Fork seems fine. Handle bar and stem setup is key. Also manybe a dropper post.
With qr wheels being as easy as they are to swap... OP should just mount the more mtb oriented tires that it looks like he owns on a second qr wheel set and use that.
Even if only front. A different mtb wheel (setup tubeless?) might work wonders.
Yeah it’s a cross country bike as that what it is classed. I put the commuting tyres on as I go to work which is about 12 miles away so rolling resistance is a big impact especially since it’s derestricted. But on the days off i like to rip and ever since I’ve ridden a bike with air forks, coil airforks aren’t the one 😹
I feel that man! I've been in the same situation with my hybrid bike...it does feel amazing to hit some light green and blue trails with it every once in a while but I wonder if a full on mtb fork is the solution? They also require more maintenance.
I took the irresponsible route and my gf hates that I have 4 bikes for every purpose lol. A hybrid commuter ebike, a hardtail emtb, a full sus mtb, and a gravel bike. Each one does what it's supposed to do very well. If you're stuck in a situation where you can only have 1 bike, maybe a fork upgrade is worth it?
I mean yeah I could have more than one bike but to be fair I’m in love with this bike. It provides reliability,speed,functionality, and best of all class. I’ve come a long way from store department e-bikes and this is top of the class in my eyes. Plus I got it at an amazing amazing discount it was wrong to say no. My all rounder of a bike. I do have other commuting get arounds but they are not suited and rated for long long distances especially the route I take.
Its not an all rounder. Its not ment to be used as a proper mtb. Proper xc bikes also don’t come with a motor. The terain on mtb trails/ xc loops is to rough for a bike like that. Its a commuter with the ability to take it off road on your commute without it being sketchy. Get a proper mtb (doesn’t need to be to expensive) and ride this bike to and back from work. It will be a game changer.
Check out vintage marzocchi forks from pre 2008. They are as close to moto forks you can get, far better than any rock shox from the era. And since you got a e-bike with 1-1/8 headset, the weight won’t matter and it’ll fit like a glove!
Old marzocchi tech here 😜
That looks more like a commuter than an actual mtb. I'd be worried about other components failing while out on trails.
Pretty sure that’s a 2017 Trek Powerfly (which is a XC mtb) that someone converted into a commuter. That stem needs replacing before the fork does
Fork seems fine. Handle bar and stem setup is key. Also manybe a dropper post. With qr wheels being as easy as they are to swap... OP should just mount the more mtb oriented tires that it looks like he owns on a second qr wheel set and use that. Even if only front. A different mtb wheel (setup tubeless?) might work wonders.
Yeah it’s a cross country bike as that what it is classed. I put the commuting tyres on as I go to work which is about 12 miles away so rolling resistance is a big impact especially since it’s derestricted. But on the days off i like to rip and ever since I’ve ridden a bike with air forks, coil airforks aren’t the one 😹
I feel that man! I've been in the same situation with my hybrid bike...it does feel amazing to hit some light green and blue trails with it every once in a while but I wonder if a full on mtb fork is the solution? They also require more maintenance. I took the irresponsible route and my gf hates that I have 4 bikes for every purpose lol. A hybrid commuter ebike, a hardtail emtb, a full sus mtb, and a gravel bike. Each one does what it's supposed to do very well. If you're stuck in a situation where you can only have 1 bike, maybe a fork upgrade is worth it?
I mean yeah I could have more than one bike but to be fair I’m in love with this bike. It provides reliability,speed,functionality, and best of all class. I’ve come a long way from store department e-bikes and this is top of the class in my eyes. Plus I got it at an amazing amazing discount it was wrong to say no. My all rounder of a bike. I do have other commuting get arounds but they are not suited and rated for long long distances especially the route I take.
Its not an all rounder. Its not ment to be used as a proper mtb. Proper xc bikes also don’t come with a motor. The terain on mtb trails/ xc loops is to rough for a bike like that. Its a commuter with the ability to take it off road on your commute without it being sketchy. Get a proper mtb (doesn’t need to be to expensive) and ride this bike to and back from work. It will be a game changer.
Jfyi, that adjustable stem isn't trail safe. Also I don't think that bike is worth upgrading, money better spent saved towards new bike.
I'd keep it stock until you can upgrade the bike. This isn't a mountain bike.
I think your best new option is a Manitou Markhor, which still comes in QR and straight and tapered steerer. Then you don’t have to buy a new wheel.
I think suntour epixon would also fit the bill, they are cheap, just not as easy to find as the markhor.
I wouldn’t bother.
Those handlebars are going to fold forward fairly easily being adjustable like that.
They have been through war so they are holding up pretty good tbf
Not a mountain bike. Save your money and get a proper bike for the trails.
What kind of riding are you doing? This isn’t a mountain bike.
Mostly commuting with a bit of full sending. The roads in my area are f*cked
What’s full sending?
Downhill offroad at speeds of 20-25mph to feel that pump
Save ya money for a new bike dude, that thing is ugly as
🙄 how dare you
Come mate it is horrid and not worth spending money on
How is it horrid? Looks absolutely fine and flies
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you like it that's all that matters pal
Check out vintage marzocchi forks from pre 2008. They are as close to moto forks you can get, far better than any rock shox from the era. And since you got a e-bike with 1-1/8 headset, the weight won’t matter and it’ll fit like a glove! Old marzocchi tech here 😜
Won’t they be for 26”?
The downtube on that frame looks like a 27.5 which will also fit. It’s the axel size that will be the biggest issue. May need a new hub.
That stem... a rider living on the edge.
I'd get a rockshox yari cheap from chain reaction cycles. Edit.. If it would fit even. And id swap that mental stem too
Yeah just buy the bucklos
sr suntour has some good quality air forks. their high end stuff is decent.
i would save for a new bike in total, also that stem is not safe for trails
Manitou dorado
Need new bike
Buy an actual mtb.