Mountain Biking - Front Fork?

Hey everyone, I am always contemplating what is a better frok company, and have mixed emotions from everyone i talk to, so what do you feel is the best? and why?

Marzocchi, in my opinion is the best fork company on the market. Their forks are well made and durable. Rock Shox is too busy trying to be the lightest fork maker on the market, their forks are too flimsy. Manitou is trying too many new technologies at once.

I've used forks from these companies and I've had enough experience to make the right decision for the brand of fork on my bike.

Most of the bikes that I see people riding on the local trails in my area have Marzocchi forks.

I use a Marzocchi Marathon 80.

First off what type of riding.That makes a hug difference. PErsonally I love Marzocchi. This is due to a recent letter I sent to each major fork company. I explained my style of riding, my size and asked detailed questions about their warranties. Marzocchi was the only one to respond. That in and of itself impressed me greatly.

fox, the float is the best air-sprung fork on the market

I ride Rockshox only because my bike shop did not have any marzocchi susp forks when I bought mine (and I needed asap). I was riding Manitou's until they broke on me, making my front wheel seperate from the rest of the bike... makes me stay away from their products. Fox seem to be the best, but are pretty high priced, (guess you pay for quality :confused: ). IMHO

From My experience, i'd say Marzocchi. (I'm an ex dirt biker, and thier motorcycle forks were the best you could get off the shelf.) I'd assume the mtb susp. is along the same lines.

I agree with PeterG about Fox. They cost a bit more, though.

I like manitou.I have a mars and a black as well as an older mach 5.Never had any problems.I love the black most of all.An excellent riding shock.Dont like rock shox.Never tried marzochi but would like to one day.

As opposed to a rear fork? I haven't seen one of those (other than the Turner / Seven Mavrick frame) for about 12 years.:rolleyes:

Originally posted by PeterG1185
fox, the float is the best air-sprung fork on the market

:thumbup: Hear, hear. The Float is the best thing since sliced bread. Well worth the money.

fox, the float is the best air-sprung fork on the market

yeah, i've been riding the Float RL since March and i LOVE it. similar to but better than the SID i used to have.

never owned a Marzochhi... i ride XC, so AIR forks are great for me... for long-travel or downhill forks, no real experience

I voted Marzocchi's. I've had a lot of different forks over the years and Marzocchi's are by far the most durable and have the smoothest action. I've had two Z-2's and a Z-1, and will probably be getting a SuperT.

I've owned a few Manitous, and they are a good fork, I'm not a big fan of Rock Shox. I've had to repair mine and my friends so many times that I lost all confidence in their product.

I've only ridden a Fox around the parking lot of a trailhead and it seemed to be an excellent fork, but haven't had to pleasure of taking one out on the trail.

L8R

What kind of price range are we talking about when buying a good xc fork?

It pretty much depends on what you want: Rockshox for lightweight, Fox and Marzocchi is you want smoothness but don't mind extra weight, or Manitou for the trendiness.

I pick Rockshox.

Hey Jrafter, cost is all relative.

How light do you want to go? How many external adjustments do you want? Do you want a lock-out?

I figure you can get a decent 80 mm travel fork from almost every manufacturer, last year's model for around $300 - 350.

If I were going to get a new XC fork, I'd probably look at the Manitou Black Elite with the 80 to 100 adjustable travel. Good fork, a little heavy for XC racing, but not too heavy for general XC riding at a very good price: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=17125

L8R

Im looking at psylo xc from jenson for $307 ........this i think would fit with my riding style........do new forks come with headsets?if not i was going to get a chris king.

Headsets are not included with forks unless a company is offering a special promotion. Figure another $110 for a CK headset, but once you buy it, you'll keep it forever. They come with a 10 year warranty and I've yet to know of anyone that has needed it!

L8R

Originally posted by urbanking
Hey everyone, I am always contemplating what is a better frok company, and have mixed emotions from everyone i talk to, so what do you feel is the best? and why?

Well, Marz probably has the best rep but that doesn't mean that they offer the best fork for every person or purpose.

What kind of riding are you doing?

I've finally decided, marzocchi is my choice.

Originally posted by urbanking
I've finally decided, marzocchi is my choice.

Which fork did you decide to get..??

Just a side not... the topic is Front Fork here....so that's what? Front fork as appossed to rear fork? HA HA... I say front fork all the time, and never thought about it till someone said that to me...I laughed, so I thought I'd post it here.

Oh... for a fork... it's either RS or MARZ... depending on type of riding

:beer:

Only tried RS, Manitou and marizocci. I dont have a mint to spend on a fork when the difference is minimal, so I've never tried Fox.

RS forks are okay, most are flimsy IMHO. RS also seems to have a total lack or customer support. Manitous are allright, but for the same money buy Marizocci. Very sturdy, reasonable price, friendly customer service.

I currently ride a 100mm coil sprung MXC. I have a retired Duke & Manitou SX-r gathering dust in the garage.

Hey, in that price range try a Duke. Don't care what they say, the Duke is a very reliable fork, and has a good dampening system. Not as refined as some of the others, but still good. For that money for XC you can't beat it

Just a side not... the topic is Front Fork here....so that's what? Front fork as appossed to rear fork

Well if you are talking about a "Lefty" then it would be a strut and not a fork. Wheres your head man? :p :p

Originally posted by slcpunk21
Just a side not... the topic is Front Fork here....so that's what? Front fork as appossed to rear fork? HA HA... I say front fork all the time, and never thought about it till someone said that to me...I laughed, so I thought I'd post it here.

Oh... for a fork... it's either RS or MARZ... depending on type of riding

:beer: Been there done that back in September even :rolleyes:

Marzocchi