Best Upgrades for My Setup? Crank, Fork, etc??

**Gaffney10** · 05-11-2005, 12:39 PM

I was wondering what type of Upgrades you guys would recommend as far as improving my overall performance (drivetrain, front fork, etc). I have a 2004 Kona Kikapu and I love it thus far. I just installed a pair of Time Atac XS Pedals and I really like them so far.
NOW, I am looking at my next upgrade(s).
I have heard several different things from different people. I am a cross country rider and I want a good XC setup. Some cheap quick fixes I was thinking about include new grips, a new XT front derailleur and a new stem/handlebars.
Long Term upgrades I have been thinking about may include one of the following: A new Crankset, a new Fork, and maybe new hubs.
I was just wondering what you guys would recommend for me, thanks!

Here are some of my current components that I may replace:

Fork: Marzocchi MZ-Comp 100mm
Headset: VP-A71
Crank Arm: TruVativ Five D
Chainrings: 44/32/22
Bottom Bracket: TruVativ Square LE
Cassette: Shimano Deore (11-32 9 speed)
FD: Shimano Deore
RD: Shimano Deore LX
Shifters: Shimano Deore

Handlebar: Kona Aluminum Riser
Stem: TruVativ XR
Brakes: Shimano BR-M475 disc
Brake Levers: Avid FR-1 disc
Front and Rear Hub: Shimano HB-M475 disc
Tires: Tioga Terra Firma 26 x 1.95
Rims: Sun Mach IV

**Tap** · 05-11-2005, 12:43 PM

what's your budget?

**Gaffney10** · 05-11-2005, 12:47 PM

oh yeah, generally I wouldn't want to pay more than $200 for most stuff ($200 each for the BIG items, ie crank, etc) but I may spend more on the fork, or try to get a fork on a good deal.

As for little things, like the stem, etc I can buy a couple of the "smaller ticket items" at a time....

Some items I have in mind are:

XT Front Derailleur (cheap upgrade)
Raceface or Shimano XT Crank
New handlebars and stem (maybe Easton)
New Hubs or a new rimset w/new hubs (XT)
and either a FOX or a MARZOCCHI FORK...

**Tap** · 05-11-2005, 12:54 PM

carbon handlebar
new fork

would be my first upgrades

you can really feel those improvements

**homerjay** · 05-11-2005, 01:14 PM

Unless you have a fit issue, why are you replacing your stem?

Wheels should be the biggest upgrade.

Then fork.

Then crankset (remember with new XT the BB is integrated)

For less money, the carbon handlebar is nice, too.

**jimmy page** · 05-11-2005, 01:50 PM

I would go with a xt or xtr rear derailleur.

**focus** · 05-11-2005, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by jimmy page

I would go with a xt or xtr rear derailleur.

yeah...leave the front derailleur alone till it breaks...

think about it...how often do you really use the front derailleur? if it's enough that the deore performance is an issue, you're using it too much.

new fork is prolly the most satisfying performance upgrade that i've made...new bars, too. wheels and cranks are next on my list....

**fondigley** · 05-11-2005, 02:08 PM

I would start with the rear derailuer first, I have only heard good things about Sram rear derailleurs, but don't own any. I have XT or XTR on my bikes and that seems to work well for me. The ride is always more enjoyable when the bike shifts properly.

Next definetly the fork, take that thing off and sell it if you can. I would also go with Marzy or Fox, but prolly a Fox for XC riding.

Also the headset would be another upgrade I would do sooner than later.

I would then upgrade the shifters to something a bit better and smoother.

Followed by brakes especially if they were giving you problems or not as bitey as you would like.

Then go for the wheels upgrade.

Most stuff I would just wait until I break to replace, because it inevitably happens

**Arty50** · 05-11-2005, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by jimmy page

I would go with a xt or xtr rear derailleur.

SRAM, not Shimano. I hated my old XT/XTR setup. lph really like his, but based on other's advice decided to setup his new bike with SRAM. He's sold on it now, and was talking about how much better it is than his old XTR shit. It really is that much better.

**bagtagley** · 05-11-2005, 02:11 PM

Fork, first and foremost. Nothing is more satisfying than a nice, new fork

And I'm w/ Arty. If you're gonna spend the money to upgrade the shifting system, then really upgrade the shifting system. X.7 shifters and an X.9 rd won't cost you much, but you'll notice a big difference.

**Spats** · 05-11-2005, 04:28 PM

Is anything not working well? If not, ride it until something breaks and save the money.

That being said, the biggest difference will be a better fork -- but be prepared to spend a good deal more $.

**Gaffney10** · 05-12-2005, 05:33 PM

alright, so a Fork may be the next "big $$ purchase".

I have been looking at a few FOX Models and I had some questions and I was wondering which model would be best for me. In particular I have been looking at the Fox Talus and the Fox Vanilla and they are in my price range. I would also be interested in getting an '04 fork at closeout. I am a cross country rider and I want a good cross country fork. Would I be better suited with a Coil or an Air Fork? My budget is around $300 MAX....

Also, how do I know which model fits my Kona? I currently have the Marzochhi MZ and I am uncertain on which dimensions will fit my bike if I decide to replace the fork. Also, if any of you guys know of any "good deals" on Fox or Marz forks I would appreciate it!

One more question, as far as preload adjustment is concerned on my suspension, how do you guys best adjust your settings on coil shocks and forks? I have a Fox Vanilla Coil in the back and I weigh 190lbs. I was told to only rotate one turn after the spring is in contact with the washer. Is there any way to measure float to get maximum performance?
On my fork I am also unsure about how many "turns" I need to get the best ride.

Thanks so much for the help guys! I am a newbie and I am getting better and looking for better equipment!

**AfroMullet** · 05-12-2005, 05:49 PM

It'd be better to go with an air fork. Definitely check out a Fox fork. I looooove my F80RLT. Or maybe a Marzocchi Marathon SL. I haven't ridden the Marz, but I know a few who have ridden them to death and loved them.

**Gaffney10** · 05-13-2005, 12:41 PM

anybody run XC with the Marz S or SL? I will go with either a Marz or Fox for sure....

**Gaffney10** · 05-17-2005, 08:25 AM

As far as the Marz forks are concerned, I have gathered that the Marathon S and Marathon SL may be the best for me.

As far as Fox, which would be the best Vanilla, Talus, or Float? I am interested in 04 and 05 models and I just don't know the differences between the Fox forks.

Also is air or coil better for XC riding and is Lockout a must???

THANKS!!

**Monique** · 05-17-2005, 09:32 AM

I vote fork first, wheels next, replace the bars only if you feel like they're too wide or narrow or if your hands hurt/get numb all the time, ride everything else until you break it and then upgrade.

I just got a Fox Float RLC TALAS fork for my XC bike and so far I love it. Suddenly technical climbs and descents are smoov like buttah.

I don't know if lock out is "a must" but it makes a big difference in efficiency on long fire road climbs, especially when you're riding a fork with 4-5 inches of travel. The RLC TALAS locks out really solidly and you can also adjust the travel down to the minimum--making both the lockout and your geometry more effective for big climbs. Both functions take only a second to adjust so you can do it on the fly.

Air shocks have the advantage of offering more resistance the more you compress the shock. The air pressure builds at the bottom of the range so maybe you're less likely to bottom out. With a coil shock the impact is just distributed evenly over the length of the coil. But probably the best reason to go with an air shock is that it's become the standard for XC bikes, and you don't want to "upgrade" to an out of date fork. The down side is you'll have to buy a shock pump and check your air pressure every couple of rides.

**focus** · 05-17-2005, 10:29 AM

new stem can translate to increased stiffness, more responsive steering.

vanilla - coil; talas - air, adjustable travel between 3 and 5"; float - air. if you've got the means the f100x looks pretty neat.

coil fork will translate to weight penalty...while generally being smoother. getting a vanilla wouldn't be a downgrade at all, and it'd be a good bit stiffer than that zoke. also cheaper, if money's an issue. air is standard for xc b/c it's lighter, sure... but coil isn't popular just cuz it's cheap, and it's not gonna go 'out of date' anytime soon.

as for lockout, i have lockout on my f100rl...and never use it... depends on your style. i'm usually pretty light on the handlebars when i'm cranking up a long hill.

quit worrying about settings and pressures and all that bs. adjust it till you like it and focus on the ride.

**Gaffney10** · 05-17-2005, 01:38 PM

monique, how much did you pay for that fork? Sounds like one that I am interested in.

Also looks like I will go with a Talas or Float or a Marz S or SL......

Any good deals out there? I know of 04 Marz Marathon S for $275 and an SL for around $300 (2004 models)....would that be worth the upgrade or should I hold out for a Fox??