dreadedmonkeygod . net

The fork on my mountain bike, a Rock Shox Duke XC, has been leaking oil for a while, so I finally took it into the shop. Unfortunately, Rock Shox stopped making that fork more than three years ago, so replacement parts are no long available. The guy at the shop says he can get it cleaned up and working again, but it'll only last through about 15 hours of riding before it starts to disintegrate again.

So the best I can do with this fork is pay $75 for a temporary fix that will start leaking oil again before the next full moon.

I think it's rediculous to stop supporting a fork just three years after it's discontinued. I'm fine with an "official" drop date of three years, with parts stockpiled and available for a year or more "while supplies last". It's reasonable to expect that a well-maintained fork will last 5 years or more, and it's a sure thing that it'll need more repair toward the end of its life. Expecting everyone to upgrade their fork (not a cheap item) every three years is just stupid. I hate being forced into a rigid upgrade cycle.

So I've got to figure out what I'm going to do. My bike is rideable. It just has no damping on the fork, which makes handling a problem. It's doesn't turn, it just digs in unless I keep my weight way back. But that's a challenge on downhill switchbacks.

So it's time to start saving up for a new fork. I have the new hotness picked out. Cause with buying a new car, furniture, and a puppy, I have cash coming out my ears...