Suitable Suspension fork for a 1990s Marin Team MTB

[nicgel]

I have simply a M size Marin Team frame with no fork and want to put a suitable 60-80 mm retro suspension fork on it.

Any recommendations for an economical robust suspension fork and what headset do you recommend to go with it?

 

[FluffyChicken]

Stick a picture of the frame, bike up.

But cheap Marzocchi Bomber, should last and do the job. (97/98/99)
Pretty much it for 'robust', unless you got to later 98*/99 Rockshox Judy, not sure on Answer Manitou of that time and 'robust'.

If you need to go earlier, then the air/oil forks are the most robust. So Rockshox MAG21, Marzocchi XC500/600/700/DH series. But you'll need to run/buy Long Travel version of these.

Headset is whatever you want, threaded for a threaded version, Ahead for one of them. Depends which steerer style you go for.

Go pretty, go cheap, go really well, go expensive.. Up to you.

I'd stay away from 95/6/7 Rockshox Judy*, any Indy
I'd stay away fro Pace/Manitou and any other Elastomer based setup that relies on just grease to lubricate the bushings and not a nice bath of oil like the one I mention before.


*The star for the 1998 is they altered the cartridge and lubrication method on these and they are more robust, the cartridges done really bugger up and the bushed don't go bye bye at a bit of water or blown damper. But the 99 Hydrocoil are that much more robust.

 

[FluffyChicken]

You might note that the recommendation is to use fork from the 1998+ Retro section, not really this 97 and earlier 'true' retro section.

So perhaps more detail of the build and use?

 

[madjh]

Wich marin do you have? Grey colour or steel.

I have the 96 Team Issue and I tested both, the Manitou Mach 5 that comes in stock and the Z2 Atom bom. The Mach 5 is quite lightweight, 1.2kg or even a bit less, the Z2 has better performace. But with fresh elastomers the Mach 5 is ok, it doesn´t make any noise etc and looks quite nice. https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/marin-team-issue-1996-near-original-built.394764/#p2917088

Earlier manitous fits better in steel finished frames.

Edit near all the first page phots of the link are lost, one picture was with the Marzocchi in lime green ... but at least you can see the color match in the second page with the manitou.

 

[BrushedAluminium]

Marin used manitou forks throughout the 90s

(1992) Manitou 2 --3--*--*--*--*---> (1999) Manitou FS SX

 

[Vesatoro]

Yeah, Manitou is the way to go.

 

[nicgel]

My intended use is for road and trails, around town and for short commutes.

It is a powdered grey colour, not sure what year.

I need a couple of choices in case I can't get one on Wallapop here in Spain.

By the way, what year is it?

It has slightly shorter rear chain stays at 420 rather than 430 mm.

Thanks for all your suggestions by the way. Very useful information.

 

[FluffyChicken]

I see a picture now, wasn't showing up on my phone.

1990 ?
pale grey Zolatone finish with standard hole drop out (I wouldn't use that front mech with it).
like these https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1990-marin-pine-mountain-little-progress.107574/

Grab the serial number it tends to tell you.

This is pre suspension era, so 80mm may be interesting. 60 is stretching it. BUT may work for you and your use.
you could go 40mm easily like current gravel bikes are trying to use.

 

[kingoffootball]

Based on your likely use, have you are considering using larger volume tyres and going rigid?

 

[nicgel]

Stick a picture of the frame, bike up.

But cheap Marzocchi Bomber, should last and do the job. (97/98/99)
Pretty much it for 'robust', unless you got to later 98*/99 Rockshox Judy, not sure on Answer Manitou of that time and 'robust'.

If you need to go earlier, then the air/oil forks are the most robust. So Rockshox MAG21, Marzocchi XC500/600/700/DH series. But you'll need to run/buy Long Travel version of these.

Headset is whatever you want, threaded for a threaded version, Ahead for one of them. Depends which steerer style you go for.

Go pretty, go cheap, go really well, go expensive.. Up to you.

I'd stay away from 95/6/7 Rockshox Judy*, any Indy
I'd stay away fro Pace/Manitou and any other Elastomer based setup that relies on just grease to lubricate the bushings and not a nice bath of oil like the one I mention before.


*The star for the 1998 is they altered the cartridge and lubrication method on these and they are more robust, the cartridges done really bugger up and the bushed don't go bye bye at a bit of water or blown damper. But the 99 Hydrocoil are that much more robust.

Hide about this one from about 2001?