[jebfour]

Looking for a new fork for my ride….here is a link to the bike I’m currently riding…

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5771&JServSessionIdroot=ji1bhedef1.j27004

The current fork is a Manitou Axel Super

The fork just sucks….I don’t know how else to say it. It bottoms out easily and performs like crap. I’m looking for a replacement and am partial to Fox Forx. I see lots of Fox Forx that may fill the bill, am looking for something that won’t bob while climbing and something that can take some jumping abuse is what I’m after.

Any suggestions?

 

[RhinofromWA]

Have you tried adjusting the fork. tStiffer springs and/or oil wieght and hieght?

It has a lock out for climbing. I don't know much of the fork otherwise......but that frame is not a jumping frame either.

Getting a fork that will take the abuse of jumping the frame won't be up for it.....

Is there a happy medium with your current bike/fork combo?

 

[jebfour]

I guess I should clarify.....when I say jumping, I mean like 3 ft.....nothing too extreme. I've tried all of the different settings, (other than changing the springs which are for someone much heavier than me) etc. No luck.

 

[gorgechris]

The best fork for you depends on several factors, including, but not limited to: travel, type of riding you do now, type of riding you plan on doing in the future, your cleaning and maintenance schedule, how much you weigh, whether you race or not, and how long you plan on having the bike.

I think many would agree that Marzocchi and Fox make the most dependable forks (and there are others who will call me an idiot for saying such). Based upon your bike, and the fact that you will be improving your skills greatly in the near future, I would recommend getting a mid-level fork with 125 - 130mm of travel. It should last you two years, after which you'll likely be buying a new bike to meet your improved riding capabilities.

Expect to spend several hundred dollars. If you trust your local shop, buy it from them and have them help you tune it. If you don't trust them, buy it online, and have the Monkeys help you tune it remotely. As always, buy the best you can afford. If you know what you are doing, you can get good deals on used forks. The best deals right now are probably on close-out '03 models. I suggest looking online at Universal Bikes or Price Point.

Once you get your choices narrowed down to a couple forks, throw up another post, looking for opinions on your selections.

 

[RITFreeRider]

I got a Fox Forx Vanilla 125 R a couple weeks ago and so far it's beautiful. Feels very progessive and takes a lot to bottom the fork when setup properly. It doesn't bob too bad under hard pedaling but the RL would fix that problem if you really wanted to. So my votes for the fox, it's stiff enough and has the weight advantage over the other forks out there.

 

[gorgechris]

Originally posted by RITFreeRider
I got a Fox Forx Vanilla 125 R a couple weeks ago and so far it's beautiful. Feels very progessive and takes a lot to bottom the fork when setup properly. It doesn't bob too bad under hard pedaling but the RL would fix that problem if you really wanted to. So my votes for the fox, it's stiff enough and has the weight advantage over the other forks out there.

I know several people who have the Fox Vanilla forks, and they are all quite happy with them.