Mountain Bikers

[Reffc]

After an enforced 2 year break from cycling, I'm back in the saddle :cool:

However, my trusty steed (pictured) which I built up around the excellent (but rare) Azonic Propulsion 4-bar frame is showing a few signs of wear and tear following 8 years hard use (before my break). In particular, I've just had to replace the front disc brake (now sporting a Hope M4 V-tech):

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Random%20Images/DSCN2971_zpsb10a393c.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Random%20Images/DSCN2972_zpsdb0f078e.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Random%20Images/DSCN2973_zps2457e2e4.jpg

Whilst servicing the bike I noted that the rebound seals in the rebound damper are leaking plus oil levels need topping up. The forks date from 2002 so are really in need of a service but the cost of servicing these is probably more than they're worth (and I don't have the time to sort myself at the moment).

Visiting the local bike emporium I was told that things have moved on apace (ahem....doesn't that make you feel old and out of touch when shop keepers say that!?). Most forks these days are tapered (1.5 inch) and use 15mm QR through axles.

Well, I'm not ditching my frame or wheelsets. I found a fork that will do the trick, and decided on buying new as its too much of an (expensive) lottery buying forks off ebay (half of them dont work properly or are knackered).

I'm sorely tempted to the Fox 32 RLC100 FiT forks (1012 model. now heavily discounted). Anyone have any experience of these who would care to give feedback?

[synsei]

Although I have no experience of the Fox fork you are interested in Paul, you can't go wrong with Fox IMO. Parts are readily available for most models and their aftersales service is second to none. Lovely bike incidentally and you made a wise choice going for Hope M4's ;)

[Reffc]

Although I have no experience of the Fox fork you are interested in Paul, you can't go wrong with Fox IMO. Parts are readily available for most models and their aftersales service is second to none. Lovely bike incidentally and you made a wise choice going for Hope M4's ;)

Thanks Dave


that's reassuring to learn. I tried a Kona using Fox Vanilla forks about 9 years ago when I was mountain biking in Spain, and it struck me that they were much better than my Marzocchi Marathon SLs...more plush and complaint plus less fork flex. I'm very pleased with the Hope's. Not yet as much bite as my older Grimeca Quad calipers, but they need a little bedding in...saying that, they stopped me very rapidly from 35mph yesterday evening...loads of feel too.

[synsei]

The M4's will take a wee while to bed in, but when they do they will give you immense stopping power (you will probably find they will squeal like buggery during the bedding in period). Hope's major on feel (best brakes in the business IMHO). Marzocchi Marathon's are a good all round fork (I had Dirt Jam 3's on my Kona Scrap) but Fox do have them beat for plushness in my experience. Sadly, I had to sell the Kona due to a back injury and it was impossible for me to ride it after my accident. I miss cycling with a vengeance :(

[Reffc]

The M4's will take a wee while to bed in, but when they do they will give you immense stopping power (you will probably find they will squeal like buggery during the bedding in period). Hope's major on feel (best brakes in the business IMHO). Marzocchi Marathon's are a good all round fork (I had Dirt Jam 3's on my Kona Scrap) but Fox do have them beat for plushness in my experience. Sadly, I had to sell the Kona due to a back injury and it was impossible for me to ride it after my accident. I miss cycling with a vengeance :(

I can sympathise Dave as I had a major accident cycling in Spain a number of years back. Damaged my pelvis and fractured 5 ribs. 6 months recuperation and I fell off again on a local trail, dislocated my shoulder and damaged two vertebrae in my lower back including prolapsing two discs. I've had a severe bad back ever since, so know I have to be careful not to have another major "off"!

Can you not get back in the saddle for some gentle trail riding or road riding?

[synsei]

Sadly not Paul, the damage is permanent unfortunately. I hung on to the Kona for four years in the hope that I would be able to get back in the saddle again but it just wasn't happening, far too much pain. I sold it last year for 250 quid. That was a very tough day.

[Reffc]

Sadly not Paul, the damage is permanent unfortunately. I hung on to the Kona for four years in the hope that I would be able to get back in the saddle again but it just wasn't happening, far too much pain. I sold it last year for 250 quid. That was a very tough day.

Sorry to hear that Dave; Hopefully the hifi makes up a little for the enjoyment lost cycling? Different I know.

[synsei]

The money I got from selling the bike and a couple of other items helped to fund the system I have now, which I am very, very happy with. Music is my life ;)

[tubehunter]

Hi Paul


I run a pair of those Fox forks on my Marin. Very good ride and feel.
I had Rockshox sids world cup which were good but didn't track aswell as the Fox do.
I bought the Fox forks on Ebay they were described as used but had only been removed from a new bike so were mint.
Ebay works if you talk to the seller.

Duncan

[Reffc]

Hi Paul


I run a pair of those Fox forks on my Marin. Very good ride and feel.
I had Rockshox sids world cup which were good but didn't track aswell as the Fox do.
I bought the Fox forks on Ebay they were described as used but had only been removed from a new bike so were mint.
Ebay works if you talk to the seller.

Duncan

Thanks Duncan. I've seen a brand new pair at under half price so am tempted to run with that offer as used prices are much the same for 2012 forks. I had similar Rockshocks but they weren't especially reliable or that good for the riding I was doing at the time (lots of flex and seals popped); I preferred the Marathon SLs I use now, but they've seen better days and I rated the Fox forks I tried very highly. From all accounts they are reliable, very plush and spares are kept for ages after models are updated. Seems like the ones to plump for.

[Reffc]

New forks fitted today. Always a nervous moment when you're cutting down the stem to the correct length! After a bit of fiddling for set up (the Float Factory forks in RLC trim have 5 different suspension settings to mess about with) they ride plusher than anything I've ridden before. 100mm of travel feels more than enough for fast trail/aggressive XC riding and they seem to take reasonably big hits (only tried locally this afternoon) very well. Will try them on a climb this evening to see how not being able to lock down the forks affects the feel of climbing...I'll probably have to lean over the front more. In terms of suspension efficiency, these things seem to be the dogs whatsits. It's been an expensive week!

[synsei]

Nice one Paul, enjoy the ride buddy :)