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Scouting For suspension
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
After my hands and arms litterally being shaken to bits after the last ride ( i litterally had to squeeze for dear life on my handle bars so it would hurt as much ) I started scouting the web for a small air fork and found just the thing a brand new rock shox tora 100mm solo air fork. Not a bad price at $280.00 AUD at my door. checked the tube length and i think it will fit. I think ive got a 240mm now but can also get the fork with a 254mm
Is it worth the money, is the fork any good
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for reviews is mtbr.com
They list heaps of parts and complete bikes by category.
I'm not sure exactly which model you are looking at but if you scroll down this page http://www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/2009-forks/PL... you'll find a selection of Tora forks to look at.
In general look for a little star with an r in it, they are usually best performing for $
As with all reviews, take them at face value. My experience would suggest that two types of people take the time to review products, ones that like the sound of their own voice, so to speak, and want to justify their new purchase by telling everyone how great it is and people that have recieved a bad product and want to slag off about it, often because they have chosen the wrong product for the required use, but also because it was a shitty product to start with. Look for large numbers of reviews for the one product, the more the better and the better the chance of getting a reasonable idea of genuine product quality.
sorry, but I haven't used the fork mentioned so can't comment directly but have had good experiences with rock shox forks on two of my bikes. I have heard that seal quality can be a little dubious but strangely enough I've only had to change the seals on my Fox forks.
Hope that helps
The site is amazing, the reviews are good but i just wanted to get a first hand opinion from someone on the forum.
Thanks for your help
... on what you currently have? Most definitely.
Another place to look is second hand forks. Half the price of new ones and work just as good.
A place to look is http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/forumdisplay.php...
Yeah, second hand is the way to go if you're on a budget like most. I picked up a set of 130mm Fox 32 RL (rebound and lockout adjustment) for $240 off ebay. They had a few cosmetic marks on the crown, but over all they were in great nick. They had just been serviced, but when I got them I did my own service on them. If you've got some cash ready, check out ebay and the forums like rotorburn for a bargain. Just make sure your steerer length is long enough. A lot of forks have been cut down and may not suit your frame. Also, ask a heap of questions before purchasing. Inspect before paying if possible too. Another thing to look out for is scratched staunchions. The staunchions should be in perfect condition or you'll be spending more in rebuilds more often later down the track.
Ive wanted to look for 2nd hand forks but couldnt find any worth looking at. Great link thanks mate.
The fork im lookin at is sorta second hand, its an original part (Been installed on the original bike but been taken off very soon after) so sorta second hand and its either a 2009-10 model.
The tora's lighter then my one now, from what ive heard a lot more plush! And thats exactly what i want unless anyone can sway me otherwise and its also an awesome price.
Will it work with a 9mm QR thou thats the real question?
@Jonathan, checked my bike on the way out this morning and came with Tora's.
They seem ok to me however I havent ridden many bikes so really cant compare them to other forks. I find they are ok on all of the terry hills trails and handle manly dam better than i do.
My bike is about 3 years old now and they are holding up well. I now make a point of having the LBS check the pressure every 3 months or so and since then have been much happier with the overall bike handling.
If you want to try a set before you buy I could meet you at the bottom of the duck ponds trail anytime saturday morning for a test ride.
Paul
Jonathan the offer of a test ride is a great idea - other peoples opinions are useful but with something like a fork you can't beat actually trying it out.
my opinion of the tora is that it's a cheaper version of the relevation that is a reliable functional fork. $240 new sounds good but if its been used for any length of time offer less. CRC do them new for about $320
... that on a test ride you are also testing the rider's setup. If they are a similar weight to you, then you will likely get a good idea of what it will be like on your bike.
But if they are significantly (5kg+) heavier it will seem stiff and unforgiving, if a lot lighter it will seem overly plush, blow through the travel and bob excessively. It can be a bit hard to mentally adjust for that if you don't have much experience with different fork setups.
Maybe if the kind test ride offeror can pack a shock pump in their Camelbak it would help? (Adjust to get 25% sag.)
Sorry if that is teaching you how to suck eggs ...
Hi Jonathan,
I am the guy who had to leave straight away for soccer after we got back to terrey hills following hawkeye's birthday ride last week. The forks are set at 80kg and I dont have a fork pump.
Anyway the offer of a test ride is there if you want it. I am out around terrey hills or cascades most weekends so just call or pm me.
Paul
This is what I use and it does the job.
$24.99 + $9 flat rate P+H including anything else you want to buy. Had mine a couppla years now - no problems.
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/GYPUSNN01/ti...
Thanks for the offer paul, it will definatly make my decision a lot easier im also a very similar weight witch is good. maybe ill post a ride for next week at cascades asuming the rain dosent interfere.
And i also sort off set up my current forks (rebound) and there a lot better, still not amazing but a lot better!
thanks, jono