[BMRisko]

I am in the process of purchasing an '04 BH Comp to replace my Haro X3. I want to start getting into downhill (live less than an hour from Windrock), but I still like to do fast single track and rocky trails. I do have some uphills (yea, yea on the BigHit...I'll survive ), but basically I am looking for a fork that I can use for freeriding, singletrack and some entry-level downhill. I know the general consensus on the DJ 2 on the BigHit is that its junk, so I am starting my research for a fork early. Right now I have it narrowed down to three choices (after alot of time spent searching the archives and other sites) and I am not yet sure if I want a SC or DC, although if I start riding more and more DH, the SC probably won't cut it...? I am also trying to stay under ~$550 and keep it as light as I can. I'd prefer to buy new, unless I find something used that has been well-maintained. Anyways, the 3 choices so far are:

1) '04 Marzocchi Z150 FR
2) '04 Marz Super T
3) '05 Manitou Stance Kingpin (Haven't heard too much about this one yet, but it looks like a real possibility)

I know JensonUSA has the Jr. T's for like $370 shipped, but the reviews I have read on those aren't the most promising. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for beating a dead horse with this topic, but I'd like to know what some of you guys think first-hand. Oh yea, I am 170 lbs.

 

[dfinn]

I am in the process of purchasing an '04 BH Comp to replace my Haro X3. I want to start getting into downhill (live less than an hour from Windrock), but I still like to do fast single track and rocky trails. I do have some uphills (yea, yea on the BigHit...I'll survive ), but basically I am looking for a fork that I can use for freeriding, singletrack and some entry-level downhill. I know the general consensus on the DJ 2 on the BigHit is that its junk, so I am starting my research for a fork early. Right now I have it narrowed down to three choices (after alot of time spent searching the archives and other sites) and I am not yet sure if I want a SC or DC, although if I start riding more and more DH, the SC probably won't cut it...? I am also trying to stay under ~$550 and keep it as light as I can. I'd prefer to buy new, unless I find something used that has been well-maintained. Anyways, the 3 choices so far are:

1) '04 Marzocchi Z150 FR
2) '04 Marz Super T
3) '05 Manitou Stance Kingpin (Haven't heard too much about this one yet, but it looks like a real possibility)

I know JensonUSA has the Jr. T's for like $370 shipped, but the reviews I have read on those aren't the most promising. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for beating a dead horse with this topic, but I'd like to know what some of you guys think first-hand. Oh yea, I am 170 lbs.

I was able to find choice 2 for $500 new sold by someone on here. I'm very happy w/it so far.

 

[s1ngletrack]

I'd look at the new Flick - I've ridden 03' Fireflies on my '02 Bighit and '03 AC1 and have had nothing but good experience with them - the '05 Flick has 6" . I will not ride another Dirt Jumper - the DJ I that came on my '02 Bighit snapped @ the stanchions right below the crown - after 10 months.

 

[MikeD]

I'd personally go for the Kingpin. Search for it and you'll see what I and others think of it (no need to rehash it all out here), but also know we're just speculating at this point. Still, I'd take the chance, as none of it is unproven technology, and I'm guessing the chassis will be fine. No guarantees, but it's what I'd do.

Otherwise, I'd find a nice used Shiver or Dorado. I loved my 2002 Super T, and you should consider one of those, too, but there's a *potential* chassis problem in the bonded arch/lowers (not an epidemic problem, but something you should certainly check out on a 3 year old fork that's presumably been DH'd the whole time), so you should check that out in person before you buy. They're great in that they have dual HSCV damping and totally adjustable crowns, unlike some later models, but the qr20 system is stupid.

MD

 

[TheMontashu]

I wouldent change it i rode north star all sesion on mine and thats about a rocky as it gets. if you want light you shouldent have gotten a bighit

 

[BMRisko]

I wouldent change it i rode north star all sesion on mine and thats about a rocky as it gets. if you want light you shouldent have gotten a bighit

I'm not talking counting grams light, but a few pounds upfront can make a difference when going over stuff.

 

[Discostu]

I would suggest a Shiver. I had an 02' Super T on my 03' big hit expert (which is for sale complete or frame only btw) for a while, but then switched over to a 888r. The Super T was too short for the bike in my opinion, and I really prefer how it handles with the bigger fork. The 888r is obviously out of your budget, but surely you can find a used Shiver in your price range.

 

[BMRisko]

I would suggest a Shiver. I had an 02' Super T on my 03' big hit expert (which is for sale complete or frame only btw) for a while, but then switched over to a 888r. The Super T was too short for the bike in my opinion, and I really prefer how it handles with the bigger fork. The 888r is obviously out of your budget, but surely you can find a used Shiver in your price range.

I really like the looks of the DC Shiver as well. I have been looking around and there are infact quite a few in my price range. Think this fork got bumped up near the top of the list. Only downfall I see now is its a bit heavier than the Super T. Guess I would eventually adapt to it.

 

[lovebunny]

shivers a perfect fork for a bighit. i had one on mine. heres a pic. oh btw its for sale to. pm me

i highly reccomend the shiver.

 

[Criminal]

Super T Pro, this fork for the money cannot be beaten. The only one that comes close is the Slider Plus in my mind and that is a complicated POS that doesn't hold up to most DHers expectations. The Super T is pretty light, HSCV cartriges not SSCV...And its quite tunable to what you want. I had one on my Big Hit Comp '04 for 9 months and now its on my DHR (Marz. quality is supreme). The angle is nice, you don't want a huge hucker fork on a DH rig especially with the 24" rear it is way too raked out. SUPER T PRO!!!! KILLER DEALS ON THEM!!!! GET IT!!!!

 

[preppie]

I had the same fork options as you.

- Well the Z150 is a SC and I wanted the solid feeling of a DC.
On the other side, the ETA and turning radius is a big plus.

- The 888RC 200mm 04 (close out) was also on my list but it was
too tall, the 170mm was only available as an 05 and too much $.

- The Slider Plus was only available in a QR version (kinda weird that they
made a QR version on a 170mm fork, my guess is that is was an OEM
for Germany? ) I really wanted this fork, because its light and the SPV
is useful for pedaling around and when ridden hard the Slider feels
like "everything is under control, no matter what comes around".
A friend of mine has a Slider + on his Bighit and he use it for enduro as well
as full-on DH.

- The Kingpin is the Jr-T killer for sure, but I didn't want to be the guinea pig
for this first generation fork. But TPC+ and the Evil genius seals are proven.
It is the rest that I didn't know much about.

- So I picked up the Super-T pro 04: it's a decent DH fork, not too heavy,
the HSCV is great, marzocchi quality is unmatched, easy to work on and it's
very tunable. It's on a Kona Stinky and the geo is spot on, I don't know
how the geo would be on a Bighit, but many people like their Super en Jr's
on their BH. Btw : The QR20pro is not as bas as I thought, not at all.
(edit : another option is to buy the Jr-T for 370$ and buy the Super-T
HSCV upgrade kit for one leg for +/- 110$)

So after a long long search I'm extremely happy with my Super-T pro 04.

 

[corndogggy]

I'll trade you an almost new $900 7" Manitou Sherman Slider Plus for my old bike back (your Haro). Was installed on a VP Free, went on about 2 rocky trail rides for a couple hours, and never saw anything that even resembled a drop.

 

[Bicyclist]

A Super T is a great fork for the Big Hit. I have one on my '03 comp. The HA is, if anything, too slack. I would not want the extra weight and slackness that a Shiver would deliver. Hey, that's kind of catchy. So buy a Super T.