Judy XC '94?

[SteveC]

I happened upon an old Barracuda with a Judy XC. The first 2 numbers in the serial sku are 94. Would that mean it's a 1994? I know the bike is close to that vintage anyways since I sold it to the kid, but don't remember details like:
Did (RockShox)that year have any issues that need to be addressed? I know that there were some faulty cartridges some where back then, just caint recall........ Anyways, its a 13 inch steel frame with all original LX/Alivio components, a rusty chain, and real low miles. Just right for my 7 yo son in a year or two.......I'll probably have the Judy overhauled anyways, its really the only thing that needs lookn at, that I cant take care of......I may even put a rigid on there whats a kid need with suspension anyways?
When I clean it up, I'll post a pic. This thing's a real relic....
SC

[auntesther1]

Judy was a 95 fork but they likely started building them in 94...pros were racing on them all through the 94 season. Besides the cartridge issues, they were fairly reliable. But the carts were bad...blew pretty easily and all the time. RS added a compensator chamber to later carts because the 95 versions couldnt handle the oil expansion as the damper heated up. Just make sure you kep it clean and lubed ( I would suggest Englund Slick Honey) and you sould be good.

[Slider]

If it is an 1 1/8 inch steerer, I'd buy that Marzocchi that BoltonFreerider is offering. Any rebuild will cost more than $70, and forks have WAAAAY improved since '94. I have only bad memories of my early Rock Shox.

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=28;action=display;threadid=5976

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[bdee]

You could convert it to air with the Englund air kit (assuming it's still available) - it would be really light too. Didn't RS go from a plastic cartridge to aluminum in 95?

[AA]

The Englund air cartridges worked pretty well and it would make the fork infinately tuanble for a light rider.

White brothers made a nice replacement cartridge back in the day for the early Judy's. I wonder if they are still available.

[SteveC]

Yeah I'll look into the air cartridge replacement. I don't want to sink much into it though. The bad memories Slider---were they cartridge-related? Either way, he'll still be pretty light by the time he's ready to ride it.....but I dont want him riding a POS.........
Thanks for all the responses
Steve

[Slider]

I never went all air. Leaky seals, brake studs that backed out, and general flexiness are what stick out most in my mind. Mine never really felt good. My first ride on a Manitou was a revelation.

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[SteveC]

I never went all air. Leaky seals, brake studs that backed out, and general flexiness are what stick out most in my mind. Mine never really felt good. My first ride on a Manitou was a revelation.

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I'm looking for a revelation on my current ride, too.....I have a SID SL now and looking for a new 'feel'........

[Slider]

After the Manitou phase, I discovered Marzocchi. Since I don't race anymore, the extra weight didn't matter. The quality of the ride was so superior that wrist issues I'd been having started to disappear.

I don't really keep up on latest products, so it may be that the others have improved too. Some friends tell me the Fox shock is really cool. Back in the day, though, the Bomber was really far better than the others.

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[Quo Fan]

I just mounted a Marzocchi All Mountain 1 on my Cake, but I have yet to ride it. I was not impressed with the Manitou Black fork that came on the Cake. My previous forks were Marzocchi Z1's, and nothing could compare, but that is my opinion.

[SteveC]

wrist issues

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Funny you should say that. Last fall I was feeling what I think was a 'carpal tunnel' nastiness in my wrists. I still feel it now, but only when I get on the mountainbike without wrist supports. I tried a different hbar, grips, and positions.
This problem didnt show up until I started using the SID, and at the time, I had it pumped way up. I lessened the air psi, and that seemed to help. Maybe I shouldnt use an air shock..??
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[slapheadmofo]

I think MMcG has an '99 4" Z1 Bomber for sale for under $100. Comfy and reliable. For a really light rider like a young kid, I've seen people completely remove a spring from one leg to makethe fork more responsive. Seems like a good idea, but of course I'm not the best technical resource.

[Slider]

My fork choice makes all the difference in my wrist pain. Mine wasn't carpal tunnel, but more like a chronic sprain that kept getting re-injured.

Carpal tunnel can show up under some conditions, but be caused by others. I'd also check PC posture, and night time sleep habits. At the PC, you have to sit so your upper arms drop more or less straight down, and your lower arms are at 90 degrees to the upper arms. Your hands should pretty much fall on the keyboard naturally. Some people sleep all scrunched up, and that can cause circulation issues that affect the arm nerves, leading to carpal tunnel. My ex-wife, a sax player, wore braces while sleeping for many years to stave off more serious problems.

Proper bike position is similar to the PC. Your hands should feel natural as they fall to the grips. No matter what your riding position, slamming roots and casing landings will hurt your wrists! Nice to have real suspension in the middle when those happen.

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