Upgrade on Orange 5 Pro - Pikes or not?

NikB
NikB Posts: 243
edited March 2008 in MTB buying advice
I am almost set on buying an Orange 5 Pro - going for a test ride soon.
I am not sure about the forks however - they come with the Fox Float R which I believe are fine. However several people on here have mentioned the Pike 454's and when I went to the shop yesterday the guy rides 454's and was very keen on them.

So now I have to choose and it's a minefield as far as I can tell. The Fox is a lighter fork but is not as stiff as the Pike. The chap in the bike shop was recommending the spring version of the Pike - he said that even though it is heavier than the air equivalent it's a better fork.

Can someone explain to me the merits/ drawbacks of having an air or spring based fork. Which fork would you go with? Would you stick with the stock item or go for a Pike 454? If you went for a Pike 454 which one because it seems there's 3 versions. I will be riding places like Dalby and may get more adventurous as time goes by. I want something that's good up hills as well as down.

I am new to suspension hence all the questions. Still riding a fully rigid GT Karakoram and I want more comfort.
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Comments

  • schmako
    schmako Posts: 1,982
    No point in changing something that works fine IMO. If you dislike them enough to spend £x amount on Pikes, then go for it!
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  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    Only go for the Pikes if you intend to turn the Five into a more AM/Freeride bike... if you intend to ride it as a trail bike which likes to go rough now and again (which is what the Pro is!) stick with the Floats...
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Major difference is the bolt through axle the pike uses - this increases steering stiffness, but adds weight over the float. If you are heavy, or ride heavy you should feel the difference. Requires a compatible hub.
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  • NikB
    NikB Posts: 243
    I'm about 12 stone 5 at the moment but am a little overweight. Are the hope hubs compatible with the Maxle?
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  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yes.
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  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    i'd stick with the floats if you haven't even got it yet.
  • NikB
    NikB Posts: 243
    No I've not got it yet. The reason I was going to do it in advance is they could buy the bike minus the forks and it would cost about £100 more for the pikes. If I did it at a later date the cost would be higher. I think the question has been answered though in that I want a trail bike not a big hitter I think.

    Can anyone answer why air is so popular though? Is it because its lighter to have an air fork or is there something better about it's suspension characteristics?
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  • fly4fun
    fly4fun Posts: 416
    I run a coil 454, love it!

    But ive built up my 5 with a spec similar to the 5 pro, thought it weighs a beefy 32.5 lbs so if weight is an issue, mayb stick with the vans? Though for me i know a load of the weight is in the tyres (maxxis highroller 2.35 60a) and inner tubes.

    xxx
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  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    Air is lighter but also gives a greater range of adjustability without messing about with changing the springs.

    Coil gives a plusher smoother feel whereas air can be notchy feeling. However, the Fox float won't feel notchy though - couple of rides to bed in and it'll feel lush!
  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,593
    I have the RL version, its super sweet and i love it, stick with it mate
  • NikB
    NikB Posts: 243
    OK sounds like I will stick with the standard forks then. Cheers.
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