[downhillzeypher]

Hey all, after yet another day at big bear, I've decided I need to do something to my bike to keep my feet on the pedals. I've already searched for opinons on clipless and it doesn't look like a bad idea.

Then again, the money I would use is for a fork. I'm on a 04 bighit comp (the one that comes with the dj2) so obvoiusly a fork is a good idea.

I'm guestamating (sp?) about $200 for shoes and pedals? But the thing is if I were to get those I'd be a long while to get the money for a fork (most likely a used super t). I have $200 right now, about half of a used super t, or just enough for shoes and pedals. What do you think?

BTW: what skill level do you think a rider has to be in (dh) to be comfortable in clipless?

 

[dexterq20]

Get a 2003 Super T, no doubt. The DJ2 is not a very good fork for DH riding, and it's really heavy (for a single crown, at least). A new fork will drastically improve your bike's handling and performance, where as clipless pedals will simply keep you attached to the bike while you continue to bounce wildly down the trail. With a new properly-tuned fork, it won't be nearly as difficult to stay on your pedals.

 

[me89]

stick with flats and get the super. theres no question.

and a rider with any experience will be comfortable on them. but it will take someone who races all the time or who cant get used to flats for them to really make a diff. so get the fork then get the pedals. just make sure there loose for quick ejection.

 

[mserko1]

I agree with dexterg, get an 03 super t. I think it would make a much better improvement on your bike than clipless pedals. I went from a manitou black comp to an 03 jr t and it made me feel like I was riding a different bike. I love it!! Definitely get an 03 super t.

 

[Zark]

I'd get the clipless. It makes a bigger difference than just about any upgrade you can get. It teaches you to keep the feet on the pedals in corners and carry more speed. Your feet won't get bounced off the pedals and have a tad more pedal power.

A super-T is great and the HSCV is a huge improvement though. It won't chatter through washboard and repeated fast hits. It can wait though, the lifts will be open for another month or so and you can save for a fork through the winter.

 

[me89]

and you cant ride in the winter because?????????????????????????

yeh the clipless give you a little bit more pedel power but if your not a racer then what does it matter. now if you get the super t you can become a racer with the flats which teach you just as much as clipless but also keep it a little bit safer (wow did i just say safer man i should shot myself in the foot for that one). and then when you start getting more competative in the races you can get the clipless so you can get even better cause of he better pedaling performance from the clipless.

ohh and you cant huck with clipless unless your just insane and have both of your balls removed and also have no pain receptors.

 

[HRDTLBRO]

Get the Super,
A new fork will change the ride far greater, and will be much easier on the wrists as well as tracking the bike better, helping you maintain traction to the pedals and bars. If you have the stock Specialized pedals, you may even want to find some better platforms, the speci pedals aren't the greatest.

 

[mobius]

Get a new fork and if wanted more rear suspension. I run a 03 bighit dh with a super t and can go through mad rocks and my feet are on fine.

 

[MikeD]

I'd get the fork. Learning to ride flats well will teach you a lot of bike control. You need to learn both flats and clipless eventually, IMHO, but why not just learn flats?

Just FYI, you can get shoes for $40 at Performance and the like, and pedals can be had for $50-100 depending on what you want. There seem to be killer deals on the Crank Bros Mallets around, and a lot of people like them.

There are also some killer deals on new and used forks right now. Maybe find yourself an old Shiver or a 6" Slider or a 2001-2002 Super T or something for $200-300.

MD

 

[downhillzeypher]

God I just noticed my post reads like shat. Oh well, I'll change it when I have time.

Thanks for everyone's quick response. A used super t is gonna take me another while to save up ($400?)... I might do a Fontana race here and there in the winter, but until BB opens up again next year, I won't be doing a whole lot of riding.

 

[me89]

still dont get the clipless. 200 bucks is a little out there for shoes and pedals you dont need the best shoes for dhiling just something that is functional and provides alittle bit of protection. you see a lot of pros riding 30 dollar clipless shoes i mean whatever works.but save up in the winter so you can just buy a 04 super t. that would be even better enen though its not hscv all the way. or a sherman or something along those lines. just a thought.

 

[MikeD]

Dude, have you looked in the for sale suspension section? TONS of good deals out there. You don't need a 2003 or 2004 fork.

 

[Tully]

I would save up for the fork until BB opens, and get some clipless shoes and pedals in the mean time. I think pricepoint.com has shoes with Time Z pedals for about $100. You'll probably appreciate the clipless pedals in the winter most of all, because they will make it way more efficient to pedal during trail rides while BB is closed (assuming you do that sort of thing).

 

[downhillzeypher]

Dude, have you looked in the for sale suspension section? TONS of good deals out there. You don't need a 2003 or 2004 fork.

Yeah I just checked them right now.

How long do forks last? $300-ish sound good, but I have no idea what the differences in between years are for the Super T.

 

[MikeD]

2001 is 6" and 30mm stanchions, 2002 is 7" and 30mm stanchions, 2003 is 32mm stanchions with a non-adjustable crown and 1 piece lowers, 2004 is like a 2003 but I think it's got one less advanced damping cart in it. Actually, I know it does, but I don't remember if the 2003 is dual HSCV (good damper) or single-sided like the 2004.

In other words, any single one of them will be good for you. Look for a Slider, too. Or the new Manitou Stance; looks to be reaaaaally cheap, with proven damping and a good chassis.

MD

 

[downhillzeypher]

2001 is 6" and 30mm stanchions, 2002 is 7" and 30mm stanchions, 2003 is 32mm stanchions with a non-adjustable crown and 1 piece lowers, 2004 is like a 2003 but I think it's got one less advanced damping cart in it. Actually, I know it does, but I don't remember if the 2003 is dual HSCV (good damper) or single-sided like the 2004.

In other words, any single one of them will be good for you. Look for a Slider, too. Or the new Manitou Stance; looks to be reaaaaally cheap, with proven damping and a good chassis.

MD

Awesome! Hah, I just PM'ed Orven about Super T's and he said to ask you.

Thanks for taking the time to explain this, I guess I'd better start searching for super t's...

 

[azonicbruce]

Don't mean to spam, BUT, if you're looking for some CHEAP clipless, then you can get a deal on some new Shimano 545s

 

[s1ngletrack]

Better yet - PM me, I'll GIVE you a pair of 545's they've been ridden and the plastic "cage" is cracked, but they are fully functional - just promise you'll send me the 5 bucks or so for shipping once you recieve them and I'll send them out tommorrow.

 

[Captain Crunch]

Get Carbon fiber frame patches, they'll make you faster, safer, and your bike will be lighter too. oh, and the chicks go for them and they'll match your silver and black bike perfect! If you buy $200 worth of them, you should be able to cover up most of your frame! Forks and Clips are sooo 2003.

 

[Zark]

Better yet - PM me, I'll GIVE you a pair of 545's they've been ridden and the plastic "cage" is cracked, but they are fully functional - just promise you'll send me the 5 bucks or so for shipping once you recieve them and I'll send them out tommorrow.

Ummm 545's have a metal cage, you have 424's.

 

[s1ngletrack]

Ummm 545's have a metal cage, you have 424's.

Oops. I never have paid much attention to the different models

 

[Slugman]

ohh and you cant huck with clipless unless your just insane and have both of your balls removed and also have no pain receptors.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say that someone else can't do something... I would have some very nice bikes (one for every day of the week). And I have hucked with clipless, both are still there, and I do feel pain...

But back on topic - What year is your DJ? I know that there is the Marzocchi trade in program for any 5" travel 30mm stanchion fork... but I'm unfamiliar with the DJ series so you'd have to look into that. But my thought is that if you could buy a new fork, at a discount by trading in the old one.

And although I am a fan of Clipless, and I think they are fine for any type of riding (ok... maybe not trials), IMO the fork would be the best thing to swap out first.

 

[MikeD]

Ummm 545's have a metal cage, you have 424's.

Free crap doesn't have model numbers...

 

[me89]

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say that someone else can't do something... I would have some very nice bikes (one for every day of the week). And I have hucked with clipless, both are still there, and I do feel pain...

okay maybee i should have said anyone i have ever talked to wouldnt huck with them.

Actually, I know it does, but I don't remember if the 2003 is dual HSCV (good damper) or single-sided like the 2004.

its dual.

 

[Orvan]

Better yet - PM me, I'll GIVE you a pair of 545's they've been ridden and the plastic "cage" is cracked, but they are fully functional - just promise you'll send me the 5 bucks or so for shipping once you recieve them and I'll send them out tommorrow.

I'll buy them for $3.. I could use them for spare parts.

 

[DßR]

okay maybee i should have said anyone i have ever talked to wouldnt huck with them.

I do virtually everything in clipless, including "hucking", skinnies, retarded crap, etc. It works great and I've never crashed/hurt myself b/c of them.

 

[MikeD]

I do virtually everything in clipless, including "hucking", skinnies, retarded crap, etc. It works great and I've never crashed/hurt myself b/c of them.

Dude, why do you quote people on my ignore list in your posts? I then have to read the drivel I've been trying to avoid...

MD

 

[Kornphlake]

I know a guy who still uses powergrips. Apparently they still sell them and he's the only customer, he calls them up and they know him by name. Anyways, he hucks, and crashes some times and always gets out of the powergrips in time, same guy also rides a Jr T. If you've got a DJ fork which is essentially a Jr T without a crown and minus a couple inches travel all you need is mad skilz and some powergrips, don't worry about the rest.

 

[Matt D]

Dude, why do you quote people on my ignore list in your posts? I then have to read the drivel I've been trying to avoid...

MD

HAHA! I think everyone should have that kid on their Ignore List.

As far as the choice is concerned, I think the fork will make quite a big difference. Going from a single crown to a DC is a big change, as is the added travel.

Clipless are great IMO, and same as Dan I ride everything clipless (sans trials and drunk Fixed gear riding). As was already said, you can find some smokin deals on both forks and pedal/shoes combo. Those of you who judge clipless without trying them and therefore think they make you a race only person who can't huck, need to listen and try things for themselves. If you've tried clipless and don't like them, that's fine and dandy.

 

[Slugman]

HAHA! I think everyone should have that kid on their Ignore List.

hmmm... maybe that is why (as he put it) no one he has talked to rides clipless.

 

[DßR]

Dude, why do you quote people on my ignore list in your posts? I then have to read the drivel I've been trying to avoid...

MD

oops!! So sorry, won't let that happen again!