I have a Trek 7100FX Hybrid Suspension and a Trek 4500 Mountain Suspension.
127955
That is a very personal question.  You will need to ask yourself, after riding on a 7100FX do i feel as if I am experiencing upper body soreness?  Do you experience numbness while riding?  Do you experience lower back pain as you ride?  All of these questions could lead to a suspension fork issue.  Words such as bumpy, muddy, and flat are all reponses that require a great deal of context and personal input.  I have been on mountain bike trails that I would not consider "bumpy" but would use a suspension fork.  So the question becomes are you experiencing problems after riding your 7100FX?  If you are, perhaps you should move to the 4500.  Be aware however that the more suspension you add, the increased possibility of performance loss.  No suspension system is perfect and will obviously cause a loss in pedal stroke power when it comes to suspension "bob."  If you are unhappy with both models, you could perhaps look at a cyclocross bike.  Most come without suspension but will dampen some of the bumps via the frame.  Therefore, you need to ask yourself, am i experiencing problems with the current bike I am riding or are these issues fine and do not want to risk the loss of performance.
211284
downhill moutain biking, trust me
522679
If I was to do an upgrade I'd start with Hub-sets and wheels first, that will give you your biggest gain. From there I'd change out my bottom bracket and go with a Shimano BB6500 and replace the Bontrager crank-set with an Ultegra. Then think about the derailleurs, chains and so on,\nIf you bought the bike this year I really don't know why you want the upgrade so soon.
529131
The simplest and least expensive way is to drop the forks a bit (that is, raise them in the triple clamps), increase the rear spring pre-load, and shave some foam off the seat.  However, those suspension mods will affect handling (sharper steering and stiffer shock action) -- but that might be okay for a learner (if she's not going very fast).\n\nThe next step up is to take your suspension (front and back) to a motorcycle suspension shop where they may be able to reduce the effective ride height of the forks and put a shorter shaft on the shock.  However, I'm not sure that's possible with the stock shock on a TTR230...  Those mods are somewhat pricey though.\n\nYou can also look into lowering linkages for TTR's, though I haven't seen them myself.
194505
shimano dura ace group is the highest level shimano component, so that alone would cost you $1,000 or so.\n\n\nIt depends on the frame manufacturer.
51836
because trek makes a newer better one each year. one of the bikes he was using wasn't great for some types of road riding. if you haven't already, check into the other carbon fiber bikes, and read the reviews! make sure it's going to be the best bike for YOU. especially if you're spending that kind of money!
662904
there may be some old BMXer from EBAY ( www.ebay.com) who has your spare parts. Or read 'Lowrider'----the ones with the NASTY designed bicycles you see on the cover.  They have shops that sell VINTAGE parts .
414594
I think the ideal setup for you would be a mountain bike, but you can go to Wal-Mart or a LBS (local bike shop), and get some slicks (tires). These are not so nobby, so you can go 1-2 mph faster, (so the BF doesn't get bored), and cost about 12 dollars each! \n (slicks grip the road well, and often have tread)\n\nThen, get a wider seat from Wal-Mart (or the LBS) if the one installed is not very comfortable.\n\nAs for the bike, I suggest you go used. You can get something four times as expensive (a better bike) for the same price).\nGood places to fing a good bike are:\n\nhttp://sfbay.craigslist.org/about/cities.html    (I got mine there)  \nIf craigslist has a city near you, click on the link, then find the "bikes" link and click on that!\n\nAnother place is Ebay\n\nAlso, check your newspaper's classifieds!\n\nMake sure the bike fits well. It is best to get fit to a certain frame size at a LBS, but you can also search for bicycle fitting guidelines on the web. ( I only suggest this because you probably are not going to ride too much) However, you do need the right sized bike, or it will be very uncomfortable. (for the back and the knees).\n\nAs for the actual bike, a good brand should be Trek or Specialized. Everything should work fine on a test ride, and have no rust (a very bad sign of maintenance) and the drivetrain (gears, chain, etc.) should look in good shape.\nIf you do get a  bike, I suggest taking it to a bike shop for a tuneup, at least to oil the chain, etc. and to tighten everything up.\n\nGOOD LUCK!
181737
they both have low speeds
28923
I know my neighbor uses it for many things but I am leery of using a metallic suspension. That is just my take on it and I haven't done any research on it.
163308
First of all, depending upon the type of riding that you're planning on doing, I would recommend a hybrid type bicycle that's from a bicycle shop.  This means that you have a mountain bike frame, 700 mm wheels (larger wheels), 27-gear range, and a much lighter package that you could get from a retail store.  Next, have them fit you to the right size bike and tell them the type of riding that you will be doing.  Why I recommend a hybrid, I can run 700 mm wheels with less tread for commuting (l live off a rail trail) to and from work, then put 650 mm wheels with more aggressive trail for riding.  In theory I have two bikes in one package.  My bicycle is a Cannondale with a head shock for front suspension and a cane creek seat post to absorb the shock of riding on the seat.  I have rode from New York to California with this bike and it still serves me well after 10, 000 + miles.  Because of my love of biking and my dedication to the sport, I would love to share any insights I have that may help you or answer any questions that you would like to ask.  Please Email me at discgolfforever@myway.com and I will answer you as soon as possible.
375115
I don't have a 29er, and I am quite short (5'4") so it is not of much interest to me, however I know A LOT of people who have made the switch.  Shops around here regularly carry and sell 29er tubes and tires.  The only part you might have any trouble with are only about 3 companies make suspension forks for them now, but if you buy a bike already built, it is not an issue.  To get the straight scoop, check out the 29er forum on MTBR.  You can probably get specific info on the Paragon if you want.  I know Gary Fisher (the guy) is a strong advocate of the 29er and rides one himself.
134320
As a big guy myself (6'5", 250lbs), I would suggest a solid framed mountain bike with a hard tail (no rear suspension.)  The rear suspension will bounce more and cause you to work harder.  I would recommend a front suspension, if you can find one in your price range, as it will increase the comfort.  Try looking in a discount sports store locally and see what they have to offer.  Your options will be limited by your price point but you may find something.\n\nAfter looking at the options, you might consider heading to a local bike shop to see if they know of anyone selling a pre-owned bike that would fit your needs.  Sometimes they will know of people trying to sell bikes.  They might even be able to put you on something that will work for a good price.
92356
Number 1, if Trek spec'd that fork for that bike, they knew that the bike would handle well in both instances.  \nNumber 2, 20mm = 2cm= less than 1 inch.  It is very unlikely that you will notice any difference on how the geometry of the bike has been affected, nor will you see a significant difference of travel.  Most of the additional travel will be eaten up by "sag" or the ammount of  downward pressure exerted on a suspension component with the rider sitting on the bike.  To see a real difference, replace your inner components on the fork, i.e. elastomers/springs, oil, seals...
558607
Yes!\nI rode them and the s-jumper. For me the Blur are in different level.\nThe only 'bed' thing I can say about them is their price. However, you get one of the best free ride Mt. bike for each $ you pay on them. Santa Cruz VPP system is amazing.
549631
get smaller gearing and itll make it harder to pedal a little bit but youll get more speed so yeah or u could just get lighter parts so easier to pedal just make sure everythings tight or ulll get screwed over so yea if u need to know anything else bout bike email me crashnbad@yahoo.com
260128
The Schwinn hardtail mountain bike from Wal-Mart is very inexpensive, has good quality shifting, good components, and is one of the few very inexpensive bikes that I could possibly praise in this way.  It does have front suspension that is suitable for mild trails and a cushy ride in the city.  This represens a well done $139 product.    \n\nHowever, a trip to the bike shop might be more educational and much more fun.  There's something special about a real bike-store-bike.  ;)  \n\nLast time, I bought an all-alloy 7 speed crusier, and it turned out to be a tad faster than my road bike.  I was so very surprised!    \n\nRevo-shift/grip shift isn't bad, and it is nicer than the SIS lever shift.\n\nIf you're looking in the "inexpensive" market, DO read the brand name from the rear derailer to make sure that it says "Shimano" or "SRAM" and never "Falcon".  That will save you a lot of money despite the tiny additional price.