Questions about front forks

GT Destroyer

I'm upgrading the front forks on my bike.
Its a 2007 GT Avalanche XL. Its std brakes, Hayes sole 160mm rotors. (

We mainly ride Wharncliffe, and Dalby so its a lot of XC - but we don't shy away from the technical rocky and downhill bits - quite enjoy them actually. (I think we would be classed as All Mountain riders?)

My mate has bought some Recons and loves them, and they seem to be able to do the job for him.

I'm stuck on things like the Maxle on some of the Rox forks, does this increase stiffness so if I am dropping off stuff I can do so without worrying what I'll break!

Also all the options on the Rox Shox stuff - They sound and look very nice but from your experience what are the essentials, and what extra bits make no difference at all?

Lastly - I am a 18stone 6ft 7inches tall bloke - Should I be sticking to a particular manufacturer/type of shock given my weight and force I put on the shock?

Thanks in advance - sorry if I've missed anything off!

fabienno1

I personally dislike rockshox, they feel too controlled for me... I mean in a bad way in that if I come up to a rocky section I would be wondering how many times am I going to get thrown over the bars whereas on my (or any for that matter) marzocchis I'll be more like " Right how do I hit this, how fast and what line?"

Back to the point the maxle is the best axle for bikes for tough riding that also requires quick and easy removal such as maybe to put in the back of a car.You don't need to worry about the strength. If you break it you're doing something wrong.

So, on what you have said and what I have said earlier in the post I can whole heartedly recommend these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=8343 or [url=thesehttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13454]thesehttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com ... elID=13454[/url] (if you want a quick release axle) and I can pretty much guarantee that you will love them.

supersonic

You will need a new front hub/wheel if getting a maxle. The above forks are too much travel for an Avalanche - its designed around a 100mm travel fork, but can be used utp 130. This is good fo DH, and is not warrantied for any more. Given this I'd go for an RS U turn fork so you can adjust thr travel.

fabienno1

Oh yar, sorry forgot about that.

GT Destroyer

I agree - when I looked at the Marzocchi ones, they seemed on the high travel side of things, I mean they start at 130!

Don't think I'm that concerned abou the maxle thing - We do put the bikes in the back of the car, so the wheels come off for that but I'm happy to just use the QR, its quick eough.

I did like the price of the all mountain forks though - Its well within the price range.

Any more ideas or suggestions would be great - Thanks!

edit - I have spied some Marzocchi XC SL 700 (2007) with pop lock remote for £350, there is also a pair of XC 600 ATA2 (2008) for £300. Does anyone have any experience of these particular forks?

Sir HC

I'm 15stone and get on fine with the Reba's.
Rockshox Revelations are worth a look, as you can adjust the travel. I was hesitant at first to use a Rockshox, as I have always used Marzocchi, the new RS stuff seems to be a lot better than that of old.

GT Destroyer

So I've had a good look around and also the wife (bless her) has upped the budget to about £500 for the forks alone!

So with that price range in mind I've found Fox Talas 32 RLC fork which is around the £500 mark - The reviews are stonking and it seems I can NOT go wrong with that choice of fork.

Of the 3 big brands, Fox, Rox and Marz would the general feeling be that Fox are number 1?

Anyone have any more feedback about the 32's?

supersonic

With 500 quid I would split the budget - its more than the bike is worth! Could get a Reba, and some new wheels and parts and notice a much better improvement.

Steve_b77

Just to hijack (sorry) but how would a Rockshox Psylo go with an Avalanche/Aggressor 2.0?

supersonic

Psylo is an older fork - would depend on the condition. It will be lighter and better damped than anything on there at the moment.