iamtim

So, having gotten out of road biking last year or so, a few months back I picked up a Cannondale Trail 7 (29" hard tail) so that I could ride my local trails. I'm not a dirt jumper or a down-hill rider, most of my local trails are pretty flat. I've already put a Box Components 1x9 setup with Shimano Alvio cranks on it, as well as some Crank Brothers Doubleshot 3 pedals and I really enjoy the way it rides.

Anyway! It came stock with a low-end Suntour XCT30 fork, which I normally run locked out because it's quite mushy. I just got a bonus from work, so I'm looking to upgrade the fork. I'd rather not spend the whole bonus on a fork, so I'm looking for suggestions. Figure up to $500-$600 would be my budget.

The steerer tube needs to be straight. A tapered fork won't work, because the frame won't accept it (unless there's some crazy way to make a tapered fork work in a frame designed for a straight fork).

Anyone have any ideas? Any recommendations?

prj71

Quick release hub and straight steerer are going to limit your available options as far as new is concerned. Scour E-bay or Pinkbike for a used one. I'd be looking for a Rockshox or Fox. Avoid Suntour at all costs because they are junk. Here is a start...

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/lis...00&frontaxle=2

carlosponti

before I went and bought a new bike I was looking around at forks. the Rockshox Recon is a pretty decent fork and in your budget range.

BikeLite

fox 32

iamtim

So, for what it's worth, I found this on Amazon:
Amazon.com : RockShox, Recon Silver RL D1, Suspension Fork, 29'', Air, 100mm, 1-1/8'', QR, Rake: 51mm, Black : Sports & Outdoors

I picked one of those up, it should be here in a couple of days.

Surferjo

I'm new here and cant post a link but I picked up the AXON WERX F RL-RC 15QLC-TI from Suntours site. Not sure of your bike specs but the fork is crazy light and its amazing and the sale price is hard to pass up.

For reference i came from a sid race.

Good Luck

Kapusta

Excellent choice, sir.

That is a perfectly fine fork and good for the price. The main thing is that Rock Shox forks like that are 100% user serviceable and very easy to do so. Very easy to change the oil in the lowers 1-2 times per year, wiper seals are easy to come by and change (once every year or two), and 5 (or 10) years down the road you can rebuild it to a like-new state for about $50 in parts and a set of snap ring pliers. I can still get rebuild kits for 15-year old Rock Shox forks.

iamtim

So, I know that "budget" MTBs, and probably the Cannondale Trail 7 specifically, are not the most highly regarded MTBs around here, but I got the fork mentioned above and got it installed. I'm very happy with this bike and the changes I've made to it. I added the Box 1x9 cassette/derailleur/shifter, some Shimano Alvio cranks and Shimano BB, a RaceFace 32T chainring, Crank Bros Doubleshot 3 pedals, and the aforementioned Rock Shox Recon fork. Oh, yeah, and CULT Vans grips, because I dig 'em. For the type of riding I do, this bike is awesome for me.

Anyway, here's a couple of pics if anyone's interested:


My Cannondale Trail 7!

My Cannondale Trail 7!

SkinGriz

I think it’s a nice bike.

With the original fork was going to a stiffer spring a possibility?

prj71

Nice work and nice find on the fork. The bike looks great.

Wongway

(new guy here)
Like the new fork? Are there things to take into consideration when buying a new fork?
I have an old bike and thought maybe down the road I might consider getting a new fork if/when mine wears out, but I have no idea if the angles need to come into play when making a decision.
(Not to mention the fact I'm sure I'd have to consider the size of the tube and the like as well)

iamtim

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I really like the way it rides.

Um... dunno! I never considered that. I still have the old fork, maybe I'll look into that just for education's sake.

Many. Wheel size (of course), headtube size, straight vs. tapered, rake, travel, a whole bunch of little things like that. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Wongway

haha thanks!
but yeah, looks like I’d have to go a lot more reading and comprehension then before I ever consider that. Good thing I’ve got time to do so! 😛

sanketdesai1989

Hey hello everyone here. Nice to meet you all. I know this thread is about Fork recommendations but currently I am looking to buy nice and affordable MTB glasses for comfortable rides. Any recommendations?

prj71

I would recommend starting a thread titled "bike fork recommendations" and then ask everyone about glasses for mountain biking.