I want to replace my 2002 marzocchi z1 free ride (130mm travel, eta 20mm axle) on a 2002 bullit. i put in the extra stiff springs along with 10w oil, and it treats me well. things i like about the current fork are the general feel and damping over small sharp stuff and medium size drops. i love the eta for lowering the front end while climbing. i don't like how low the front end is for steeper downhills and the flex is unnerving. it isn't horrible (like my last bike's mag 21), but it definitely is the flexy-est part of the bike.
i weight 270 lbs and this is my first mtn bike in 10 years so i am used to everything bicycle related flexing. i've been thrilled with all the new heavy duty stuff out for fr and dh as it is actually stiff enough for me to use on medium to hairy trails. i don't really do heavy freeride, more like aggressive cc, but being heavy puts similar loads on bike parts. i have yet to do drops over 3' or any gaps, but this bike feels so solid that i'm taking on way more than i ever did on my old stumpjumper hardtail. having a bike that doesn't squirm under me when i land helps confidence.
i bought the bike used from a very light tall guy, and have proceeded to finish wearing out the slider bushings on the current fork. i can replace them, but i'd rather put the $70 toward a new fork.
my big priorities are that the fork be reliable, stiff, not outrageously expensive, and have some way to drop the front end for climbing. damping at least as smooth a the current marzocchi would be great.
i've got it down to the rockshox domain 318 uturn and the marzocchi 55 eta. i the fox talas 36 is out of my price range. i'm leaning toward the domain, since the 55 is in it's first year and people have complained about the tst system crapping out. how is the domain? will i notice the extra pound up front compared with my old bomber? i can lose a pound in a few days for free. will it be stiff enough with the extra heavy springs? i like the idea of chromoly stantions and steerer tube, steel is way stiffer than aluminum of the same size. how is the motion control damping? any other forks to look at?
thanks,
Mike
i weight 270 lbs and this is my first mtn bike in 10 years so i am used to everything bicycle related flexing. i've been thrilled with all the new heavy duty stuff out for fr and dh as it is actually stiff enough for me to use on medium to hairy trails. i don't really do heavy freeride, more like aggressive cc, but being heavy puts similar loads on bike parts. i have yet to do drops over 3' or any gaps, but this bike feels so solid that i'm taking on way more than i ever did on my old stumpjumper hardtail. having a bike that doesn't squirm under me when i land helps confidence.
i bought the bike used from a very light tall guy, and have proceeded to finish wearing out the slider bushings on the current fork. i can replace them, but i'd rather put the $70 toward a new fork.
my big priorities are that the fork be reliable, stiff, not outrageously expensive, and have some way to drop the front end for climbing. damping at least as smooth a the current marzocchi would be great.
i've got it down to the rockshox domain 318 uturn and the marzocchi 55 eta. i the fox talas 36 is out of my price range. i'm leaning toward the domain, since the 55 is in it's first year and people have complained about the tst system crapping out. how is the domain? will i notice the extra pound up front compared with my old bomber? i can lose a pound in a few days for free. will it be stiff enough with the extra heavy springs? i like the idea of chromoly stantions and steerer tube, steel is way stiffer than aluminum of the same size. how is the motion control damping? any other forks to look at?
thanks,
Mike
