Are Tora's a worthwhile investment?

BikerBaz

Hi,

Sorry. I did trawl previous posts but couldn't find the answer to my question. I am considering buying some new forks for my 07 Tyax Elite. Currently got the original SR Suntour XCM DA's

http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/SID=si ... &tnid=1631

I ride intermediate XC/trails and the Suntours feel alright, but as this is my first bike I have no previous frame of reference. I am on a tight budget as I have already spent money upgrading the brakes and some other components, but I have seen the most basic (I think, as it is flippin confusing when there are so many types within one range) RockShox Tora302, brand new for £75, which even when on sale is £15 cheaper than the online stores I have checked out. Eg;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=18132

My question is, am I gonna feel a real improvement if I go for the Tora, or is it not a big enough difference from the XCM to justify what is admittedly a modest sum of money for the fork? Would I be better off saving some money and paying a bit more money for some of the extra features in the better models?

Thanks for sticking with me.

supersonic

You would feel an improvement - has a better damper and a stiffer structure. Its not light though.

Paul_GT

I've just put tora 302 u=turns on my hardrock done a little bit of off road yesterday and it felt like i was riding a different bike,granted i was stuck with RST gila wich must be the worst fork in the world but for the moneyi think you would notice the difference,if you could splash out a bit more for 312 solo air even better.http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/10101/Rockshox_Tora_318_SoloAir_Forks_2008_wPopLoc

thehairs1970

I have Tora's on my P7 and they are great for the type of riding I do - long XC. I also used them on the Soggy Bottom race series in Devon and again they were great. Be Wary about buying sale items as they are often previous year's stock and do not have the same spec and therefore can perform differently. I would bite the bullet and buy this years forks as they come with lockout which makes uphill and roadwork much quicker. They will transform your bike from what you have now.

MArtyn

BikerBaz

Thanks for the words of wisdom chaps.

BikerBaz

That's my point. I think they are the basic 2007 model. They have;

Travel 100mm (not U-turn)

Weight 2400 g (5.3 lbs)
Spring Coil
Spring Adjust Change Spring / Preload
Damping TurnKey Lockout
Damping Adjust External Rebound, Lockout,
Lowers Magnesium, IS Disc Mount, Disc only (No V-brake bosses)
Crown Forged, Hollow 6061 T-6 Aluminum
Steerer Tube Steel
Upper Tubes 32mm STKM Steel
Colour - Black

My existing Suntour have a similar spec;

http://www.srsuntour-cycling.com/SID=si ... &tnid=1631

So I basically wanted to know if the RockShox would be that much better considering they're both at the same end of the market. I only really got thinking about upgrading the fork when I saw some for £75, but since I won't be buying another fork for a long time, maybe i'll think about saving and getting some others.

ride_whenever

they are a lot better, but I'd be tempted to save up for a set of rebas or the air toras

BlackSpur

Or Recons

bluefoam

zzochi MXPro ETA!!!

BikerBaz

After my initial message and I did some research. Discovered the Toras were not the complete bargain I first thought and there are a few places online the you can get them for a similar price.

Gonna save my £75 and put it towards something a little better.

Thanks for all your help. Was looking at the MXPro and they look pretty sweet, but any more suggestions are welcome.

Amazed and baffled by the variety of XC forks, so thanks again for everyones help.