Good resources to learn about forks Quick question. I have a lower quality mountain bike with a bad suspension fork. Overall the bike isn't bad. It fits me well and I have a lot of fun on it. I would like splurge on a new mountain bike but that just isn't a priority right now (but a cross bike would be pretty nice...).

So I was thinking that maybe what I should do is look around for a new fork. My general bike knowledge is pretty good but I know almost nothing about forks. I was hoping that someone could point me to a good reference on what I need to know before I buy a fork.

I think that buying a new fork probably isn't a good deal. I think for that price I should just buy a new bike. I would ideally like to spend around $100 but I would spend up to $200.  I suspect that this puts me in the used fork category.  

Key features I would like out of my new fork:


Cold weather riding: my fork currently goes stiff at 5C
Lighter
Better traction/handling
More fun
Other - I have never ridden a better fork so "other"


Links:


Picture of my current bike (for context)
Brief description of my bike
Link to same question on Reddit
The bad news

$200 won't get a new fork much better than the one you have now.

The good news

The second-hand market is full of a couple of year old forks that were originally twice that.

Do your research

Forks may look frighteningly full of tech, but they are designed to be serviced so the delicate parts are inside cartridges that can safely be removed.  So if you see a fork you like on eBay for example, go to the manufacturers website and look at the servicing instructions - it will make your second-hand fork feel new again and only for the cost of new seals and some fork fluid (~$30).

Play it safe


Stick to the 'big 3' manufacturers: Marzocchi, RockShox, and Fox.
Do not go beyond 4 years old.
Remember to ask the seller what length their steerer tube is, it's normally cut down to fit the bike - but if their headtube is significantly smaller than yours you may have not enough material for your stem to bite onto.
Ask the seller if there are any scratches/dents on the stanchions (the smooth poles the seals grip onto), if there are - DO NOT BUY!
Ask the seller if the forks creak, it generally means the bushes need replacing.  Although this isn't too difficult, it will add ~$30 onto the servicing cost.
Finally, read reviews on your chosen fork MTBR is a good place.  And once you have any specific questions, come back here and we can help.