New forks for my Giant XTC 3

Jonesxtc3
Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
edited May 2012 in MTB buying advice
I have been looking at some new suspension forks for my Giant XTC 3, but I don't know if I should get 120mm or 100mm. I have been looking at fox suspension forks 2012. Any suggestions.

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    What is on there at the minute?
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    There is a RockShox Recon Silver TK Solo Air, aluminium steerer, 100mm travel
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I am not sure if Giant warranty the bike for 120mm forks, but either way, look at the RockShox Reba.
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    If it came with a 100mm fork then they don't.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    But many bikes come with 100mm forks and are warrantied for 120mm - it depends on the model and year.
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    What do you think of fox 32 FLOAT 120 FIT RLC?
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    supersonic wrote:
    But many bikes come with 100mm forks and are warrantied for 120mm - it depends on the model and year.
    I was pretty much told that by Giant when I wanted to do the same, in fact got a right snotty email back lol. Whether they've changed corporate policy I don't know.
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    What is the budget?
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    It's a giant XTC 3 2011, when I go on the trail its just not quick enough to respond to small dips and hills. Also when going down hill it's not responding as quick as I want it to. About £800 ish could go up or down.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I wouldn't spend £800, unless you plan to overhaul the bike - the money could be spent far better ie a new wheelset too. I'd stick with the Reba RL or RLT, I think they are better forks than the Fox Float RL.
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    I would stick to 100 mm of travel, the difference between the Recon and the Float you stated will be like night and day. Look for Kashima coated fork, and if you are planning on upgrading the wheels too, get a 15mm axle fork.
    But, as above, take a look on the Reba's, and you can upgrade other components for your budget too.
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    Ok what what should I look for on a good 100- 120 mm forks?
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    What sort of wheel set would I be looking at then?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    You can get a Reba RL for £250 from OnOne. Add to this a Superstar Wheelset (Switch hubs, Crest rims) at £220 - they weigh just 1650g, and for less than £500 you will have saved a lot of weight and increased performance.

    I don't agree that the Fox Float RL is much better than your Recon TK in perfomance - lighter, but only very slighly more controlled and a lot less stiff.
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    Not Float RL, Float RLC FIT :D
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • Jonesxtc3
    Jonesxtc3 Posts: 16
    What are your thoughts on 32 FLOAT 120 FIT Terralogic do it really work?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It does work, but not the smoothest fork, and doesn't do anything a well set up Reba or Float RLC does really.
  • mikeymike
    mikeymike Posts: 12
    I just put some Rockshox SID RCT3 100mm forks on my Cannondale. I understand it is a very good fork. Evans currently have a batch of OE forks that they are selling for £388. Considering they retail anywhere up to about £630, then this represents an exceptional bargain. The single only difference is that they come without the retail packaging. I had considered fox too but was led to believe that you get more bang for your buck with RS and they are easier to look after.