Mountain Biking - LBS opinions

Hi all

Have been around my local bike shops asking for forks. I got some good news. The Z1DropOff is on the same price as the MXproETA. That is 400$ for the MXproETA plus shock pump and 400$ for the Z1dropoff. However many guys (lbs) seem to discourage me from getting the Z1. Specialized told me that the frame is ok for 5". Anyhow.... it seems that the price similarity justifies the purchase of Z1...i only wonder why the lbs is so negative on putting z1 on hardtails...

Probably cuz it'll change your bike handling characteristics considerably. Your bike will look a bit more like a chopper. That may not necessarily be a bad thing though. If your riding is progressing to the point where you're jumping more and higher or doing some drops, I'd think it's a wise choice.

The MXComp is better for more XC riding, but if it's the same price, why not go with the Z.1?

L8R

a2 i dont do any jumps at all...nor any dropoffs more than 1-2 feet. I just go fast downhill and steep descents. Raising my front 40mm will result to less acceleration on my bike and worse handling on flat land? meaning singletracks with no ascent or descent. I really like the Z1 idea but i am a bit afraid that maybe it will change my bike a looot. I dont know man.... it is a situation where you are between a rock and a hard place. I do crosscountry a lot. but not the lycra clad style... epic rides are in my timetable as well. We ride for 5 hours to get up a mountain and then to descent it. That is my riding. dunno...maybe the MXproETA (Air/coil) will be a good solution after all. Is it that better than my manipoo axel?

I'd choose the Zoke over the Manitou, simply for added strength.

If you're doing that much climbing, you should really stick with a shorter travel fork, OR get one with a Travel adj or a Travel Lockout! The benefit of the Manitou and Rock Shocks U-Turn is that you can quickly adj the travel to the lowest setting before a monster 2 hr climb, then increase it again at the top of the climb. The ETA is sweet that it sinks into it's lowest travel position as you compress the fork.

If the Z.1 doesn't have the lockout, I'd reconsider.

L8R

Point taken, the Z1 has the ETA lockdown....so it is The solution. I am really eager to become a suicidal junky again on wheels ...to remember those jolly days of teen! I hope that the Z1 will be a good tool to help me do so.

Manitou Black forks have a after market option of a lockout available. I recently purchased a Black Elite and like it just fine. It is plenty stiff, and very plush which is great for me at this point.

I just purchased a 2004 Manitou Black Elite with 100-120 mm travel. Now I'm planning to add a lockout to this fork, but unfortunately it is unavailable @ the LBS here in Bulgaria... Please, reccomend an online shop which offers this item. Thanks in advance !!!

I'd take a 'Zoch over a Manipoo any day of the week

We are a small country and there is no local Marzocchi dealer available here... Purchasing one from the States or Europe will double the cost for me...