RST F1RST for $179, good deal? Anyone used one?
07-31-08, 06:09 PM
#1
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
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RST F1RST for $179, good deal? Anyone used one?
My gf's got a specialized hardrock sport disc with a RST Gila T7 coil fork. The problem is that a) it's heavy and b) even with the preload all the way down, because she's so light and doesn't ride that fast, the fork does almost nothing, I think she's gotten barely 1" of compression from it even though it should have 4". So going through rock gardens or heavily rooted areas is just a total blur for her.
I stumbled onto the RST F1RST fork for $179.
3lb 14oz.
Compression with lockout.
Rebound.
Air spring.
She's been on my stumpjumper with very low air spring pressure and it seems to work well for her, which is why I thought replacing the gila with an air fork would work much better.
Was this a good deal or is RST generally on the low-end anyway and it'll be leaking left and right?
A few people also recommended filling that thing up with grease the first time to get rid of stiction. Any recommendations for a grease?
I stumbled onto the RST F1RST fork for $179.
3lb 14oz.
Compression with lockout.
Rebound.
Air spring.
She's been on my stumpjumper with very low air spring pressure and it seems to work well for her, which is why I thought replacing the gila with an air fork would work much better.
Was this a good deal or is RST generally on the low-end anyway and it'll be leaking left and right?
A few people also recommended filling that thing up with grease the first time to get rid of stiction. Any recommendations for a grease?
07-31-08, 11:03 PM
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I can't comment specifically on that fork, but RST's new lineup of higher end stuff seems pretty good. The m29 has gotten great reviews.
I also think you are right to look at an air fork. Might also be worth shopping around for one of the Tora air sprung models. The nicer ones seem to function almost as well as Rebas, they're just heavier. Remember though that if she's light a heavy bike is going to be that much more of a pain. Maybe you should take the hardrock and she gets the stumpy
Oh, and I wouldn't trust the listed weight of that RST.
I also think you are right to look at an air fork. Might also be worth shopping around for one of the Tora air sprung models. The nicer ones seem to function almost as well as Rebas, they're just heavier. Remember though that if she's light a heavy bike is going to be that much more of a pain. Maybe you should take the hardrock and she gets the stumpy
Oh, and I wouldn't trust the listed weight of that RST.
08-03-08, 03:46 AM
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Looks pretty good to me, it would be an improvement from the Gila. However I think you could get a better secondhand fork for the same price.
08-04-08, 11:45 PM
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I can't comment specifically on that fork, but RST's new lineup of higher end stuff seems pretty good. The m29 has gotten great reviews.
I also think you are right to look at an air fork. Might also be worth shopping around for one of the Tora air sprung models. The nicer ones seem to function almost as well as Rebas, they're just heavier. Remember though that if she's light a heavy bike is going to be that much more of a pain. Maybe you should take the hardrock and she gets the stumpy
Oh, and I wouldn't trust the listed weight of that RST.
I also think you are right to look at an air fork. Might also be worth shopping around for one of the Tora air sprung models. The nicer ones seem to function almost as well as Rebas, they're just heavier. Remember though that if she's light a heavy bike is going to be that much more of a pain. Maybe you should take the hardrock and she gets the stumpy
Oh, and I wouldn't trust the listed weight of that RST.
08-04-08, 11:51 PM
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The F1rst is part of RST's new generation of better forks and should really give you no problems. I have not ridden a F1rst; but I've run 3 Sigmas and about 4 R1s (downhill forks) and all have performed fine. I just got an 09 Storm Super (came in the mail today from Taiwan) that I'm going to be putting through the paces on a long-legged trailbike to see how it does.
I also have two Aerosas (air-sprung predecessors to the F1rst) and have particularly liked the Aerosa HT.
I also have two Aerosas (air-sprung predecessors to the F1rst) and have particularly liked the Aerosa HT.
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