Dilemma - New forks or new bike (Women Specific)

[fargo747]

The forks on my other half's bike have had it and they are not worth repairing (TF Tuned don't service the type either - Marzocchi XC600). It's an old 2008 full-sus bike, but she really likes it and is very comfortable with it. In all other respects, it's in great condition despite being used a fair bit and a reasonable spec. However, replacement 'quality' forks with the same 140mm travel, 9mm QR dropout and 1/18th steerer are thin on the ground - even Used items. I don't want to go for a more readily available shorter stroke fork as it will change the geo and I'll never hear the end of it...

Question is: Do we blow >£400 on a set of Fox forks that are available in the right spec, or given the age, spend 4-5x as much on a new Women's specific bike which will be more future proof and have the added benefit of 27.5" wheels. In which case what one? Trek Lush? Canyon Nerve W? Really can't decided so any experience or recommendation welcome!

Edited by fargo747 on Saturday 5th September 10:44

[Celtic Dragon]

Have a chat with your LBS, I had the same chat with mine and they said they have no issues getting hold of forks in that spec.

[gradeA]

Keep an eye on the Pinkbike and Singletrack classifieds - should be able to get a set of straight steerer QR Revelations/Sektors for under £150 if you hunt around and/or put up a wanted ad.

[fargo747]

Thanks, will take a look - the combination of all three criteria has proven hard to get new! Turns out finding a decent female-specific-frame full-sus bike is equally hard at the moment with the switch to 2016. Bike shops don't have demoes because they sell so few, so it's just a gamble to order one that we hope is the right size. Choices are all but limited to Trek Lush, Specialized Rumor, Giant Lust, Cube Sting or Ghost Lanao. EVerything else is a men's frame with some pink bits #beingflippant.

[richardxjr]

'Female specific' is marketing BS, especially on mtbs and definitely on FS mtbs.

Just build or buy an appropriately sized non-womens-specific bike with 165mm cranks, add a female specific saddle, and away she goes...

She might want to trim the bars down a bit and/or change the stem, same as anyone else buying off the peg.

[fargo747]

Tried that, twice, on previous bikes and it didn't work. She was never comfortable / confident and they weren't too big either. I'll blame it on an odd shape ) The short reach on the current FS one is perfect hence considering keeping and upgrading, but it's old and heavy.

[Celtic Dragon]

Can you get to the NEC at the end of the month for the bike show? Might be worth seeing who's exhibiting.

[richardxjr]

Came across this thread on STW which seems pertinent, although they are talking 29ers for smaller people,
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-and-v...

[fargo747]

Thanks for the advice. Can't make it to the show but am going to hang on for a few weeks until the new demo bikes are available (having discussed with a few shops). Trek Lush or Specialized Ryhme looks like the way to go. Now to pick up a second hand set of forks to make the old one serviceable for a few weeks!