SoSmellyAir

tFUnK What top tube bag/case is that? Please send link.

LS1BadBird

Dirty bike, but a nice clean new chainring! Wolf's Tooth 44t version.

brandenjs

I am getting ready to start a build using this 2007 Redline Conquest Pro frame. It's been educational watching this thread for some great ideas. I am curious about everyone's thoughts on a short travel front shock instead of a rigid fork. Any pros or cons?

Eric F 

Pros: Squishy
Cons: Heavy

Are there short travel front 700c forks with v-brake/canti mounts? Or would you go to a cable disc brake on the front?

SoSmellyAir

Off-topic question: Is that a CAAD3 behind the subject bike?

brandenjs

Nope that's a 2009 CAAD 9-5. My favorite ride right now. At least until I finish this one.

brandenjs

I will probably stick with the cantis if I can. Disc would be nice, but no mounts for the rear. I've just never seen one set up with a shock, but as long as it is one similar to one on a Trek 7700 or something like that with shorter travel seems like it would be comfy.

SoSmellyAir

Nice. The last generation of Made in USA CAAD.

Eric F 

A friend of mine has an older MTB set up with mech disc on the front and v-brake on the rear. It works pretty well. However, you need a wheel that can take a disc rotor.

Another option for front-end comfort is a Redshift suspension stem.

tFUnK

I've entertained the thought of putting a short travel 26er suspension fork on a cross frame. With a 26x2.1" up front and a 700x38 in the rear, it should balance out well.

mstateglfr 

My thoughts for myself- zero interest in a heavy fork that has very little travel and is constantly compressing when I stand to climb. I dont need that type of suspension to ride gravel roads and dont want to deal with the downsides.
My thoughts for others- if you are concerned the surface will be too uncomfortable, and/or if you are unable to use your arms and legs as suspension during the rare times when a road is too rought to sit(like washboard), then perhaps a suspension fork is a good idea.

Are there rim brake short travel suspension forks that are good quality? I really dont know- seems like thats a specific use case that wouldnt have been popular pre-disc, but thats a total guess.
Also to consider- what offset will the fork have vs what offset do you want for steering and feel?

Noonievut

I love how you’re picking up on other things in the photo...great being hike nerds!

brandenjs

Absolutely thanks for the perspectives. Just running through different options and knew this thread would open them up. I have had a couple mtb's with the XT V brakes and they have been amazing. The great thing about having a nice size parts bin is that I can run a bunch of trial and error. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

t2p

also prefer rigid forks - recommend suspension for off road use only

when I look at vintage MTB’s - I basically look for models with the original rigid fork

having said that - I have a hybrid with a Headshok and a gravel bike with a Lefty suspension fork (grin) ... double recommend against them - but there are times when I appreciate them

again - recommend rigid - but one suspension fork for 26” vintage MTB that you might consider is a Rock Shox Judy SL ... ? if you can find one in great condition (?)

I have a Judy SL on one bike - it still works (unlike forks on some of our other bikes including early Manitou elastomer forks)

one friend we currently ride with will ride a MTB with smooth tires and a Judy SL when we ride fire roads etc

Judy SL is relatively light at around 1220 g ; some of the vintage rigid steel forks weigh approx 1000 g so the weight penalty is relatively minimal (weight of the rigid fork + suspension stem weight will often be greater than the weight of a Judy SL)

Silver Steve

This could be an option... And a fairly cheap one at that.
Bontrager SPA Hybrid Suspension Bike Fork

t2p

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...fork-swap.html

.

tFUnK

Interesting idea. Ten years ago, visiting my uncle in China, their Giant FCRs had similar forks and I thought that was interesting. Never rode on gravel out there, but the roads were rougher than what we have here in the states. I don't know if those bikes were ever offered in the US.

kach

my new build and I am delighted)

bOsscO

Some fat meats on that ride!

antmaster5000

Beautiful. How do you like the Gevenalle shifters? As a long time bar end convert I've been tempted by them.

Eds0123

Not the best pic, but isn't this a beauty? I'm thinking maybe replace the handle bar tape with some shade of blue color and a brown saddle, what do you guys think? Also; does anyone know where i could find grx hood covers in brown color to match the new brown color saddle it'll be getting soon? Thanks 🙏

Eric F 

What frame is that?

Bike pic tip: Take your pic of the drivetrain side. It's more interesting

Eds0123

Correct, Always drive side pic, eliminate valve stem from the pic, Align the rim label with tire label, etc,

what does everybody think of blue bar tape for this frame please? Thank You

and started by saying " not the best pic" but FYI frame is Salsa warbird, Shimano GRX 800, Tubeless 42 mm tires, etc.

Eric F 

Cool. The Warbird is a sweet bike.

Do what you think looks good. It's your bike. If it was my bike, and I wanted blue bar tape, I would try to echo that color somewhere else on the bike, like the seatpost clamp. As for brown GRX lever hoods, I'm doubtful anyone makes them, but would guess that Aliexpress or eBay are probably the most likely places.

GeneO 

I like it as it is, but it is your bike, go for it.