[Phreaddy]

Hey all,
It's high time I replaced the Judy XC that came on my 1996 Stumpjumper. I think the travel is 63mm though, and I don't want to change the geometry so I need a fork that can at least be adjusted to 63. I've found the 2003 Duke SL U-Turn ($350 and 4.13 lbs), the 2002 Judy XC ($120) and the 2000 Judy Race ($150). Anyone know the weight of those last two? Is the 2000 Judy too old? Like anyone, I want the best bang for the buck -- would the 2003 Duke be worth spend more than twice as much on? My offroad riding is strictly crosscountry. I'm one of the nuts you see cycling up the mountain, instead of taking the lift. But generally, I ride fairly low-lying but bumpy New England and North East-style trails. And how about maintenance -- am I going to need to periodically add air, or do any other frequent work to any of these? What do you all think?
Thanks,
Phreaddy

 

[SwisSlesS]

I'm not sure on the weights of those. I was riding a 1997 Judy SL up until about a month ago, and it worked great. So I don't think a 2000 would be too old. That's a pretty big price range you named there, and I would say that as one would expect, you get what you pay for. The Duke will probably be stiffer, and plusher. The U-Turn feature is great as well. Another advantage of a new fork is that replacement parts will be readily available. So my recommendation is if you have the money, get the Duke.

 

[ummbikes]

I had an 02 Judy and it wasn't a half bad fork. It is easily tuned with oil, and Rock Shox sells springs if you need a different rate. I did run mine at 100mm so I can't offer any feedback on how it performs at 68mm. Good Luck.

 

[Renntag]

I wouldnt worry about weight. 4 pounds 5 pounds, what ever. I would say that 100mm is the way to go. The more slack geometry feels strange at first but you will like it.

I went from a rigid fork to a JUDY SL, bent it dirt jumping, back to rigid, then a girvin, goofy as hell, didnt like it, back to rigid, then a JUDY Hydracoil 100 like Wade Boots used to ride. That fork was plush, not real heavy and CHEAP.

Bottom line, get a good deal on a 100mm fork, install it with a few spacers on top to keep the steerer long enough to make resale easy in the case you arent looking for a long term relationship.


Good luck,
~q

 

[Greg94]

Check out the 2003 Marzocchi mx comp eta.

They have 105 mm of travel which will slacken the head
angle a little bit making it much more fun on descents.
When you hit a climb just flick the eta control on.
The eta control brings the ride height down to help
with climbing but still allowing about 30mm of travel.