So, you’re thinking about upgrading your Bike Shocks? It’s a common question for bike enthusiasts, especially when considering enhancing ride comfort or performance. The short answer is: yes, it’s possible to upgrade your bike shocks. But the more nuanced answer is: maybe you don’t need to, at least not right away, especially if your bike is relatively new.
Before we dive deeper, let’s preface this with a word of caution: the following is based on general considerations and opinions. When it comes to bike modifications, especially concerning safety and performance, consulting with a professional bike mechanic is always recommended.
While the stock shocks that come with many bikes, like the Mozo FatMan air shock, are functional, they might not be top-of-the-line brands like FOX, ROCKSHOX, or MANITOU. If brand prestige and high-end specifications are your priority, then upgrading might seem appealing. However, it’s crucial to assess several factors before you decide to switch out your bike shocks.
Key Considerations Before Upgrading Bike Shocks
Upgrading bike shocks, particularly the front fork, isn’t always a straightforward swap. Here are essential aspects to consider:
Fork Compatibility
Firstly, consider the type of steerer tube your current fork uses. Many bikes, especially older or budget-friendly models, come with a 1 1/8 inch non-tapered steerer tube. Finding high-performance air suspension forks in this standard can be limiting. Secondly, if you’re aiming to maintain the look and feel of fat tires, ensure the new fork has adequate wheel clearance for tires as wide as 4 inches. Lastly, the axle configuration is critical. Many front wheels, like those on the RipCurrent mentioned in the original query, utilize a 9mm quick release axle. Finding a compatible high-quality suspension fork with a quick release can further narrow down your options.
Axle Type and Wheel Compatibility
Delving deeper into the axle, if you encounter difficulties finding a quick release compatible fork, you might consider a thru-axle design. However, this introduces another layer of complexity. Thru-axles typically require a different hub design. If your current front rim uses a 9mm skewer, switching to a thru-axle fork might necessitate replacing the entire front rim and hub. This adds to the overall cost and complexity of the upgrade.
Suspension Travel
The existing Mozo fork often provides around 80mm of travel. When upgrading, it’s generally advisable to stay within a 20mm range of the original travel to avoid drastically altering the bike’s geometry and handling. Therefore, a maximum travel of 100mm would be a reasonable upper limit for an upgrade, ensuring the bike’s intended riding characteristics are maintained.
Cost Implications
Cost is a significant factor. If the goal is a genuine suspension upgrade, expect to invest a minimum of $250, with prices potentially reaching $999 or even higher for premium brands and models. While cheaper forks are available online, remember the adage, “you get what you pay for.” Quality and performance often correlate with price in bike components. Furthermore, unless you’re comfortable with DIY bike work, professional installation by a local bike shop (LBS) will incur additional labor costs.
Rethinking the Purpose: Comfort vs. Functionality of Bike Shocks
It’s important to re-evaluate the primary function of bike shocks. While shock absorption contributes to ride comfort, their main purpose is to maintain tire contact with the ground, similar to car shocks. This ensures optimal control and traction, especially on uneven surfaces. While smoother rides are a welcome side effect, comfort isn’t the sole purpose of bike suspension. When riding over rough terrain, consistent tire-to-ground contact is crucial for steering and braking effectively. Losing contact means losing control.
If your primary goal is enhanced comfort for everyday riding, especially if you’re not engaging in aggressive off-road cycling, upgrading the front shocks might be an over-engineered solution. There are alternative, often more cost-effective, ways to significantly improve ride comfort.
Comfort-Focused Alternatives to Upgrading Bike Shocks
For riders prioritizing comfort, especially on paved roads and light trails, suspension seat posts and saddles offer compelling alternatives to a full front shock upgrade.
Suspension Seat Posts
Suspension seat posts are designed to absorb bumps and vibrations directly beneath the rider, offering a noticeable improvement in comfort without the complexities of fork replacement. Popular options include:
- Kinekt 2.1: Priced around $250, the Kinekt 2.1 is a well-regarded option known for its effective suspension and quality construction.
Alt text: Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seatpost: A premium option for enhanced riding comfort, priced around $250.
- Suntour NCX: A more budget-friendly choice at approximately $109, the Suntour NCX provides a good balance of comfort and affordability.
Alt text: Suntour NCX Suspension Seatpost: A more affordable suspension seatpost option for improved comfort, available for around $109.
- Thudbuster LT & ST: Both the Thudbuster LT (Long Travel) and ST (Short Travel) models, priced between $130 and $150, are reputable for their linkage-based suspension, offering a different feel compared to telescopic designs.
Alt text: Thudbuster ST Suspension Seatpost: Another popular suspension seatpost, offering a short travel option for enhanced comfort, priced between $130-$150.
It’s generally advisable to avoid very cheap suspension seat posts, often found for $20-$40. While seemingly attractive due to their low price, these often suffer from issues like linear travel limitations, play, wobble, and saddle instability. Again, “you get what you pay for” often holds true.
Suspension Saddles
Another comfort-enhancing alternative is using a suspension saddle. While they might carry a stigma of being for “older riders,” comfort is universal, regardless of age or style perceptions. If it improves your ride experience, that’s what truly matters. Some examples include:
- Schwinn Saddles: Available for around $18, Schwinn saddles offer a basic level of suspension at a very accessible price point.
Alt text: Schwinn Suspension Saddle: A budget-friendly suspension saddle option for basic comfort enhancement, priced around $18.
- Sunlite Cloud 9: Priced between $25-$30, Sunlite Cloud 9 saddles are a step up in terms of comfort and quality compared to basic models.
Alt text: Sunlite Cloud 9 Suspension Saddle: An affordable and comfortable suspension saddle upgrade, priced between $25-$30.
- Serfas Saddles: At a higher price point of $50-$55, Serfas saddles often incorporate gel and other comfort technologies in addition to suspension elements.
Alt text: Serfas Suspension Saddle: A higher-end suspension saddle offering enhanced comfort features and gel padding, priced around $50-$55.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Bike Shocks
Hopefully, this overview provides a clearer perspective on upgrading your bike shocks. While it’s definitely possible, it’s essential to weigh the factors involved: compatibility, cost, and your primary riding needs. If your main goal is a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially for casual riding, exploring suspension seat posts or saddles might be more practical and budget-friendly solutions than a full front shock upgrade. Consider what aspects of your ride you want to improve most and choose the upgrade path that best aligns with your goals and budget.
