local shop of yours will do this, and if so throw every dollar you get for your bike (maybe $400?) towards a new, better full-suspension (maybe $1200 on closeout). I know this isn't what you requested but that's my advice.
If you do decide to upgrade your fork, make sure the travel remains around the same (100mm) and if you buy it used, the steerer tube isn't cut too short for your head tube, stem and spacers if you run them. And make sure it has v-brake bosses. The Rockshox Tora comes to mind, but I don't think it's really going to save much weight.
 

wonderturtle

Well-Known Member
thanks - yes that is my bike. I laugh at the stated 28 lb weight. I weighed it today. easily over 35 lbs. despite that I do like the bike. more to the point - my wife would never "let me" get a new bike. I am going to have to ride this one into the ground. considering that the bike is built like a tank (not a bad thing for a 220 lb guy) I think I am going to have this bike a while.

I should have stated - when I purchased the bike I had them install disk brakes. Shimano mechanical disk brakes. maybe that makes things easier?!

Justin - would love your input with this added point!
 

NJ-XC-Justin

KY-DH-Freddy
I should have stated - when I purchased the bike I had them install disk brakes. Shimano mechanical disk brakes. maybe that makes things easier?
Doh! I should have asked first if the bike is stock. Well, that at least makes upgrading your fork a realistic change. Check out the MTBR classifieds for a used Reba, which will drop around a pound and a half and maybe just set you back $175-200. Rebas are good bang-for-the-buck trail forks and can be adjusted with internal spacers. Should come stock at 100mm and you can slack it out to 115mm.
New Reba, $350:
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=23051&cat=8
1 yr old Fox float, $250:
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=23920&cat=8
 

Kirt

JORBA: Chimney Rock, Team MTBNJ.COM
JORBA.ORG
Team MTBNJ Halter's
I have a Reba for sale. PM me if interested.
 

Kirt

JORBA: Chimney Rock, Team MTBNJ.COM
JORBA.ORG
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Doh! I should have asked first if the bike is stock. Well, that at least makes upgrading your fork a realistic change. Check out the MTBR classifieds for a used Reba, which will drop around a pound and a half and maybe just set you back $175-200. Rebas are good bang-for-the-buck trail forks and can be adjusted with internal spacers. Should come stock at 100mm and you can slack it out to 115mm.
New Reba, $350:
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=23051&cat=8
1 yr old Fox float, $250:
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=23920&cat=8

Justin, The 1st link are all 29er forks. The Float is a 140 & would slacken it out a bit IMO.
 
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