posted by Mike Garcia on july 16, 1997 at 18:50:26:
in reply to: Suspension fork for '93 Mountain posted by Anh-Tuan on march 17, 1997 at 19:38:52:
: I noticed that the headtube angle is decreased to 69
: degrees when using a suspension fork with 2.5" of
: travel on my 93 Mountain. The steering is slow compared
: to a Stumpjumper FS. Was this Merlin model designed
: with a lower-travel fork in mind? The geometry on the
: manual is speced with a Ritchey rigid fork but "will
: accommodate suspension forks". If so, what is the
: proper fork travel (or fork length?) for good steering?
: What susp. fork is everyone using on your pre '95 (1"
: headtube) Mountains?
I have used a Mag 21 for three years and never was very happy with the bike on single track.
I have recently put on an Alsop suspension stem with a Richey rigid fork and the
bike is quick and incredibly responsive. I ride in the Sierra's and follow the snow
line all year round. The bike works well in most riding situations. However, when
it gets rocky and rough (cabbage size or better) I take out my full suspension bike. I have
looked high and low and even asked Merlin for help
finding a suspension fork that did not adversly
affect quick handling. None exist. Proflex forks
affect geometry the least and work well. It comes down to personal
preference, riding terrain and style.
Good luck, Mike