"Ooh Input"! or "I need yours" - Fork Decision
 

Help me spend my money wisely.

Up for debate and input...which fork to put on my Freeride/Heavy Duty XC rig.
2003 Giant AC-1 with a Manitou Swinger SPV on duty at the back end. I like to ride pretty heavy duty XC (very technical, some drops but nothing over 6ft) and very light DH.

Currently running a 2002 Rockshox Psylo. It's been rebuilt twice and it's friggin leaking again. I'm tired of this noodly, leaky shock! I'm also wanting a sturdier and plusher fork up front with a QR20 or similar front axle for more rigidity.

I've been researching this for a few months...I was hoping that Manitou would be bringing out a 1 1/8th 6" travel Sherman - no deal, it's just not in the cards. I'm limited to 1 1/8th forks, my choices have come down to:

- 2004 Manitou Sherman Firefly SPV QR20. Currently top contender, it's light and pretty beefy.
- 2004 Manitou Sherman Slider SPV QR20. 7 inches...SPV...and almost 7lbs though. How much will a dual crown limit my technical riding ability (turning radius)...
- 2004 Marzocchi Z150 - Not keen on doing long-haul XC riding with an almost 7lb shock up front though.
- Other suggestions welcome!

Objective, subjective...whatever - just give me your honest opinions and experience with the brands and shocks. I've always ridden Rockshox and I've not had a good history with them. BTW - Saying "Manitou sucks...or Marzocchi sucks" doesn't do me much good...

Thanks!

What about a Vanilla 125 RLC?

BTW hows the weather in the springs? I was there to visit my sister over the summer and that place is sweeeet

Have you tried the Psylo QR20? It's a bit beefier than regular Psylo.

But it still has the same seals.

My vote would be the Z150 but the weight is not a concern for me. A buddy of mine was using the Firefly and he liked it a lot. I do not like Manitou my self.

Have you looked at the Z1 Freeride? I have been running one now for about 1 1/2 yr. Holds up well and has the ETA for those times you need to climb.

:beer:

I second the Z1 Freeride.

I third the Z1... i dislike manitou and rockshox a lot!!! i have tried both of them and then switched to marzocchi....what differs here is quality of construction, user servicability and long term reliability...not to mention stiffness and price....

I don't know why I didn't consider the Z1 FR...anyone know what they weigh??

According to the Marzocchi website:
Z1 FR 2,285g = 5.03lbs
Z1 FR SL 1,917g = 4.22lbs

+ 535g for an uncut steel steerer

I ran a quick spreadsheet and this is what I came up with...
Z1 FR 6.22lbs with uncut steel steerer
Z1 FR SL 4.72lbs with uncut alloy steerer
Z150 FR 7.06lbs with uncut steel steerer
Z150 FR SL 4.83lbs with uncut alloy steerer

The SL's are light enough...but I want coil springs! And the non-sl versions are too piggish for my riding style. Looks like I'm back to the Firefly.

Whoa!

'03 Sherman Firefly's on Performance for $399 (with QR20)!!!

Plus the 10% back in Performance Points...that's a BRAND NEW '03 Firefly for $360.00!!

Is an '04 with SPV worth THREE HUNDRED bucks more?