Stevenyg

Hi all
i have been looking for a long time to buy a new fork just to replace an RST and was wondering what people think about the MX Comp. Would also like to know how this fork compares to the Rock Shox Tora (base) or the J4. I have been researching but so far haven't found any helpful reviews and comparative information. If anyone has any information on this fork (pros cons etc.) and how it compares to other forks in the same range if would be much appreciated.
Thanks

gilbo182

Stevenyg, ive had an MX Comp ETA (105mm travel) for about a year now and it has been an awesome fork. The fork is very responsive to the trail, especially when comparing it to my old manipoo six that come on my bike. Its very easy to adjust, but it has an internal rebound adjuster (I would go with the Mx Pro just because it has an external rebound adjuster, but its up to you). I dont know about how it stacks up with any of the other forks you mentioned. I would go with marzocchi, they make great forks and wont let you down. good luck.

Stevenyg

thanks for the info gilbo. If anyone has anymore information it would greatly appreciated

rmwun54

I have the Marzocchi MX Comp on my bike and it's a performer. I like the cushy feel it has. Of course I changed the top adjusters to air adjusting caps. The air adjuster allows for more personal adjustment preference.

biketolive

I too also had one on my last bike I just sold last month, I really liked them, they are fluid and plush for the price. However they do add some extra weight, but I think they are more reliable because they are not trying to cut weight on their lower end forks.

cmfx_2

Unfortunately, I can't comment on trail performance yet. Just picked up my fork for my new bike 2 weeks ago. I've read only good things about it. Good price, good performer.

idleuser

I like the fact that it can be had for 200$ and it's one of those air/spring combo shocks. The adjustability is great because it's done through adjusting air pressure, and it's quite plush and smooth partially because of the spring half of the shock. Trail performance is noticeably good. And haven't had any problems with leaks yet, even when riding in cooold weather.

For the price difference between the air version of the Tora and the MX Comp ETA, I'd choose the MX Comp ETA.

iamthetas

the ETA rocks on climbs. big hits feel like pebbles compared to my old Manitou eraser fork, my only gripe is small scree type bumps at speed are not plush. its easy to work with and adjust( even the internal rebound is not hard to adjust with a 21mm socket handy and the allen wrench Marz supplies). I have the 120mm version and have been riding it since Oct 04( over 2k off road miles) and other than big jumps Ive tried almost everything without any complaints from lack of performance. I am 200# as well. I have 10 weight oil instead of the factory 7.5 and that has made the small bumps complaint much less since I can run lower psi and still get the same performance

Big Tommy C

I put quite a few miles on one, liked it a lot.
Good performance for heavier riders like me (weight ranged from 245 to 270lbs), though super high speed descents oon fire roads had a little vibration to them. Not as bad as previous forks, though.

Stevenyg

sounds like everyone is having a great time with their forks. Just another question, is there much differnece between just the ordinary MX comp and the MX Comp ETA. By the way if i did buy this fork or any fork for that matter is it worth getting a store to install it or should i attempt this myself (i have no previous experience with installing forks although i am quite "nifty" when it comes to mechanics). I'm asking this because i have read various manuals which say forks should only be installed by professionals.
Thanks for all the help and feedback so far.

idleuser

Without the ETA there is no "climbing mode" which pretty much means no lockout. ETA lowers the fork height and locks it out (makes it stiffer for climbing).

As far as installing a fork goes, I personally did it myself and I found it very easy. Basic tools around the house and a hacksaw and pipe-cutter was all I needed to install it. Some will suggest you bring it to a shop to do it, but all I'm saying is that it's easier than you think so long as you're mechanically savvy.

Big Tommy C

I only rarely used the ETA feature on mine. It's useful when you have steep climbs that can make the front end wander and make your bike want to flip over backward, but that's really the only purpose I found for it.

Lowering the front is something that is very useful for those situations though....I use the fairly similar ECC5 system in my Z1 FR SL all the time now that I'm running a shorter stem on my Heckler.

iamthetas

I love the ETA for climbs. not only does it lower the fork and stiffen it , it also still gives about an inch of travel for those rooty technical climbs.
a good pipecutter, a mallet and a way to install the star nut are all you need to install it. I used a dowel rod and marked the old star nut height on it and bopped it in with the mallet to the mark. the only place you can really flub up is cutting the tube too short or crooked and if you bang the star nut in too far they are about a buck so just get another one( I always buy 2 instead of just 1 to have a spare)

Stevenyg

wow thanks for the information everyone. Installing the fork still seems lyk a task with risks, for example cutting the tube too short will basically mean spending money for nothing