[MikeOK]

Well, the Bullit has seen it's 3rd fork now, I thought I would throw in my 2c worth for the search. The first build on my Bullit was with a Super T. I didn't like the way it "scrunched" me up and in my opinion it made the head angle too slack, and I like a slack angle.

I sold the Super T and bought a used Fox Vanilla RLC. It has been my favorite of all for ride quality, but I promptly smoked it a couple weeks ago and decided to replace it.

Yesterday I put an '03 Marzocchi Z1 FR on. I did a long ride on it today and it is a close second to the Fox. I think the Fox is plusher, but the zoc's slightly longer travel and "stiffer" feel makes it good. The lockdown is the best idea I've seen on forks in a long time. It is much different than a lockout like the Fox, instead it locks the fork down about 2/3 of the way down it's travel for climbs. It changes the head angle just right for a cobbly rocky climb but you still have about 1/3 of your travel left. And the last 1/3 of the travel is stiff too. Excellent!

So, overall, in my opinion the Fox is best for XC, for all around the Z1 is best. I think the Z1 would even be good for moderate DH. For me, the Super T was just scary. It was by far the strongest feeling fork, but it made the bike too unstable and it was hard for me to stay centered. Maybe it would be better if you used a longer stem than the one that comes with it, but it would be hard to be able use both. And the stock stem is too cool not to use.

BTW - anybody have any experience getting Fox stuff overhauled? I would like to get mine repaired for a Cove I am building. What was the cost?

 

[Kornphlake]

It's funny you didn't like the super t on your bullit. I built up my AS-x (nearly identical geometry, slightly lower BB) with a Fox vanilla and rode it for about a month before deciding it was time to get a DC fork. I love the way my bike rides with a Super T, I just find that I ride with my weight farther forward letting the fork do it's job where with the Fox I had to stay back and help the front wheel along. Climbing isn't the bike's strength, but in reality I didn't buy this bike with the intention of riding up hills alot, in a pinch it can still go up hill, but it isn't a S-works Epic that's for sure.

As far as fox parts, depending on what needs to be done it'll cost a ton, I was told that the bushings can't be bought without the lowers which run about $180 + Shipping. Seals cost me a reasonable $15 +shipping but they had to be ordered from Fox, apparently shops can't stock them or fox makes it difficult at least. It may be better to look for a used fork and just keep the busted one for spare parts.

 

[MikeOK]

Kornphlake - I shipped my fork back to Fox yesterday. I told them what problems I was having and they said a complete rebuild for $60, including bushings as necessary. We'll see, sometimes things don't turn out the way they say when you first talk to them, but if it is as high as you say I will definately be looking for a new fork. I'll post back whenever I know more...