Need Opinions on Entry Level Forks

[noweyout]

Trying to swap out the RSTs that came with the bike. My price range is around $100-$200. I've been looking at:

Rock Shox Dart 3 '07 w/ lockout $170
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK405A01-Rock+Shox+Dart+3+Fork+07.aspx

Marzocchi MZ Supercomp '08 $149
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK303A09-Marzocchi+Mz+Supercomp+08.aspx

I've been looking back and forth and I just want to know from you guys what your professional opinion is.

On top of that I have lots of little questions in regards to that. Will I need a new headset, stem, bars, etc? How do I know what size is the part on top of the forks (is it universal)? But overall, if I just buy the forks, can I use existing parts on my bike? Thanks for the input.

PS If you guys have a set of forks you would like to get rid of, I'd definitely be interested.

--Wey

I ride an '07 Diamondback Response Sport

[Rockinthecasbah]

all modern forks have 1 1/8" steerer tubes, they come super long so the top can be cut for multiple bikes, as long as you dont go from v brake to disc , or quick release to 20mm which it looks like you didint it will all swap without a problem, those forks arent much of an upgrade you should look around for a used all mountain or something like it

[destroyer]

For the price range I would look for something used like a Pike. I see them all the time in your budget.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by destroyer

For the price range I would look for something used like a Pike. I see them all the time in your budget.

A good used fork is better than a new so so fork.

Good luck!

[Shu]

Not to slam on one of the sponsors for this site but you can get the Dart 3 from The Path for less then what you have listed...I paid in the area of $30 less then what you have posted inc tax...

[Pho'dUp]

A Pike is an awesome fork. But remember it's a 20mm thru-axle not a QR axle. So you probably need to buy a new front wheel too.

Ideally, I would look for a U-turn fork from Rockshox. Or maybe even a used Talas if you can find one. Something with adjustable travel ~90-130mm so you can take this fork to your next bike. Which will probably be a 5" AM bike I bet. It might be tough to find something under $200 bucks though.

Or just ride the snot out of what you got and save your $$ for a complete bike.

[el_d00der1n0]

speedgoat has the tora for 215. jenson does price matching.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by noweyout

Trying to swap out the RSTs that came with the bike. My price range is around $100-$200. I've been looking at:

Rock Shox Dart 3 '07 w/ lockout $170
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK405A01-Rock+Shox+Dart+3+Fork+07.aspx

Marzocchi MZ Supercomp '08 $149
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK303A09-Marzocchi+Mz+Supercomp+08.aspx

I've been looking back and forth and I just want to know from you guys what your professional opinion is.

On top of that I have lots of little questions in regards to that. Will I need a new headset, stem, bars, etc? How do I know what size is the part on top of the forks (is it universal)? But overall, if I just buy the forks, can I use existing parts on my bike? Thanks for the input.

PS If you guys have a set of forks you would like to get rid of, I'd definitely be interested.

--Wey

I ride an '07 Diamondback Response Sport

If you want new check out price point

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/154...-Fork-2006.htm


http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/172...-Fork-2007.htm

[ryandood]

I had a Dart 3 on my bike because it came on there stock. Now that I have a much nicer fork (F100) I know that the dart was kind of a piece. I swear, by comparison, it felt like riding a rigid almost. OK, not that bad but I really didn't like that fork. I guess if you're looking to buy new and your in the price range it'll do but I would highly recommend buying used and getting a much nicer fork. Just be patient and search CL(where I found my bike) and the market place here(where I found my fork).

I'll give the Dart 3 this - It was absolutely awsome passing people on $3,000 bikes when I was running basically bottom of the line gear. Just reminds you that nice expensive gear won't make you faster, but damn you look cool...

[TooManyTacos]

How about a used Manitou Minute 2:00 100mm air fork? I'm selling it for $125.
Hardrock Singlespeed Frame, Manitou Minute 2 fork, BB7s, handlebars, etc.

[noweyout]

Thanks for all the input you guys. Keep in mind the trails I do is pretty light. Will the 200$ forks work for me or should I just go for something better? I don't really want to spend more than the purchase price of my bike. But if it is worth it, I'll keep saving. Eventually I want to swap out the brakes and [SIZE=2][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]derailleurs and I would like to keep the project below 500.[/FONT][/SIZE][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=2][/SIZE][/FONT]

Originally Posted by TooManyTacos

How about a used Manitou Minute 2:00 100mm air fork? I'm selling it for $125.
Hardrock Singlespeed Frame, Manitou Minute 2 fork, BB7s, handlebars, etc.

That is an awesome offer. I'll have to think about it though. The reviews on the fork are favorable. How did you enjoy them?

[el_d00der1n0]

i have two toras, and i'm pretty happy with them. i've never been spoiled by talas, but i went from rst to tora, and the difference was tremendous.

[noweyout]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

i have two toras, and i'm pretty happy with them. i've never been spoiled by talas, but i went from rst to tora, and the difference was tremendous.

WOW!! Thanks for the input. I was surprised to see the tora around the price range.

[Chewyeti]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

i have two toras, and i'm pretty happy with them. i've never been spoiled by talas, but i went from rst to tora, and the difference was tremendous.

i also have a tora on one bike.. heavy, but a decent fork

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

i also have a tora on one bike.. heavy, but a decent fork

yeah, they're about 5lbs. they don't require much attention. i went rigid for a while, and i swear the rst was so frozen it was almost the same as straight steel.

[jeffj]

This is a new bike 'takeoff', just be aware the steerer tube has been cut to 8":

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=4190

Pricepoint has the same Dart for $139.98 so I'd go for a price match from Jensonusa if you go that route.

PP also has the Marz fork you mention for the same price, but they throw in a free headset.


FYI: The Tora weighs 5.3lbs

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by jeffj

This is a new bike 'takeoff', just be aware the steerer tube has been cut to 8":

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=4190

Pricepoint has the same Dart for $139.98 so I'd go for a price match from Jensonusa if you go that route.

PP also has the Marz fork you mention for the same price, but they throw in a free headset.


FYI: The Tora weighs 5.3lbs

currenly not available

[jeffj]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

currenly not available

doh!

[autoduel]

I might be selling my 100mm 3.6lb RS duke SL soon once I get the TALAS on there.

[92se-r]

Dude, I'll sell you my 2004 Duke 100mm for 20 bucks. It leaks oil at the seals.