What suspension fork - lightweight long-travel

[TallTony]

I'm wanting to head back to hardtails and and looking to get a Cotic Soul. I understand that the best forks for this frame will have 130mm travel but my current fork (2007 Reba SL) only has 100mm and therefore I need to get something else.

Looking at CRC etc its really apparent that things have moved on since 2007 which was when I last knew anything about mountain bike gear - therefore can anyone make some recommendations to me?

Also, do I need a 20mm axle?

Thanks, TT

[anonymous-user]

In simple terms, avoid coils as they are heavy (all that oil and springs sloshing around) but it depends on budget really, RS Sektor dual airs look pretty good around £350, marzocchi 44s are also quite popular and a good price but a bit heavier. revelations would be the best choice for under £500, the dual position ones havent had the best of reviews though so go for the single position ones and CRC have some good deals on.

Chain reaction and the rockshox webaite just list most of the generic fetaures of the forls and not the specifics for each model so you need to reference it with the actual model base don other websites to be sure that you know what you are looking at. its a complete PITA but they all just cut and paste the blurb.

you just need to spend a bit of time learning the rockshox codes - DP = dual position, TK = Turn Key = RL = Remote lockout etc etc

as an example, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
but the blurb mentions both fixed and U turn coil which you cant have in the same fork!.... AARGH! its just lazy but quite annoying.

I'm looking at DT Swiss EXM 150s for the BFe but 130mm might be better for the Soul. the only issue are the number of service centres and mechanics who are familiar with DT Swiss

surely you only need a 20mm axle if you are running 20mm wheels?

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 2nd May 12:15

[R.P.M]

Depends on budget, but although 140mm travel, I would say the BOS Deville are the best forks money can buy in that class. http://boutique.bosmtb.com/en/produits/p22-deville...

I run a pair of 160mm and they are unbelievable.

[budgie smuggler]

pablo said:

you just need to spend a bit of time learning the rockshox codes - DP = dual position, TK = Turn Key = RL = Remote lockout etc etc

RL = Rebound & Lockout, not Remote lockout

RLT = Rebound, Lockout & Threshold - same as above but with a knob for adjust lockout threshold 'floodgate' - as opposed to popping a little cap off and using the rebound adjuster to turn it

Basically your mainstream options are:

Coil:
RS Sektor (damper not so good, unless it is the DualFlow rebound version)
Marzocchi 44RC3 Ti (probably the best performer out of this list)

Air (Fixed):
RS Revelation Dual Air (RL & RLT are both excellent but DualAir can be too fiddly for some)
Fox Float - Good but requires a fair amount of maintenance to avoid stanchion wear

Air (Adjustable travel):
RS Sektor Dual Pos - As per the coil version, the TK damper is not much good
RS Revelation Dual Pos - Good but DualPos has been unreliable in the past, possibly sorted now
Fox Talas - As per float, but also the Talas mechanism is not as plush/active as the float

There are also DT Swiss, Manitou, BOS, X-Fusion & Magura too but you don't see so many of those about so not sure on reliability etc.

Edited by budgie smuggler on Wednesday 2nd May 12:24

Edited by budgie smuggler on Wednesday 2nd May 12:27

[jshell]

R.P.M said:

Depends on budget, but although 140mm travel, I would say the BOS Deville are the best forks money can buy in that class. http://boutique.bosmtb.com/en/produits/p22-deville...

I run a pair of 160mm and they are unbelievable.

They should be unbelievable at that price!!

[shalmaneser]

Rockshox revelations are the forks to beat tbh. And yes, you do need bolt through, (although it'll likely be 15mm not 20mm) unless you like turning left every time you brake.

[mackie1]

Another shout for RS Revelations.

[village idiot]

RS Revelation RLT's dual air (not dual position). they are actually lighter than Rebas for some reason.

You can get 120mm SIDS, but I would still go for Revs.

alternatively, if you are feeling flush Fox 32 RLC FIT 140mm with Kashmina coating should do the job quite nicely.

[Mr E]

I run 150mm secktors on a steel hardtail and like them. They're not light however...

[mackie1]

I went a bit nuts and got the 150mm Revelation Teams with the Blackbox damper, U-Turn and 20mm Maxle. I guess the equivalent now would be the RLT Ti. Expensive but awesome.

[kieranbennett]

Get a carbon lefty;
http://www.project321.com/products_bike-cannondale...

With an 1 1/8" adapter kit;
http://www.project321.com/products_bike-lefty-adap...

[mackie1]

Lefty forks (or fork singlular?) just seem wrong to me. That is pretty light but does it actually work better than a Rev?

[missing the VR6]

alternatively, if you are feeling flush Fox 32 RLC FIT 140mm with Kashmina coating should do the job quite nicely.
[/quote]


Got these on my bike and they're glorious!

[Flippin' Kipper]

Most Reba's can be extended to 120mm, where the Soul is supposed to be the optimum. It's an easy job, and worth cracking your forks open to check. I did not think mine were expendable as the shop I got them from told me that they were 80 or 100mm only, however, they were indeed 120mm as well.