Opinions on Updates

cbh

New member
Hello from Texas. I've recently discovered the site and it is great! I'm the original owner of a 1994 Buckshaver and wanted to get your thoughts/opinions on upgrading my bike.

After being off the bike for the last 6 or 7 years I've started riding again. A lot has changed during my "time off" and full suspension, disc brakes, etc. seem to almost be the norm. I still love the ride of my Fat, but wonder if I may be missing something with the newer technology. I would never get rid of the bike, but I'm wondering if I should... 1) purchase a new bike 2) update/upgrade shock, components, wheels, etc. or 3) ride as is and fix what breaks as needed. In addition, do you think there are any safety issues w/ riding on the original stuff?

The bike is a green Buckshaver w/ a Manitou 4 and is pretty much all XT. In addition I've got Salsa skewers, a Control Tech stem and a few other "vintage" things from the 90's.

I'd love to hear your thoughts/opinions or similar experiences. Any specific recommendations on brands/models would also be great. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Chris
 

Yo Eddy!

Member
cbh said:
Hello from Texas. I've recently discovered the site and it is great! I'm the original owner of a 1994 Buckshaver and wanted to get your thoughts/opinions on upgrading my bike.

After being off the bike for the last 6 or 7 years I've started riding again. A lot has changed during my "time off" and full suspension, disc brakes, etc. seem to almost be the norm. I still love the ride of my Fat, but wonder if I may be missing something with the newer technology. I would never get rid of the bike, but I'm wondering if I should... 1) purchase a new bike 2) update/upgrade shock, components, wheels, etc. or 3) ride as is and fix what breaks as needed. In addition, do you think there are any safety issues w/ riding on the original stuff?

The bike is a green Buckshaver w/ a Manitou 4 and is pretty much all XT. In addition I've got Salsa skewers, a Control Tech stem and a few other "vintage" things from the 90's.

I'd love to hear your thoughts/opinions or similar experiences. Any specific recommendations on brands/models would also be great. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Chris

Welcome on the board... and hello from the Netherlands!

I am not really into new stuff, so I can't give you a proper advise on disk brakes, long travel suspension forks and all the other stuff I don't want. What I can tell you is to today standards a M4 isn't really 'top notch' (..), but your Fat won't allow much more travel.

Here an article on suspension forks of that era:

Suspension Forks, MBUK May94
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus1C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus2C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus3C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus4C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus5C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus6C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus7C.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/Elev12k/sus8C.jpg

If I were in your position I would keep the M4 and when it is worn -and also when biking skills and condition have improved again- I would get rid of it and consider upgrading to a nice rigid fork, for example a Yo Eddy fork or Big One Inch. Chosing for one of the forks in the article is another way to go, just like opting for a somewhat newer fork with not so much travel like Mach5 SX. In that case your bike won't be period correct anymore, but for many and maybe also for you that's not really an issue.

Safety issues: Control Tech stems can collapse. I won't go so far to say they are unsave, but I won't be surprised if there are people out there who are arguing they are.

Old XT is great stuff.

BTW people over here really like pics :D
 

cbh

New member
Thanks for the info and links. After reading your post I'm realizing that a new fork won't be straightforward update. I've heard that the options are pretty slim for a headtube this size (I've only heard of a Marzocchi that fits) but now I'm realizing that the travel will probably be an issue too. Even though the frame was designed for a suspension fork, I'm sure it isn't for today's longer travel forks.

By the way, your links in the Retro MTB thread are awesome. I hadn't thought about Alpinestars in years. I used to have an AL Mega. Great climbing bike, but pretty sketchy going down.
 

scant

New member
white bros & rond/ magura also make 1in steerer forks. As much as I love the look of the rigid FAT forks, these days I'd be hard pressed to do any serious rides on rigid. Although longer travel forks will upset the geometry a tad. I (& many others) havent found any negative effects. Basically I think its better to keep an older classic going & rideable with newer forks, rather than not use it @ all :D... but all my own opion you understand :)
 

Yo Eddy!

Member
Other brand offering 1": Pace.

For the clear overview: Cbh, I never tried LT in my Eddy. I only know that theoratically it would give trouble. If scant and many others tried and say 'no hassle' I shouldn't bother any longer.

Alpinestars: I had one but it has died.
 
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BillyD

New member
Just ride it, and have fun. That sounds like a nice bike as it is.

I have had nothing but good luck with Control tech stems, and I am a big rider (200 pounds or 91 kilograms). I have broken a lot of light weight stuff, but never a control tech stem.
 

Mojo Troll

New member
Ride it till it breaks, then replace whatever fails. You have great stuff that is reliable for the most part. If the stem makes you nervous, replace it. Peace of mind is priceless.

For what it's worth. I have an '03 Buckshaver with a '98 Marzocchi Z3 Light, which replaced a tired Manitou 3 back in the day. Ocasionally I see some 1" Marzocchi's close to that time period on e bay. They are'nt to hard to rebuild. My forks on its second set of seals/rebuild.

The most important thing is to do what Fat City originally built bikes for to begin with. To ride! What are you waiting for? Turn your computer off and get out on that brilliantly built bike!
 

fat-tony

Moderator
Staff member
forks

There is a 1" option with NOS with a Rock Shox SID, but through a Hippie in Idaho. You may want to check out my post over in the Builder's Corner Section if you are interested.

Peace
 

cbh

New member
Thanks for the info. I went on a nice 2.5 hr tight singletrack ride yesterday. The bike still feels great, so I think I'm going to lean towards #3 replace stuff when it really needs it. However, I think the fork will be the first thing to change. Thanks again for your suggestions. If you've got others please post.
 
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