sherpaPeak

Hi there,
this is my winter project for my mountain bike. my riding style is mostly XC/trail (fire road and single tracks), no jumps or drop offs. Lets start with my questions.

1. I bought a K2 Zed 4.0, it rides nicely but feels a little too twichy and nimble to my liking. I want to smooth it out a bit. Whats your suggestion? would a longer stem make any difference (it has a 90mm, 15 degree rise Ritchy stem).

1.1. do you think that as I regain my biking skills that "quick response handling" (i.e. twichy handling) would be a positive rather than negative?

2. it uses an Axel Comp 80mm front shocks, I want to upgrade it to a Marzocchi XC fork with 100mm travel. Will it make any difference with the twichy handling of the bike (like smooth it out).

3. the bikes standover is perfect for me, but the top tube is a touch too sort and the handlebar is a little lower than what i prefer. Whats your suggestion? would the layback seat post with 20mm setback help? or will it affect the handling negatively? Will the 100mm fork bring the front end up or do I have to use a riser bar and a stem with higher rise?

would really appreciate your input.

Namenda

You could try a wider bar to slow the handling down. As far as the bar being too low, start with a riser bar, then add a stem with greater rise, if necessary. Also, a longer stem would do more for you than a setback seatpost. It also won't change your leg to crank relationship.

sherpaPeak

Thanks. that was helpful. any idea about 100mm fork? I was thinking Marzocchi MX comp 100mm. is that any better than the Axel Comp that I have on my bike.

Also, I saw an Axel Elite 100mm on sale for $69, is that a good deal for that fork.

regards

pinkrobe

I'd take the Marz instead of the Manitou, just because of reliability. That's just my opinion and I could be wrong... I agree with Namenda that you should leave the seatpost alone and concentrate on the front end. The 100mm fork will make a fair bit of difference to the bike's handling, making it less twitchy. Be wary of raising your handlebar position up too much, as it will adversely affect your ability to climb. You won't have as much weight over the front wheel, and it will have a tendency to pop up on steeper climbs.

Make your changes iterative [one at a time] so you can see the differences of each change to your bike.

sherpaPeak

Great suggestions! thanks a lot. I was also thinking about the riser bar. the one I am using right now has a 20 mm rise, should I go for a 1.5" rise (about 35mm). will that make the the bike clumsy (handling)? Yeah, I always prefered Marzocchi over Manitou (for the same level fork). I would even go one level down for a Marzocchi.

Anybody knows a good site where I can find an entry level XC Marzocchi on sale with 100mm travel? please let me know.

thanks again.

mx_599

the longer fork should increase the rake angle if the absolute length of the set-up is truly longer. this would lighten the front end and make your bike less "twitchy".

however, i am not sure you'll notice much with 20mm...but at least it wouldn't be a move into the twitchy side

mx_599

here is another twitchy thought. although some will frown upon, it will work. you could tighten up your headset bearings at the cost of greater bearing wear. don't over do it and it really won't be bad. maybe your headset is even too loose??

sherpaPeak

a-ha. loose headset, that could the problem. I will try that and let you know what happens. by the way, you guys are so resourceful and constructive. I really appreciate it. please keep it up.

any thoughts about the Marzocchi XC forks. would there be a huge difference if I go with a fork with ETA (I believe thats what Marzocchi call it) instead of a pricier lockout fork?

what you think?

Lego Man

Hey, www.nashbar.com has some Marzocchi forks check it out. Don't forget to search for coupons and if you don't mind me asking, what is your budget?

mx_599

this place usually has some pretty good deals

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/138-Forks.aspx

i recently bought a rock shox REBA...i can't really say much about the ones you're looking at other than marzocchi is a good name

sherpaPeak

Thanks for your input. I know its not realistic, but I was looking for something around $100, possibly lightly used. is that a dumb idea. I would not mind swaping with a Manitou Axel Comp 80mm. its stock on my bike. I am not sure about the steer tube length, but its a medium bike with 120mm head tube. thans again.

sherpaPeak

sorry for sloppy typing. i meant THANKS AGAIN.