Mountain Biking - Fork upgrade worth it?

I have a 2006 Kona Dawg Deluxe with a Marxocchi Grand Fondo 1 fork.

I am considering upgrading the fork because I prefer air-sprung forks to coil springs due to the range of adjustability.

I'm asking for suggestions for a decent air-sprung fork. I'm open to any suggestions except for Manitou.

Stipulations: Must be dual-air sprung, and 130mm travel.

OR....or should I just stick with my Gran Fondo? It's barely broken in well, so it's practically brand-new.

You'll need a new wheel, I'd have to say look into a Pike.

new rims? well that sucks.

Well, maybe not. I've never been too fond of Sun's SOS rims, and their pretty plain and ugly (matte black)

revulations are the qr version of pike i think
dual air with adjustable travel

Marzocchi All Mountain series.

Marzocchi All Mountain series.


Those are coil-sprung...I'm looking for air-sprung forks.

http://www.marzocchi.com/template/detailSPAForksMTB.asp?IDFolder=208&LN=UK&Sito=usa%2Dmtb&IDAnno=30710&mCO=Prgho%5ChduPrgho%5Chdu%23GHVF%2F%23VhulhRuglqh%2F%23QrphIrufhood&mCW=DQG%23%26Prgho%5ChduPrgho%5Chdu%26%23A%40%23%2A5334%2A%23DQG%23%26DP%26%23%40%234%23DQG%23%26Prg ho%5Chdu%26%23%40%2363%3A43&mCJ=&IDOggetto=31044

160mm is also too much for a dawg. Given on hhow tall marzocchi's are.

Fox 32 Talas?

160mm is also too much for a dawg. Given on hhow tall marzocchi's are.

While 160mm is too much, I'm shooting for 130mm, or a true 5 inches of travel.


Jason222, would you actually consider that fork an upgrade over the GranFondo 1 ?

Let me just say that so far, I have found only one other fork that I really like, and that is the Fox Float RLC 130mm.

I don't want to just have ONE option, though, which is why I am asking for opinions. The more feedback I get, the more of an informed decision I can make based on the opinions of people that have actually used the forks and have kept up with the technology more than I have.

Jason222, would you actually consider that fork an upgrade over the GranFondo 1 ?
Yeah, well it's adjustable from 160 to 120 mm and anywhere in between. The air valving is supposed to adjust itself to it as well.

What travel is your bike at now? 120 mm? That fork would probably work, just have it adjusted down, and bring it up for the downhills...

Or if that's not your thing...don't bother.



You might be able to find a Marzocchi All Moutain SL at 130 mm(2006 model).

Fox 32 Talas?

that is like... so expensive even for a used:eek:


maybe cuz i'm just poor

Dont get me wrong, the coil-spring forks feel "cushier", but i like fairly stiff suspension.

Jason222, yeah I noticed it was adjustable. I'm gonna look into that fork more...thanks for the advice :)

My current fork is 120mm, but the frame is actually designed for 5-inch travel, or 130mm.

that is like... so expensive even for a used:eek:


maybe cuz i'm just poor


Air forks tend to be a tad more expensive than their coil-sprung counterparts.

I'm not gonna go bashing around on a cheapo fork either....I had a BAD crash due to a blown seal on my old MOTO Freeride fork, which was actually considered a good fork back in the day. I ended up in the hospital from that crash..no lie.

Suspension can definately help you, but if it fails or breaks at the wrong moment, you can get seriously f-ed up.

That's one the reasons I shy away from Manitou.