[djjohnr]

Shopping for a new fork for the trail/am bike. Plan on running it at 150 or 160 depending on what frame I wind up with next. A major criteria is how smooth/active/buttery it is through it's travel. My last few 36s have been hit or miss in that regard (including coil). My weight runs up to 185 out of the shower in the winter, so it needs to not be a noodle. While out of the box damping matters I have no problems sending it off for custom tuning. What 18/19 single crown forks have you guys tried? Anything with notably better friction-less feel throughout the travel than normal (think old school marzocchi)?

Considering:

MRP Ribbon
DVO Diamond - reports state this thing feels pretty buttery, I'm highly interested
'19 36 - supposedly much more supple...I'm wary, but willing to consider
'19 Lyrik - same sentiment as the 36

Not Considering:

Mattoc - owned one. Great fork for the money, but not especially buttery
Cane Creek - have had too many warranty issues with their other products
Pike
34

 

[jonKranked]

@SkaredShtles likes his MRP ribbon a lot.

 

[Cerberus75]

Out of the box the MRP ribbon coil is nice. If you're willing to do the work, I love my Yari with Avy cartridge and Push coil kit. I wish there was a cheaper option for the coil since i dont really use the ramp up feature. My bike is pretty linear in the rear and prefer both ends to feel similar. But i may use it on my next bike.

 

[Nick]

I converted my Pike to a coil via Push ACS kit and think it is the best feeling trail fork I've owned.
Buttery friction-less travel, great damping and tuneable BO.

That all said, I'd like to try the new Lyric w/new air spring and new damper.

 

[roflbox]

I converted my Pike to a coil via Push ACS kit and think it is the best feeling trail fork I've owned.
Buttery friction-less travel, great damping and tuneable BO.

That all said, I'd like to try the new Lyric w/new air spring and new damper.

I think I was on the new lyric when I was in Moab in march
There was abotu 5mm of weirdness in the top of stroke (which would only show up if the rider was off the bike) but after that it was a amazing fork, best I have ridden to date

 

[SkaredShtles]

@SkaredShtles likes his MRP ribbon a lot.

Can confirm. Smooth, supportive travel through the range (running it at 160). Light years better than the Fox 34 it replaced.

@StiHacka can vouch as well, I think.

@SuboptimusPrime may also, although I'm not sure if he has installed his yet.

Disclosure: at 185 I run a medium spring and I wouldn't call the garage-squish test "plush" but the proof is in the pudding - take it down a 4-mile, rock and root-riddled singletrack and the thing tracks really well and at the end I'm not incapacitated by arm-pump. Which is how it was with the Fox, and to a lesser extent, the Revelation on my old bike.

 

[Nick]

Disclosure: at 185 I run a medium spring and I wouldn't call the garage-squish test "plush" but the proof is in the pudding - take it down a 4-mile, rock and root-riddled singletrack and the thing tracks really well and at the end I'm not incapacitated by arm-pump. Which is how it was with the Fox, and to a lesser extent, the Revelation on my old bike.

also this ^^^.
the fork mod and new brakes leave me with noticeably less arm fatigue.

 

[Bikael Molton]

the 19 Lyrik with the new air Debonair2 spring is definitely more supple than before. I upgraded my '18 and it is quite different, as in more "plush" or "comfortable".

 

[FlipSide]

I am very happy with my '19 Lyrik RC2 @180mm. Excellent feeling, excellent support, great adjustability. I'm not done playing with it and I can't comment too much on the smoothness/plushness. I'm running mine very stiff and it's certainly not that plush on slow and rooty trails...but man does it work at high speeds. I could probably back down the damping a bit and find a middle ground that improves the plushness.

I should say also that there was something incorrectly assembled in the air spring (some under-torqued and barely lubed bits) and it blew up on the 1st ride. It was an easy fix and nothing was damaged inside. Since this repair, it has been quite amazing. I'm coming from a 34 with full PUSH internals.

 

[djjohnr]

Can confirm. Smooth, supportive travel through the range (running it at 160). Light years better than the Fox 34 it replaced.

@StiHacka can vouch as well, I think.

@SuboptimusPrime may also, although I'm not sure if he has installed his yet.

Disclosure: at 185 I run a medium spring and I wouldn't call the garage-squish test "plush" but the proof is in the pudding - take it down a 4-mile, rock and root-riddled singletrack and the thing tracks really well and at the end I'm not incapacitated by arm-pump. Which is how it was with the Fox, and to a lesser extent, the Revelation on my old bike.

I'm not looking for plush in terms of soft damping, I just want something with as little stiction as possible all the way through the travel. I have an X-Fusion RV1 that's amazingly active (more so than any coil 36/40 I've owned), the only thing that compares are USD forks. I'd love something close in a single crown format.

 

[SkaredShtles]

I'm not looking for plush in terms of soft damping, I just want something with as little stiction as possible all the way through the travel. I have an X-Fusion RV1 that's amazingly active (more so than any coil 36/40 I've owned), the only thing that compares are USD forks. I'd love something close in a single crown format.

Ribbon might be the ticket for what you're looking for...

 

[Carraig042]

I would have the ribbon on the top of my list for sure. I have been deep in thought on the same subject.

-Brett

 

[StiHacka]

I really like my coil Ribbon a lot. The only downsides are a) boost only, b) kinda loud damper/rebound.

 

[jonKranked]

I'm not looking for plush in terms of soft damping, I just want something with as little stiction as possible all the way through the travel. I have an X-Fusion RV1 that's amazingly active (more so than any coil 36/40 I've owned), the only thing that compares are USD forks. I'd love something close in a single crown format.

http://www.xfusionshox.com/products/forks/revel-series/hlr

 

[djjohnr]

http://www.xfusionshox.com/products/forks/revel-series/hlr

My weight runs up to 185 out of the shower in the winter, so it needs to not be a noodle.

 

[jonKranked]

bitch please. i've got at least 20 lbs on you on a good day. probably closer to 30. i'd run that fork.

 

[djjohnr]

bitch please. i've got at least 20 lbs on you on a good day. probably closer to 30. i'd run that fork.

You ridden one?

 

[jonKranked]

You ridden one?

negative. but i'm a gamblin' man.

 

[djjohnr]

negative. but i'm a gamblin' man.

What could go wrong?

 

[jonKranked]

What could go wrong?

at least it's not an e-bike

 

[Happymtb.fr]

If you like inverted forks, take a look at this one: http://www.crconception.com/FORE-SC/

The guy published some data for torsional stiffness:
37,7 Nm/° Fore Sc
35,3 Nm/° Pike
25,3 Nm/° Fox 36

 

[Jm_]

If you like inverted forks, take a look at this one: http://www.crconception.com/FORE-SC/

The guy published some data for torsional stiffness:
37,7 Nm/° Fore Sc
35,3 Nm/° Pike
25,3 Nm/° Fox 36

Reminds me to add inverted single crown forks to the gimmick thread, thanks.

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Reminds me to add inverted single crown forks to the gimmick thread, thanks.

You're welcome!

 

[SuboptimusPrime]

@SuboptimusPrime may also, although I'm not sure if he has installed his yet.

Still haven't run mine--need to get boost adapter and have been too lazy to figure out which to get. Running I9's so open to suggestions.

 

[rockofullr]

I am very happy with my '19 Lyrik RC2 @180mm

Can confirm. Upgraded my 2017 Lyric with the RC2 damper and it's a huge improvement. So far so good. Still turning the nobs in search of my happy place.

 

[HAB]

If you like inverted forks, take a look at this one: http://www.crconception.com/FORE-SC/

The guy published some data for torsional stiffness:
37,7 Nm/° Fore Sc
35,3 Nm/° Pike
25,3 Nm/° Fox 36

I call shenanigans on the pike being that much stiffer than a 36.

 

[Happymtb.fr]

I call shenanigans on the pike being that much stiffer than a 36.

Is that because it comes from a French guy?
Did you make some measurements?
How do you separate frontal from lateral from torsional stiffness while riding?
Sorry for the rhetorical questions!

The Intend Edge is 17,3 Nm/°

 

[Happymtb.fr]

@djjohnr why not consider the new manitou yet to be released with 37mm stanchion?

 

[KenW449]

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/review-fox-36-grip2-vs-rockshox-lyrik-rc2-fork.html

 

[djjohnr]

Can confirm. Upgraded my 2017 Lyric with the RC2 damper and it's a huge improvement. So far so good. Still turning the nobs in search of my happy place.

What are you having a hard time tuning out/in?

 

[KenW449]

Also a candidate for the gimmick thread.
http://www.adroitcycleworks.com/product/adroit-front-subframe-linkage-fork/

Cannondale is also coming out with a new line of Lefty's.
https://www.cannondale.com/en/International/Innovation/lefty.aspx

 

[rockofullr]

What are you having a hard time tuning out/in?

Nothing really. Only had 2 rides so far. Also threw in a Luftkappe at the same time so the fork rides totally different and needs different air pressure and different number of volume reducers. Just takes time to get it dialed.

First ride I think I had too much HSC and it was making the fork feel dead when I was bunny hopping/jumping. Second ride after dialing back the HSC and opening the rebound a bit more it was better.

I think the current setup might be too linear compared to my rear suspension (Capra is super progressive with an air shock) as I'm still feeling a bit front heavy in the air. I was running 3 volume spacers before the Luftkappe and went down to one. Gonna give it one more ride as is then throw another volume spacer in to see if it feels better.

I have noticed that I am running the rebound almost all the way open. Hopefully the added spacer will allow me to slow it down a bit. I tend to like the rebound fast in the front to help keep the front end up on jumps and rough high speed sections.

 

[djjohnr]

@djjohnr why not consider the new manitou yet to be released with 37mm stanchion?

I thought my Mattoc was a good fork for the money, but I didn’t think it’s performance was anything special compared to Fox. Loved my Dorado though.

Also, I had to send in the Mattoc for warranty twice in two months.

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Here you can find some data for several forks:
https://www.bike-magazin.de/komponenten/federgabeln_daempfer/test-2017-enduro-mtb-federgabeln/a37289-page3.html

 

[Dogboy]

Still haven't run mine--need to get boost adapter and have been too lazy to figure out which to get. Running I9's so open to suggestions.

I'd just get the I9 Boost endcaps and do a slight (3mm) re-dish. Holler if you want some assistance.

 

[roflbox]

Still haven't run mine--need to get boost adapter and have been too lazy to figure out which to get. Running I9's so open to suggestions.

or @jackalope and I can get some washers and superglue

 

[time-bomb]

Still haven't run mine--need to get boost adapter and have been too lazy to figure out which to get. Running I9's so open to suggestions.

I use Problem Solvers on my I9 Enduros w/the Ribbon fork and have had no issues. Even done some DH riding w/this fork and wheel combo (just added DH tires) and had no issues. They are simple, clean and a decent price.

@djjohnr - i would have no problem recommending the Manitou Mattoc Pro 2, great fork and no issues in my experience but the Ribbon beats it out IMO. It is plusher off the top (incredible small bump sensativety) and has better midstroke support. In fact, I have never ridden an air fork that can do both of those things so well. I own both of these so I can make a reasonable comparison. I’ve tried Fox and RS and could live with either of them but neither of them inspired me enough to want to pay the price difference for them. I have no regrets w/the Mattoc or the Ribbon. If I could only choose 1, I’d keep the Ribbon.

 

[time-bomb]

I forgot to mention, I looked into the MRP Better Boost Adaptor Kits and really liked them. There are no little pieces to lose when out on the trail if you need to remove the wheel for some reason. However, the guys at MRP mentioned how tight the tolerances are on those hubs in particular and said some had problems getting them to fit or remove them. So I opted for the cheaper and easier solution: Problem Solvers.

I have changed multiple front flats on the trail. As long as you are aware of the fact that the spacers are there, you shouldn’t have any problems. Also, no redishing is necessary.

 

[Jm_]

MRP boost adapter is slick, using on my fork. No relocating the brake rotor, so you can use centerlock.

 

[Jm_]

I forgot to mention, I looked into the MRP Better Boost Adaptor Kits and really liked them. There are no little pieces to lose when out on the trail if you need to remove the wheel for some reason. However, the guys at MRP mentioned how tight the tolerances are on those hubs in particular and said some had problems getting them to fit or remove them. So I opted for the cheaper and easier solution: Problem Solvers.

I have changed multiple front flats on the trail. As long as you are aware of the fact that the spacers are there, you shouldn’t have any problems. Also, no redishing is necessary.

I have the MRP and they say you can easily remove your DT 240 end caps and then plug in their caps. I found this to be wildly unrealistic and I’ve not found a way to remove the end caps without severely damaging them or the fork axle (they suggest using). The brake adapter that spaces the brake over for the rotor is slick. I just use regular spacers on the hub. I just bought it for the brake adapter.