Which suspension for '95 Pine Mountain? Opinions sought...

[Dr Dremel]

If it´s really the vibrations you want to cancel out, you can also try it with more comfortable grips. I found that softer is not necessarily better for this. My new favorite are ESI. They come in "extra chunky" (larger diameter) and the silicone rubber they are made of is in my opinion better at dampening vibes than say Ritchey foam grips or ODI Attacks (just to name a few with which I have experience).

RE bars I think Ti bars do not make a significant difference. But the straight and relatively narrow Marin bars do not give the best wrist position. IMHO bars with much more backsweep are way better in that regard.

Like these:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Sakae-MTB-F...-Fahrradlenker-Silber-L-680-mm-/152498743073?

 

[Tootyred]

Another vote for ESI grips, if your hands are big enough the extra chunky ones do make quite a difference.

 

[Corbeau]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll probably end up trying a few things and seeing which ones hurt least.

I forget how good fat tyres are at absorbing little shock, and I do have some in the parts bin. Can't really justify buying more forks, alas, which I'm trying to stick to after seeing the Manitou 3 for sale here recently...

Good idea on the bar, but as well as the cost I plan to keep the original Marin bar which is in reasonable condition - the stem, blue bar & ends are the only original bits I got with the frameset.

+1 to that. I have the same frame/year! I’ve been able to get a 2.2 in the back (any bigger is iffy) and run a 2.3 up front. Lower pressure is great for traction on the trails here, and have softened the ride nicely. I have a Specialized on the back, and Continental up front.

I know you have 737’s, but I have the original Marin Lite cantis that came off mine, and the M738 ST brake/shifters I used if you’re interested. Posted here: Vintage Parts.

 

[JimK404]

I know you have 737’s, but I have the original Marin Lite cantis that came off mine, and the M738 ST brake/shifters I used if you’re interested. Posted here: Vintage Parts.

Thanks - would be nice but I can't justify $100+shipping - that's half what I spent on the entire bike

 

[marc two tone]

Ive had a few 1995 marins and, believe there is a curse of sorts.
Rockstar forks or, a similar-looking fork just look perfect. But, suspension is a difficult beast to tame.
The catalogues suggest rockshox mag and manitou mach....but answer's 2-4 and the variety of pro, magnum and comps..its hard to ignore that they are just right!
They have a good collection of blacks, greys and champagne silvers/golds to their finish.
I bought these below from @d8mok and, they were easily tuned. Not cheap like thet used to be, but i dont mind as its my only bike.

 

[Corbeau]

Thanks - would be nice but I can't justify $100+shipping - that's half what I spent on the entire bike

Haha, no worries! FWIW...maybe look at early 2000’s Marzocchi’s? Less “period-specific”, but the travel performance of spring or air will be better than elastomer....just a thought.... looking forward to pics of the final build!

 

[JimK404]

Haha, no worries! FWIW...maybe look at early 2000’s Marzocchi’s? Less “period-specific”, but the travel performance of spring or air will be better than elastomer....just a thought....

I think I will mostly likely end up with some Manitous, because I had some bitd and like them

looking forward to pics of the final build!

I do need to get round to doing some build threads...

 

[Carge]

Another vote for ESI grips, if your hands are big enough the extra chunky ones do make quite a difference.

Wot he said
Really like these big boys

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

I'd consider some kind of headset or stem shock absorber, and careful tyre and pressure selection. Squidge forks never feel right on a frame with doesn't already have suspension corrected geometry.

 

[hamster]

They had suspension correct geometry but the rigid fork was always too short in my view. My ‘94 (bought new) was transformed by a Marzocchi Z3. It always felt too nervous beforehand.