forks....again!

trail jacker

hi all. just want some advice about forks. i have a GT Aggressor XC3 '07, which has a 100mm RS Dart 1 fork. needless to say, i want it replacing. i have seen a;

1) RS Tora 203 U-Turn & Poploc 2007 - £129.99
link- http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.a ... elID=13114

2)Manitou Splice Super RTWD 2005 - £99.99
link- http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.a ... elID=11776

i want a fork that can cope with aggressive long xc rides and rough downhill sections. which would be best?
and for the money?
or should i just go with a smaller 100mm fork?
PLEASE HELP!! ta!

supersonic

Tora leagues ahead of the Splice. CRC also have a fixed travel Tora 100mm for 90 quid.

trail jacker

yeah, but i would like em to be adjustable for the downhill sectons. im just worried about the geometry really, i no 20mm over is do-able, but 30??

supersonic

Main concern is warranty, luckily the frame can handle a 130 fork (as some higher spec Avalanches have U turn forks). The bike handles best at 100mm, but 130 for going down steep terrain is ok.

trail jacker

ok the 302 it is then. cheers mate!

trail jacker

oh, before i forget, will i have to also buy an adapter to fit the calipers to on the new fork? the dart 1's look specially adapted for the tektro i0 caliper. any suggestions? or price estimates? where can i get them from?

supersonic

CRC do all the adaptors you need. Sounds like you need a postmount to IS 160mm adaptor.

trail jacker

thanks again

trail jacker

what brand? are they specifically made to each caliper type?

trail jacker

this?
http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.a ... elID=13743

howsmyriding27

are those tora 302 forks strong enough for dirt jumping?

thanks

supersonic

That looks like the right adaptor, do check with CRC though.

Tora is an all mountain fork, albeit a tough one with the steel stanchions. Its not specifically for jumping. CRC have Dirt Jam Pros for 100 quid.

trail jacker

this would be a safer bet than the 203 methinks;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13128

supersonic

You would need a new wheel for the argyle. Remember your bike is not a jump bike.

trail jacker

i meant that message for howsmyriding27

supersonic

Ah, good advice then ;-)

Johnny Napalm

I've been considering the 'Tora' too.

You guys have already help me establish the fact that I should be able to use 100mm forks in place of my current 80mm 'Judy's' without too much affect on the geometry. So, with that in mind, I assume that I would be able to use the 'Tora's' (or similar) so long as I don't set the travel above 100mm? Is that correct, could I lock them at 100mm travel max. if I wish?

I was considering the 'Recon', but due to budget might be better with the 'Tora's'.

Cheers.

supersonic

Going above 100 may make the steering a bit too floppy, and the frame may not be warrantied for it either.

Johnny Napalm

Would I not be able to adjust them so that I just use the 85mm - 100mm range, or is that a dumb question?

Or, would I be better with just 100mm travel forks?

supersonic

The Uturn fork can be adjusted with a twist of the dial. The other one has to be stripped and altered internally.

Johnny Napalm

Thanks.

So, if I get the 'Tora 302 U-Turn' I could set the forks to the desired travel with the dial...& never exceed the 100mm setting?

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

supersonic

Yep!

Johnny Napalm

Cheers, mate.