Upgraded Fixed Forks vs Adjustables

[ducpainter]

how would one check to see if it's too much spring for me?  sit on the bike and how much should it sink?

You'll need some help.

First you lift the bike to extend the suspension fully and measure. Make some marks so your measurements are repeatable.

Then have a friend hold the bike upright. Climb on with all your gear and bounce the suspension to settle things. Sit as you normally ride.

Then have someone else take a measurement in the same place.

You're looking for 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches

Same thing in the rear.

[csorin]

Thanks Ducpainter for the breakdown.  That's the first I've read of an empirical length of play to shoot for.

Continuing on the subject of suspension and bang for your buck, there was a thread pertaining to upgrading a 695.  The poster replaced the forks with springs, and then the rear shock with a Penske unit (one-way adjustable, upgradable).  Should both forks and rear shock be upgraded as a unit?  If only one could be done at a time, which would give the most benefit?

Also, I fully grasp removing the front forks and either sending them off or doing the spring/oil change myself.  The rear shock, on the other hand, seems a little intimidating.  How difficult is the rear shock install?  Are these just bolt up and go pieces, or should I pay a professional to set it up?