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Noob. Need some advice, much appreciated.

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goonsquad08

Chimp
Apr 4, 2012
5
0
Ames, IA
Hey guys, so as you can all tell I am new here and this is my first post. I'm trying to get some advice on components and what not for a bit of a rebuild.

I recently picked up a 2003 Marin Rift Zone, and it needs some work/replaced parts. It currently has some Hayes hydraulic disc brakes on it that are in good condition. The frame is also in great condition along with the front tire set up.

I'm in Iowa and a rookie at this, so the bike doesn't need to be anything top notch. I'm just looking for decent parts that will hold up and have a good value.

The fork (answer manitou skareb) and rear shock (fox float R) are completely wore out and need replacing, but they are stock so it was expected.
The shifting levers need replacing as well and the derailleurs could use a tune.


So I'm looking for advice on what forks and rear shocks I should look into. I considered the fox rp23 for my rear, but I haven't heard anything good about it yet. Lockout would be preferred on both if possible.


Thanks a lot. Any information and advice is appreciated.
 
William42

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,912
646
if you don't have hookups, its going to hard to be cost effective to try and replace parts. You're probably going to be better served selling it (if it is unrideable without the fixes) and putting the extra money you were planning on suspension towards getting a used bike that didn't need any work off the bat.
 
mtg

mtg

Green with Envy
Sep 21, 2009
1,862
1,604
Denver, CO
I wouldn't spend a large amount on new parts, as William suggested. But, a cost effective way to improve the Marin would probably be just servicing the rear shock instead of replacing it (most of the time, that's all they need), and maybe the same for the fork, or try to find a used one.
 
G

goonsquad08

Chimp
Apr 4, 2012
5
0
Ames, IA
that's almost what I was thinking. kinda kicking myself for it now, it's rideable without the fixes..it would just be nice to have them I guess. I'll take it into the shop and see what they say. It doesnt look like it was serviced much so maybe that's all it would need.
 
William42

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,912
646
see if you can do it yourself. Most shops will charge an arm and a leg, because they don't know what they're doing and have to futz through it (the same way you would) and it takes them awhile.
 
Downhillbiker23

Downhillbiker23

Monkey
Aug 25, 2011
526
0
West Milford, NJ, 'MERICA
ya William is right, sell it and save the money you planned on spending on parts on a new bike.

I wouldnt really bother servicing the forks and shocks. They are old and outdated and for the money youll spend on paying a shop for service will be greater than buying new shocks.

The RP23 is pretty nice, I liked it for the time I had on one. for 2013 fox has plans for a new shock replacing the RP23 which indicates maybe there is a flaw with them, and the new shock might be worth looking into.
 
dirtygirlmagnet

dirtygirlmagnet

Monkey
Aug 6, 2006
349
0
Denver, CO
Rear shock service can range from $40 to a couple hundred, but most only need a $40 service. If you don't have a reputable shop nearby, you can find some easy "how-to" videos online to help you through it.

There are so many factors of wear on a mountain bike that it's kind of hard to tell how much it will cost unless I see it in person. I think it's worth checking out a shop that's known for maintaining mountain bikes and seeing how it goes.
 
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goonsquad08

Chimp
Apr 4, 2012
5
0
Ames, IA
thanks a lot for the input guys. The forks and rear shocks I was looking into were off ebay. I'll try and find some videos online and play with it myself to see if I can't make it ride any better, I'll take it to a shop after and get an estimate on servicing.
 
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