Question for the Mountian Bikers

[Fandu]

Looking for a new fork for one of my bikes, I do mostly XC and single track stuff, some quite technical, some just open trails. The ones I'm looking at are:

'00 RockShox SID XC (63-80mm) - $249
'01 RockShox Psylo XC (100-125mm) - $220

I was also interested in the Manitou Mars 1, but haven't seen any good deals on Manitou forks this year.
My bike is a '96 Kona Fire Mountian with LX parts all around and currently an RST-381 fork. How big of effect is going to a longer travel fork going to have on my geometry? Should I be looking at the Sid because of it's shorter travel? Throw out your suggestions.

 

[Eug]

I'm no expert, but I love the plushness of the Marzocchi coil-oil Bombers. I'm no weight freak though.

On my hardtail I don't think I'd put a 100 mm travel fork. 80 mm seems about right.

Note that I have never tried a Psylo though. It seems to get good reviews for a good all around lower to mid-priced fork.

 

[mk52]

I d take the SID, it weighs a lb less and has the right amount of travel. For XC everything above 80mm is pretty much overkill, especially if you do a lot of climbing. Overall the SIDs are really great forks, I ve only heard good things about them.

-MeliK

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I personally like Manitou stuff. Between those two listed I would go with the SID, I hear it is a better fork (and the adjustability is awesome).If you aren't going to be doing anything huge stay with a shorter fork, it will ride better and will seem like you have more control (IMO).

 

[blues008]

The Manitou shox are really great IMO, but if you can afford the Marzocchi, you're in for one comfortable ride

blues

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Yeah, a 100+ mm-travel fork will give the bike unacceptably slow handling. I strongly prefer the coil-and-oil Marzocchis (even though mine weighs down my otherwise feathery Serotta ATi MTB), but I am a larger rider. I also find the Manitous more appealing than Rock Shox generally - you should be able to get a killer deal at Supergo or another vendor by shopping around a bit.

 

[Fandu]

OK, well what Manitou forks do you suggest? The Mars 1 is the only fork I'm familiar with, and it doesn't look like there's a '02 model. The SXR looks pretty cheap quality, reviews arn't good on it. What should I be looking towards? Say, around $250 as a max.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

I tell you what. I've been dealing bikes on and off for ten years. Marzocchi now make the best forks in the business without a doubt. They are absolutely superior to Manitou and RockShox. Why you think they use them on Dirt Bikes??

 

[Fandu]

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Anyone Else?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

<< I tell you what. I've been dealing bikes on and off for ten years. Marzocchi now make the best forks in the business without a doubt. They are absolutely superior to Manitou and RockShox. Why you think they use them on Dirt Bikes?? >>



Marzocchi also makes forks for Harley-Davidson and Ducati, as well as suspensions for several Ferrari racing cars over the years. They are the power tools of the suspension-fork market. I am not crazy about the air-sprung forks, though.

 

[yakko]

If they are still in business call up IRD and get a nice rigid fork. Nothing rides better.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

<< If they are still in business call up IRD and get a nice rigid fork. Nothing rides better. >>



That's not really what he is asking for. There are PLENTY of other rigid forks that are as nice as an IRD but much cheaper (e.g., Ritchey), and, while I also have a bit of a traditionalist streak, a rigid fork just does not offer the same comfort and protection that a sus fork does. I believe Interloc Racing Designs is out of business anyways.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Here is a very good deal on a Manitou Mars Elite.