Orange o2 1998 forks

[bobfitzy]

Hi, I have a 1998 Orange o2 which was specially painted in team orange as I didn't like the cream or black options at the time.
> I'm just starting to use it again. It has XT mechs front and rear and avid v brakes.
> The original RST 461 forks are still fitted, and I'm considering replacing them. Are the modern forks like Rockshoc xc28 worth buying or should I go second hand? Or should I go more expensive but then have to attach a front disc. I'm tempted to keep it original if possible. Front disc would need a wheel rebuild which might be due in any case as the front rim is badly grooved. Rear disc mounts weren't fitted so would be hard to match both ends and I don't want to spend more than l have to.
> What would you recommend?
> Can I go to 100mm travel? I read on here that it's possible/maybe shorten the stem which I'm also considering.

 

[jb72]

I used to run a XC28 and it was fine - though me being about 68kg the standard spring it wasn't that effective for me. Chain Reaction have the XC28 with V brake mounts for £75. I would expect it would lift the front end ... but you've got a stack of spacers on there you could loose!

If you are going to replace the front wheel I wouldn't completely dismiss going to a disc brake on the front. Your front brake is the most important and upgrading to a disc will make a difference and it's not that unusual to see that type of setup.

Good choice of colour by the way ... my Orange is the right colour too!

 

[bobfitzy]

Ok thanks - I was thinking I'd need the extra firm spring to go with it. The stem always seemed low for me hence the additional spacer; now I'm a few years older I'm thinking of shortening it to lift me a little higher again.
Yes - probably the only o2 in this colour from that period?? Painted direct from factory for £40.
I still have the angry Orange saddle and the original red pedals.
I'm probably more inclined to keep the v-brakes to keep it original and just do the wheel a bit later.

 

[bobfitzy]

Re:

In the end I upgraded to Rockshox 30 silver TK forks which have raised the front and lightened it on climbs so it pops up quite easily. As such I haven't shortened the stem. New Cane Creek headset and black spacers, flat Nukeproof Horizon pedals which I love (large platform and easy to get off in a hurry), new chain and rear cassette, new WTB Volt saddle which is really comfortable. Early test rides showed it wasn't changing gear consistently despite rust free cables so I upgraded to Shimano XT M8000 optislick cables which solved the problem - really smooth/slick changes. It's riding really well at the moment. I just need to get fitter again, as the bike has aged 21 years better than I have.