Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Rock Shox Dart 3 29er

Anybody use one? There's a bunch of new geared 29ers coming out in 2010 that look pretty cool that come with this fork. I'm about 205ish. Looking to use this for XC racing and some bikepacking style touring.

I realize that it's hardly top shelf stuff, but my tastes in suspension components are a little weird anyway- I've got a Tora 318 U-turn that I absolutely love. Plus it seems that the Dart is now the last jumping off point before air forks, and that instantly jacks a new bike price up well over $1000.

Since it's got a lockout and rebound adjustment, I'm guessing it's got an oil damper, no elastomers?

Anybody use one? There's a bunch of new geared 29ers coming out in 2010 that look pretty cool that come with this fork. I'm about 205ish. Looking to use this for XC racing and some bikepacking style touring.

I realize that it's hardly top shelf stuff, but my tastes in suspension components are a little weird anyway- I've got a Tora 318 U-turn that I absolutely love. Plus it seems that the Dart is now the last jumping off point before air forks, and that instantly jacks a new bike price up well over $1000.

Since it's got a lockout and rebound adjustment, I'm guessing it's got an oil damper, no elastomers?

The Dart is the lowest-end fork that RockShox sells. It uses a coil spring and oil damping. At 205lbs, I would expect that you'd need to replace the stock spring with one more appropriate for your weight. While I haven't ridden a Dart, based on the reviews I've seen I would expect it's performance to be underwhelming compared to your Tora. MTBR (http://www.mtbr.com/) is a good place to look for more information, specifically their reviews (http://www.mtbr.com/reviewscrx.aspx) section.

I have a Dart 3 29er, but it's my first suspension fork. From all the reviews I've read it's woefully inadequate compared even to the next level up. For my bike the next model up was $200 more. It had the Tora 318 Air fork and some other improvements (SRAM X5 vs. X7, hydraulic brakes). In retrospect I really should have saved up more and bought that bike.

I have a Dart 3 29er, but it's my first suspension fork. From all the reviews I've read it's woefully inadequate compared even to the next level up. For my bike the next model up was $200 more. It had the Tora 318 Air fork and some other improvements (SRAM X5 vs. X7, hydraulic brakes). In retrospect I really should have saved up more and bought that bike.


What don't you like about the fork, besides the reviews?

250-275 lbs and the Dart 3 bottoms out in parking lots while braking.

I've ridden this fork and wouldn't keep one if it was given to me. It get's especially scary while descending steep slopes and braking... add to this the additional height of a 29'er and you may see why Clyde Fork Selection is critical.

Save your money and buy something else. I know this may seem like harsh criticism, but I would NOT suggest this fork for anyone posting in a Clyde forum.

Most of the cheaper forks are spec'd for 180 lb riders. Most people over (or under) that weight see poor performance.

Most of the cheaper forks are spec'd for 180 lb riders. Most people over (or under) that weight see poor performance.

Actually, I've seen the Fox guys testing at the local trails on occasion and I doubt that any of them hit 180. 155-160 is my guess...