Mountain Biking - I need opinions on a fork upgrade.

I have Manitou Axel air shock on my 07 Fisher. It has always suited me fine until now. It seems to be leaking air, not real bad, I can still ride it, but none the less it is leaking. First can anyone give me a idea as to what it will cost to fix it, parts plus labor? Or, what would be a decent "not over the top super expensive upgrade,cant afford a Fox" money is real tight right now. Just want to know what the next up would be, or lets say 2 steps up.

I think a nice RS Tora Solo Air should set you back between $300-$350 depending on if you want Motion Control. Alternatively, you could check out a Marzocchi 44 w/TST2 from Jenson for about $250. They both weigh in around 4.4lbs.

Most places (around here, which seems to be pricy compared to everywhere else) seem to charge the hourly rate, about $85, to do fork overhauls. As for how long it would take or what parts it needs, I don't know, but count on getting charged atleast the hourly rate.

I am quessing the Tora is a upgrade over the Reba? Rock Shox web site has them all split up, but not in a best to worst set up.

I can't quite tell if you're being legit or not, so I'll err on the side of legit. The Reba is above the Tora in the Rockshox lineup. In XC/Trail, it goes from low to high: Dart-Tora-Recon-Reba-Sid.

I can't quite tell if you're being legit or not, so I'll err on the side of legit. The Reba is above the Tora in the Rockshox lineup. In XC/Trail, it goes from low to high: Dart-Tora-Recon-Reba-Sid.

I am being completely legit. My fork is leaking, and I want to upgrade. As strange as it sounds, for as long as I have been riding, I have never had a issue with any of my forks, so I have never really thought about different ones.I just used what came with the rig. I catch crap all the time from other guys I ride with telling me I need a nicer fork. But when I ride there bikes to see the so called difference, I cant really tell any. the $1000.00 Fox's do feel better, but I don't have that kind of $$ right now. I just found out its going to cost a tad over $100 to rebuild the one I have now.

So even if I went with a Tora, is that line better than the Manitou Axel? After doing some research, I think I want shock that I can adjust the travel on. Im now curios, to see if I can tell the difference. And remote lockout would be nice also. but again the more options, the higher the price.

Also on the Rock Shox site, they have different lines of Tora's and Rebas' One is for trail riding the other for XC, I really don't get the difference. To me trail riding is XC riding, I guess I am just a idiot :bang:

I think the Axel is the bottom of the line Manitou. I have roughly the same fork on my Cannondale I believe. If you want adjustable travel, Rock Shox has the U-turn system which lets you adjust the travel up to 50mm or thereabouts. For remote lock-out, look for one with Poploc, like this one (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18524-315_ROCTR9_KIT-43-Brands-212-Rock-Shox-Forks/Rockshox-Tora-302-Coil-W_-Poploc-2009.htm). I think the difference between XC and Trail, is weight and travel, because XC is more race oriented, without a lot of bigger bumps. As far as I can tell, classification from lightest to heaviest, and smallest bumps to biggest bumps is Cross Country - Trail - All Mountain - Free Ride - Down Hill. Each division has larger travel on front and rear, and is generally heavier.

It's looking like I may go for a Tora 318, Jenson has them for $250 right now. The 302 is $200, but I am going to bet its worth spending the extra $50.

Also I have not heard alot of good things about Marzocchi, seems they are known to have issues. I really wished I would have researched forks a long time ago. Now i am trying to learn 15 years of info in a few days.

You can get a used Fox for $250-$300...those Toras are nearly 5 pounds...as much as your bike's frame, or more.

yeah, the used might be something to think about...maybe the bike shop has some?

I bought my awesome Fox Talus RLC, a very very nice fork for half. If I needed to do it again, I would have bought something a bit lighter instead of all the fancy bells and whistles that came with the fork.

What I would not change is buying used, especially if the money is tight.

I plan to keep my options open for as long as I can. The fork is leaking, but not to the point where it cant still be ridden. It is loosing air at a rate of maby 1-2 lbs per day right now. I just want to be ready for when it blows out. ;)

I plan to keep my options open for as long as I can. The fork is leaking, but not to the point where it cant still be ridden. It is loosing air at a rate of maby 1-2 lbs per day right now. I just want to be ready for when it blows out. ;)

I have no clue as to the valve system on your fork but I'll assume its a schrader valve.

1. try tightening the core. Its needs a special tool.
2. try using a metal valve cap with a rubber seal. If the core is leaking the cap will act as an external seal.

I have no clue as to the valve system on your fork but I'll assume its a schrader valve.

1. try tightening the core. Its needs a special tool.
2. try using a metal valve cap with a rubber seal. If the core is leaking the cap will act as an external seal.

Some one else told me pretty much the same thing this morning. I quess I need to run to the auto parts store to get the right tool, he said it should be around $3

Some one else told me pretty much the same thing this morning. I quess I need to run to the auto parts store to get the right tool, he said it should be around $3

Try your local bike shop. They should be able to do it for free.....unless you really want the tool.

If you go to your auto parts store they'll have caps with the rubber seal inside and a built in core tightener.

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/graphics/00000008/NS6690_600.jpg

It's looking like I may go for a Tora 318, Jenson has them for $250 right now. The 302 is $200, but I am going to bet its worth spending the extra $50.

Also I have not heard alot of good things about Marzocchi, seems they are known to have issues. I really wished I would have researched forks a long time ago. Now i am trying to learn 15 years of info in a few days.

Am I going to have problems now? lol...
Im running a MX pro right now, should I expect it to self destruct on me?

Am I going to have problems now? lol...
Im running a MX pro right now, should I expect it to self destruct on me?

I am going by what I have read on Jenson's web site as of recent. Here in the states, or maby its just in my part of the states, it seems most are die hard Rock Shox and Fox fan's. Thats not saying, other brands are bad. It's just what is popular around here.

lol, thanks.

I was supposed to have a sarcasim face in my earlier post,
Those are the two companies I always look at, probabley because they are the most popular.

lol, thanks.

I was supposed to have a sarcasim face in my earlier post,
Those are the two companies I always look at, probabley because they are the most popular.

I am still doing even more research on forks, now I am leaning towards the Rebas, more than I want to spend :bang: but in the long run ill be happier. I have also talked to several people the past few days who have said they do love the Marzocchi's. They have some pretty high end product from what i have been hearing. If what you have works and has not given you a problem, ride it and don't worry about it.

...I catch crap all the time from other guys I ride with telling me I need a nicer fork. But when I ride there bikes to see the so called difference, I cant really tell any... :bang:

want and need...

you WANT a new fork...

you NEED to fix the one you have...

no $$$ you need to save all you can so you can keep up with the Joneses later...

want and need...

you WANT a new fork...

you NEED to fix the one you have...

no $$$ you need to save all you can so you can keep up with the Joneses later...

:roflmao2: You so speak the truth! Amen brother :thumb:

Id just fix the one on the bike , its a nice fork. But if you are going to buy new id get this one.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18379-315_MAR5R9-3-Parts-59-Forks/Accessories/Marzocchi-55-R-2009.htm

[QUOTE=Duce97;9468805]Id just fix the one on the bike , its a nice fork. But if you are going to buy new id get this one.

[URL]http://www.pricepoi:

That fork is over 6 lbs, and does not even have a lockout option :notamused: Are you serious?

I just found out its going to cost a tad over $100 to rebuild the one I have now.

DIY will be even cheaper if you're mechanically minded and have some tools, you'll only need to buy a few parts.

Link: Manitou Service Guides (http://www.manitoumtb.com/index.php?page=support&c=service-guides)

6+ pounds for a fork/!?!?!?!?!?

omg...

I have Manitou Axel air shock on my 07 Fisher. It has always suited me fine until now. It seems to be leaking air, not real bad, I can still ride it, but none the less it is leaking.


The air is either leaking out of the schrader valve or creeping past the air piston and into the lowers. You should check the oil in the air chamber. It's normal for it to seep past the piston over time, and it does need to be replenished on a regular basis. If the Axel is anything like an R7, all you will need is a 20mm six point socket to remove the top cap for inspection.