Mountain Biking - Englund Total Air?

Does anyone have experience with the Englund total air cartridges? I have a rock shox Judy XC, that is fine for now, but I am considering upgrading over the winter. The englund air cartridges look like an interesting option, and it is estimated I would loose 1/2 lb from the front end of the bike. A possible alternative is a new Marzocchi, but it would probably be a while before I could throw down for a whole new fork.

Just curious if anyone had experience with the total air system.

http://www.ekosport.com/ta_intro.shtml

I'd put your money towards a new fork instead of throwing a bandaid on a really crappy fork. If its weight you want to save Marz might not be the best choice for you.

Thanks for your opinion.

I really have to read up more on forks. I am not too concerned about the weight, I am more interested in the performance. I weigh about 175 to 185 depending on the week and scale I use, and I do not always pick the cleanest lines.

The fork I have now is the air assist Judy XC. It is coil sprung/ oil damped, and you can set the preload with air. I have not ridden any suspension fork other than the Judy, so I am not even sure about the performance of other forks. I think the estimated wieght of the judy is close to 5 pounds, so anything would be an improvement with weight.

I was looking at Marzocchis because they seem to consistently get good reviews for their quality, and my favorite bike shop sells them. Do you have any opinions on which Marzocchi fork would be best for agressive (read that as sloppy lines at speed) trail riding?

Thanks again seely

I asked about this in a thread about a year and a half ago... (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=27452) I eventually decided against it and went for the rigid fork instead but I was looking for less suspension really.

Thanks for the link khoun. It sounds like I am going through the same debate you were. I am looking for a higher quality fork really. I am not sure what that would feel like on the trail, but I guess I have succumbed to the marketing hype. I probably will not upgrade in the near future unless I stumble across a killer deal.

Thanks again.

I think for what you're going to spend on the upgrade, you can get a decent air fork on closeout. You might not need this year's fork, (esp. if looking at upgrading your old one).

Back in '98, I would have highly recommended the upgrade to a Judy fork. Being it was at (or near) the top of the line. With all the developments now, the Judy is toward the bottom of the line-up.

Plus, you may be able to get MORE features in a new fork vs an upgrade to an old one.

L8R

Thanks Mr. nut (or is it psykl). I usually find some great advice on this page from the likes of you and others, and frequently it echoes my own thoughts (maybe that is why I think the advice is good?).

I have been only been riding trails for a little over a year and I may just stick with the Judy for a little longer, until it needs a rebuild or my skill advance far enough to discover some serious shortcomings.

I am likely going to swap the frame out on my bike this winter, and I could probably use more time to let the bicycling section of my wallet recover.

happy riding