Worth it to upgrade?

[moffattman]

I got a hardtail IronHorse Warrior 3 that I got to mostly ride around town for errands, maybe go on the capital crescent/rock creek/other paved/gravel paths like that. Well when my other bike was getting a little tune up, I took the warrior out on some single track and really liked the feel of the hardtail (my other bike is full suspension).

When on the trail i realized I didn't like the fork, a marzocchi mz comp. It isn't an issue at all on the paved stuff of course. so i was wondering if it was worth it to upgrade a bike that cost me around $400 in the first place with a new shock that cost roughly the same amount? And worth other upgrades here and there? I'm not looking at turning the bike into an XC racing machine either. Just something more comfortable on trails and a little lighter.

Thoughts? Ideas?
thanks

[CRAIG2]

Other than the fork, are you happy with the bike? Does it seem to fit comfortably?

I think the lower end Marz forks are also used as boat anchors - I know, I have one. If you're looking at an 80mm fork, the Manitou Skarebs are pretty light, and I've yet to have an issue with mine.

But, no, I would not upgrade to a $700 Fox fork or something in an effort to make a $400 bike lighter.

[gddavid]

If all you need to be happy is a better fork then it would be worth the upgrade if you buy used. You could get a nice used xc fork for around $200 if you are patient and wait for a deal and it will make a world of difference to the bike. I bought a used reba off this site for $150 and it is a really great fork, not in perfect shape but neither am I or the rest of my bike, it was a great deal and huge improvement to the bike.

If you want to upgrade half or more of the components of the bike you would be money ahead to save up and replace the whole bike.

[gddavid]

Ok, Craig and I are agreeing on way too many threads today. Either we quit sharing a brain or one of us should get back to work.

[tsunayoshi]

I am 90% set to upgrade my fork in early Feb...if I do, I'll have 2005 Manitou Black available that just got rebuilt in early December.

[moffattman]

Thanks for the info all. I think ill keep my eye out for a used fork.