Submitted by
502stingray
a Downhiller
from Pboro, New Jersey Date Reviewed: February 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pocono's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Its really light for its size, simple and durable, I have Code 5's up front and slammed on the breaks from a 10 foot drop, no problems at all. Im not worried about snapping in the least. Its strong, smooth, looks good and has a 20mm. Not sure what other are claiming with all their bad reviews, I ride that bike daily, no issues
Weaknesses:
I wish I had more travel, need a special IS mount for the brakes.
Similar Products Used:
2001 Bomber
Bike Setup:
08 Kona CoilAir Deluxe, 2007 Boxxer world cup, 3.0's front and back, rebuilt Fox RP2 Float, Code 5 front and back, custom chainstay, Abbah single ringle
Bottom Line:
I like it, Im not sure what people bitc* about. Maybe they just suck at riding and landing properly, or expect the fork to compensate for bad riding skills. Its no Fox 40 or built 888 but its dam close to it. Its smooth, durable, and I took a 43 foot drop with it twice with NO problems, NO bottom out. I have a heavier spring since Im 190, but Ive never had a problem with it. Put 395 km of trailriding on it since January 09, with drops and jumps, and its still awesome. I just wish I had a bit more travel. Ok so you cant adjust your rebound, but get it setup right and you never have to adjust anything on it. Its just simple reliable engineering vs high tech stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ourimbah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand
Strengths:
Umm they are not rigid
Weaknesses:
Where do I start, having 'upgraded' (sic) from 2003 7" Boxxers I must say I went years backwards
Similar Products Used:
2000, 2003 Boxers, 07 Boxxer Teams, 888's, Travis, Jr T's, Monster T's, Totems you name it
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant DH Comp and Sant Cruz Bullit
Bottom Line:
Buy the older 7" travel forks and don't be sucked in buy the extra 1" of travel. These forks are harsh and just do not offer all of the things that the previous Boxxers have become legendary for.
Sorry SRAM but this one is a turkey and I loved both my previous Boxxers. One flamin Chili for value and overall as they just don't cut the mustard and the way I see it there is only one value on saftey off a drop. They work or they don't and these babies don't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
romain smith
a Downhiller
from ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Q-Cup
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Fresh Air
Strengths:
cheep plush and can take a beating
Weaknesses:
sometimes to soft uppers tend to bang on frame if using a hardtail, barky ajustable
Similar Products Used:
manitou Kingpin (terrible)
Bike Setup:
04 norco manik boxxers axiom chain guide all husslefelt
Bottom Line:
for the money it is great but if you do bug drops i would say look for somin more ajustable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Szedlak
a Downhiller
from Brussels, Belgium Date Reviewed: January 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
berlaymont in waterloo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
from a guy from the net
Strengths:
Beautiful movement through the whole travel. Very light. It can be tuned to your personal needs.
Weaknesses:
small turning radius, a bit flexible, not really well adjustable (only rebound)
Similar Products Used:
Monster T, Zoom 1100 Force tuning, RS pike
Bike Setup:
Illmatic DH, BoXXer Race 2003, Hayes HFX HD, Sram 9.0, Truvativ, Bike Positive stuffs
Bottom Line:
It has a beautiful look, it is light, and it works really well. I use it with 5W oil, but for DH race you'll need 2.5W. The best buy I have made yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Light. Looks good. Low ride hight. Good servicing by rock shox
Weaknesses:
I have had none stop problems with the internals in the right leg coming lose and rattling inside the fork. This means the fork has plush and stiff stages. i Have since replaced with 888vf
Rock Shox are a good brand but this particular modle sux. I think the main reason is because they are adjustable down to 6" and this is where my problems stemed from. But that dosnt mean that all are like this. they are good and light and good for racing if they are working at the time. And to their credit they are very hard to bottom out even off drops of 15 feet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Ray
a Downhiller
from mississauga Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
canada cup, bromont
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
yourmom.com
Strengths:
when its dented it works better
Weaknesses:
everything, better off rigid.
Similar Products Used:
supercycle zooms
Bike Setup:
yeti ASX full saint, and the... boxxer
Bottom Line:
yeah, nothing much to say... dont even look at this fork, i would ride springer forks over this. I would rather run down the mountain on foot with my bike over my head screaming "gaaaa" while doing tricks then ride this fork. ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
francois allaire
a Weekend Warrior
from dolbeau-mistassini, canada Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
amazone
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The fork is lightweight for a 7 inches travel dual crown fork. The rebound damping is working well. The fork is easy to service.
Weaknesses:
it maybe bottoms out easily.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi drop off triple, Jr-T
Bottom Line:
This fork is designed for downhill, not for big huge drop and gaps. It will soaks the bumbs in your path without problems. If you are a drop, gap jump rider i would consider another fork. If you don't want to spend too much on a triple clamp fork this is the choice. This fork is very plush and will make you feel faster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick `Petersen
a Downhiller
from santa cruz ca usa Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mailboxes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
my freind down the stret brand new
Strengths:
none the fork suck so bad
Weaknesses:
it is so bad!!! i hate it if you want it email me ill sell it for 150$ i putt black bow kit in it and it helped it alot butt it still sucks!
Similar Products Used:
jrt
Bike Setup:
i got a bullit with a 888 a much better fork
Bottom Line:
the fork sucks!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-Factor
a Downhiller
from Ontario Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Auto Bahn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
600
Strengths:
Probably the only strength on this shock is that the you rarely whack your knees off the tops of the stantions 'cause they are so low.
Weaknesses:
When i first used them they felt fine, nothing special than things just went downhill from there. I frequently ride 6 - 15 foot drops onto smooth tranies and this fork bottoms out like there is nothing in the way to slow it down. Also one minute the fork feels stiff and the next it feels plush. I've got it proffesionally maintained and it still happens. Not only does it bottom out jumping but it uses almost 6 of the 7 inchess under medium braking and i only weigh 130.
If you like sprain your wrists off drops and jumps than buy this shock. If your budget is around the boxxer race than get the jr. t or the super t instead. if you hit any sort of jumps that you get over 3 feet high than don't even think about buying this shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesse
a Downhiller
from bainbridge island Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
pinkbike.com
Strengths:
Very sweet and plush. Awesome and easy rebound adjustments. Very responsive and light. Hc2 dampening is the best ever made.
Weaknesses:
I have not found one yet with me fork
Similar Products Used:
exr pro (crap), felt a dorado,
Bike Setup:
Big hit with this beautiful boxxer
Bottom Line:
Definately worth getting over a jr. t or any other fork in its class. Lightest 7 inches of travel out there. Get it Get it Get it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter huisinga
a Downhiller
from bainbridge is, WA, USA Date Reviewed: October 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
a friend
Strengths:
very plush, looks good, light, good tire clearence
Weaknesses:
anoying to adjust preload, i hate the drop crowns, paint comes off easily
Similar Products Used:
888r, supert, jrt, boxxer world cup, spikes (but rarely).
Bike Setup:
03 sgs, 888r, 5th element, wtb laserdisc, minions, hot seat, fsa v-drive, hayes mags
Bottom Line:
boxxers kill marazocchi unless its a 888r or shiver. its not the greatest for the big hits. manitou is better. you can get them for cheep. unlike marazocchi boxxers are much more responsive and have good progressive dampening. these forks are light and are a quality fork for downhillers of any level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Gredley
a Downhiller
from Kent, UK Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
les gets pleney run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
used from a mate
Strengths:
plush, stiff, look good, fairly light weight
Weaknesses:
paint chips easily, damping spike. feels pants if not tuned (apparently; ive not tried and un tuned ones for long)
Similar Products Used:
shiver dc (2001 and 2003), had a few minutes use of junior t's, dorados, 888's, monsters, manitou sherman plus etc
Bike Setup:
'02 bighit dh with '03 tf tuned boxxer race, single tracks, truvativ etc
Bottom Line:
brilliant for dh racing, can take the big hits too. lateral stiffness is very good. mine had problems with damping spike sometimes, but it rarely happened. feels like it has more travel than it really does. drops etc are better dealt with by shivers, but for dh racing these fork rule.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skyler gustin
a Downhiller
from port alberni,B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
scorpion
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
cutting edge sports
Strengths:
the size of thestansions are huge compared to most regular forks.20mm trough axle are suppose to be stronger then a regular QR ( id never know ive always had a QR20 so)
Weaknesses:
when i first got them hey were super plusher then my o2 dj 1s and i was still paying for my bike just taking it for rides in the parking lot till my rear shock came in .then i came in the next day and they wre like stiff the had like this air noise so i bounced on them a few times and they were super smooth again.then i got my bike back with rear shok and went ridin around then did a 6ft drop back tire first and my forks backa bang or clunk noise the you would push them down even a little and they would have a hard spot or a clunk and then the next day i tried themaand they were fine so i was like OK what ever then i went to scorpion did a 4 footer to flat in the very begining and they did the same thing accept they were very bad so i had to skip the whole trail and go down to the bike shop we took them all apart and the bottom seal things got sucked up into my top springs and got torn a part so i had to wait a month for them to get fixed but mean while when they were getting fixed my bike machanic talked to rock shox and they siad they had a problem in 2003 so they upgraded apart of my fork donno wich part and we set them up for 7 inches instead of 6 and ive been riding for a 3 days or so and ive done some of my biggest stuff ever like and 10 footer off a rock to like flat with no armour i forgot it hehe) and they work SSSSSSOOOOO smooth and soft.i was doing a race course called gunt wrencher and i was taking jumps and landing front weel to c what would happen and nothing just plushness and the same track has lots of routes and i was riding front tire real hard and they just sucked every thing up i was so pleased!!HINT: if your going over a race with lots of routes have them set fast and youll just feel plushness theyll suck them up the when it gets off the route since they have lots of rebound they got down real fast then suck up the the next route.if i would ever buy a fork for racing it would be a boXXer!!they are so sweet!!!I LOVE THEM ALOT..the only thing different about the world cups is the ealiing or sumting nuttin much
Similar Products Used:
nothing ..they are to nice
Bike Setup:
2004 brodie devo with rock sox 2003 boXXer race envy chain giude stratos rear shok alex supra-E rims truvativ hussefelt cranks
Bottom Line:
just make sure when you feel a clunk get them serviced right away then they will be kik A$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Call
a Downhiller
from Utah Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rudys flats
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike.com
Strengths:
these shocks can take 6 foot drops like curbs, rebound is perfect,I haven't bottomed out yet.
Weaknesses:
if you want to change travel you have to do it internally, changing the oil is a pain,but worth it.
Similar Products Used:
JR.T's
Bike Setup:
Haro X-1 with boxxer race,travativ holzfeller cranks.
Bottom Line:
i love these boxxers, there the most plush shocks ive ridden and there really cheap! also these shocks are almost the same weight as some single crown forks, which make them great for just riding around, even a little cross country. I hear things about the XXX seals not working, theyve held up fine for me and i ride hard almost everyday, so if your looking for a nice downhill/freeride double crown fork this is your answer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Downhiller
from Montreal, QC,Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Light, Strong, plush, very tough. Never bottomed out on me yet.
Weaknesses:
The paint is kind pf cheap. Problem to fit the hayes 8 inches adapter.
Similar Products Used:
Jr T, Boxxer 2002, MOnster T
Bike Setup:
Balfa BB7 2003, 2003 boxxer race, race face cranks, easton mg stem, thompson seat post, fox vanilla rc, michelin tires on mavic D321 Rims, Xt shifter and derailleur, blackspire chain tensionner and more
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the money, strong and light. Never had a problem on the trail with it. Except for the hayes 8 inches adapter. A good Buy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brando
a Downhiller
from nashua Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
from a friend
Strengths:
fork has good seals, very plush, has rebound control great feature to have, 6 or 7 inches of travel, double crown double clamp, 20mm thru axel.
Weaknesses:
only thing bad is when changing travel you have to take the lowers off and change the spacers.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi junior T, 888, drop off triple, shiver dh, dorado DH,
Bike Setup:
2002 kona stuff, 2003 boxxer race, raceface dh headset, single track rims f/r, marzocchi 20mm front hub, shimano XT rear hub, truvativ hussefelt isis cranks. prisoner-r bars, kona sealed pedals, and stock kona stem.
Bottom Line:
overall so far the fork is solid hasnt bottomed out on me yet, looks great with silver lowers and the greenish uppers with black crowns. if your looking for a good fork then get the boxxer...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Gilsdorf
a Downhiller
from Sammamish, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
supergo (came on bike)
Strengths:
This fork is super plush, almost too plush It soaks up the drops fine Its pretty light for a downhill fork
Weaknesses:
cheesy paint, scrapes right off Fork seized, riding off a set of seven drops 5-8ft. to flat and fork seized on the landing of the third one can't ride until I get it fixed Can you do the romic fix to the boxxer race? I was wondering if anyone did the romic fix to their fork by them self, if so what drill bit did you use to enlarge the hole on the damping rod? Any help would be appreciated, downhillracer3@hotmail.com
Similar Products Used:
monster t, jr.t, super t, sherman, drop off triple, boxxer team and world cup
Bike Setup:
stock, on an 2003 SGS pro
Bottom Line:
This fork is great when it is working Its not hard at all on drops Its pretty light, easy to pull up! This fork is a bargain at the price it is out there for right now! Buy it and fix it right off the bat!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AJ Smith
a Downhiller
from Hope, BC Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything down with hits
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Shop in town
Strengths:
This fork is so plush compaired to my 2002 jr T. The disk break tabs don't bend like the ones which were on my marz jr T. Did I remember to say it is plush. Done gaps and freeride stuff with this fork and have had no problems at all.
Weaknesses:
When I got the fork it felt like poor out of the box. Had a mechanic of mine gut out the fork and do some custom mods to it. It sucks that I had to keep trying to screw with the fork to get it primo set. Oh and the oil seals inside suck but if ur creative enough u will realize that the 32mm marz oil seals fit inside. These causes a leak free fork for 6months and counting so far. The tall crown turning sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Marz jr t, super t, monster, shiver, stupid monster, White bros dh3, etc.....
Bike Setup:
Soon to be the new norco team dh when they send it to me. Currently resorting to my ht because my dh bike is waiting for a frame.
Bottom Line:
These forks are great and I really don't understand what some of these ppl are talking about. It was a pain to modify the cartridges and have to pick up different seals to keep the fork completely leak free. After all that though it has been pimped. Been riddin this fork almost every day for 6months and just keeps coming back for more rock beds and gaps. The only think I don't like about it is the tall crown. It hits the frame and makes for poor turning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Downhiller
from NZ Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff, plush
Bottom Line:
when i got these forks on a complete bike i was under the impression from reviews on this site that they were going to be crap, i was very pleasently suprised ! These forks are plusher than my old pair of Jr T's or Z1's. I still like marzocchi but i think that these forks are better in some respects. These forks are also really stiff and suprisingly solid for their weight (lightest dual crown fork on the market). These forks arent going to make you a better rider, no fork is, no bike is either but they handle the roughest of downhill tracks with ease. Dont be put off these forks by bad reviews, dont trust everything you read, hell dont even trust this, go out and ride a pair and make up your own mind, i have made up mine !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ezzel
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleighwood Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Relativly lightweight, pretty stiff (well, at least compared to single crowners), inexpensive, functional rebound damping, ease of maintenance, seems durable (so far anyway)...
Weaknesses:
Small bump sensitivity, some flex in the lowers, top crown is extra $$$, doesn't seem to be getting teh claimed 7" of travel, travel could be plusher...
Similar Products Used:
1st DC, but rode a Vanilla 125R for awhile...
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit
Bottom Line:
For the most part, this fork has been a pleasant surprise so far...I was really concerned about the weight issue of a DC and the super slack head angle, as I wanted to keep my Bullit in semi-XCish form...So I thought the Boxxer Race would be a nice compromise...And I've been quite pleased with the way the fork has handled big drops, stairs, and bigtime ramps/jumps...Many folks have claimed this fork is not particularly well suited to freeridish type stunts, but mines' been nails on 6 footers and the like...I'm running a firm spring and a medium spring, and I cannot bottom this thing out, even when I land nose first off a big drop (I weigh about 180 lbs)...But, like I said above, I don't seem to be getting all 7 inches of travel right now (and yes, I checked the plastic spring spacer)...May switch to two medium springs and see what happens...I can detect a minor amount of flex when I grab some 8" rotor front brake, but it's really noticable to me (though perhaps if I rode a Super T around for awhile I would think differently)...Not surprisingly, this fork doesn't seem to have the small bump sensitivity as my old Fox Nilla, but nothing really does...But the damping knob actually works (unlike many internal ones found of Jr. T's), which makes the big drops smooth as butter...More than anything else, the fork has increased my confidence level by quantum leaps as the slack head angle makes you feel like you can land anything...Would be nice to have compression damping, but it's prolly just more things to break or malfunction...Wish the travel were a little plusher, but so far this thing has been bomb proof (and I go looking for trouble everytime I ride) and you can't beat the price...Would like to try a Super T in the future though, just to see the difference...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reid
a Downhiller
from Richmond, Vermont Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bolton freeride/downhill course
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Strengths:
The Fork is tuff, and can take a beating. The XXX seals and hc2 damping, i think are the valued components.
Weaknesses:
The fork is way loose and there for bottoms out a little to easy. Before the boxxer's I had shivers (120mm) and they were beefy. If the boxxers had this quality they would be perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo and shiver
Bike Setup:
02' Giant Ac1, Boxxer race, 5th element coil rear, Hayes hydraulic 8" disc, flatboy pedals, nokian gazzalodi 3.0" / maxxis mobster 2.7" race face diabolus stem
Bottom Line:
Exceptional fork great for racing down a downhill course, crappy for drops. When I saw the 7" of travel and it said it was a downhill fork I thought it would be a nice big hit fork for when the trail gets rough, yet at a cheaper price then bigger forks. This fork is a great buy but if your really serious about bigger drops and harder trails go with a beefy fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Charbonneau
a Downhiller
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
My unnamed trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Canadian Tire (Cycle Lambert)
Strengths:
The fork is light, easy to maintain and setup. It's a strong and stiff ride and comes with some pretty good springs.
Weaknesses:
Stantions discolor after little use, the adjusments aren't on the fly and the rubber frame guards aren't long enough for some bikes (Specialized Big Hit) which makes the top crown come too close to the frame.
Similar Products Used:
I've tested Shivers, Jr.T's, Super T's and White Brothers Dual crown forks.
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized Big Hit (will be equipped with saint after winter)
Bottom Line:
I like the fork alot, i didn't really notice any spiking, possibly cause i like my rebound a little slower than most people. It rides well and sells for a great price. It is easy to maintain and unlike what i've heard, my seals are fine and the fork is running awesome. Also, the fork is super simple and easy to maintain.
I would tend to compare the Boxxer race more to a Super T than a Jr.T, i don't like the juniors more than that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn O
a Downhiller
from Bellingham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003
For the money I think your getting a decent fork. I know there is the Junior T to compare it with but I haven't heard great things about it and I have a couple of buddies who have it and aren't to stoked on them. I was kind of bummed that the fork comes set at 6" and not 7" and you have to take apart the fork to change it to 7" which is kind of a hassle. I also used 7.5 wt oil to slow my rebound down and make the fork more progressive. Rock Shox finally addressed the compression spike issue and their was no need for me to do Romics cure for it. I also use Lizard Skins fork boots on my fork to make up for Rock Shoxs lame seals so I haven't really had any issues with the seals and I live up here in the muddy northwest where mud gets into everything if you dont protect it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Downhiller
from houston, tx, usa Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
great travel, plush, lightweight, acomodates big tires
Weaknesses:
a little too plush, no way to adjust
Similar Products Used:
psylo
Bike Setup:
iron horse sgs pro
Bottom Line:
it is a good fork, alot of people bash it, but it works great, bottoms out a little too easy but that can be fixed with more oil, could use another inch of travle, there are better forks out there but for the money it is a great fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Oates
a Weekend Warrior
from Nelson B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
hitman
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Smooth action through travel,very stiff fork
Weaknesses:
Sometimes rebound damping fades but I haven't checked oil levels yet.
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanilla 125 RLC
Bike Setup:
S.C. Bullit,Shimano XT, Mavic rims,Roox,Titec and Axiom parts
Bottom Line:
Excellent fork, transforms Bullit into a ride that would be hard to beat. It's so nice to get rid of the noisy,harsh and spikey Fox Fork and put on a plush,quiet and capable fork. Someone who wants to ride their Bullit uphill and then ride it fast downhill should consider this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a
from vancouver, bc Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
xxx seals, plush when working, stiff, light
Weaknesses:
compression spikes, drop crown in 7" setup hits frame, bottoms out at random.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi junior and super, boxxer world cup
Bike Setup:
2003 s/c bullit
Bottom Line:
avoid this fork if you have a choice. the weight savings are not worth it. the world cup version is awesome. this one has budget valving and lots of plastic inside. there are various internal upgrades available now, but despite these "fixes", it still spikes like hell. the damping is horrible. the external rebound adjustment is all or none (when will r/s ever get the rebound problems sorted?). it bottoms out at random sometimes and then other times it spikes so hard you get no travel. its really plush when its working well though which is about half the time. can we get some longer stanchions please for the 7" travel setup for the crown doesn't smash the top tube? what a poor design. the marz super is awesome, and not much more expensive. get one of those, or wait for the 888 if you're loaded.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tristan mayor
a Downhiller
from manchester Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Morzine
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rock Shox dust/dirt wiper seals are very good, switching from 6 to 7" travel is easy
Weaknesses:
Terrible damping spike, rebound damping turns on and off, tops out randomly, 'lucky-dip' springs, weak construction, lowers puncture easily, no upper crown options, upper crown is too low drop, bushes are too short and wear easily, internals are made of plastic
Similar Products Used:
Jr T's, previous years Boxxers, Shivers
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
This fork is awful. Get a Jr T for the same money and get a fork that works. Since SRAM bought RockShox, they've gone unltra cheap and tacky. The damper rods in the Boxxer Race are just an extended Judy damper - really. To get any kind of performance, send them to Tim Flooks and he'll BlackBox the dampers and change the oil from a treacle 10 and 20 weight to 2.5 and 7.5 weight. Any downhill fork advertised as "The Lightest On The Market" is probably gonna be weak, and these are pathetic. Expect them to bend or puncture - soon
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cícero
a Downhiller
from Brasil poços de caldas Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban e pista do classic (pdc)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$680.00
Purchased At:
pedal power
Weaknesses:
no one!!
Similar Products Used:
jr t. boxxer 2002 super t.
Bike Setup:
RC3 dh 9.5 fox vanilla home made frame hayes hfx-9 8" mavic d521
Bottom Line:
its really good !!its not heavy and execelent for downhill !!execelent for the price!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lucas
a Downhiller
from Brasil Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Strengths:
-rebound control -weight is excellent -32mm stanchions - lightweigth
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shiver DC 2002, Jr T 2003, Boxxer 2001, Boxxer 2002, Z1, Psylo, Super T 2002
Bottom Line:
-rebound control -weight is excellent -32mm stanchions - lightweigth
perfect !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Chin
a
from bronx Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any stair gap or dirt jump
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
none of your business
Strengths:
the boxxer is very well enginered,there is more to it than meets the eye,it's a very stong and light wieght fork,takes away low resononse bumps from the handlebars,has adjustable travel never bottoms out after big hits,gives me full 7 inches of travel
Weaknesses:
What the hell's with having to buy crowns separately? You have to take the fork completely apart with special tools to change travel. The little rebound adjustment cap on the bottom, is just begging to jump out. A world class fork that should come with cable hangers or guides of some sort. I thought the seals were bomb proof after being re-engineered. Nice cover up for those nasty steaks,Rock Shox explanation was oil impregnating the coating on the stanchions! Whatever! Oil cavitation when going fast thru rock gardens(loses dampening) and after som big hits. Not as plush as a marzocchi!
Similar Products Used:
I own a buttery smooth moster T,own a Noleen chubby DH(only 200 ever made,see it in action in the early crank videos)owned manitou xvert something or another,ripped on Shiver,Z1's,Jr t's,super T's.
Bike Setup:
02 bullit 5th element all azonic,hed rims, boxxer 03 race 7 inches with my special brand of oil.
Bottom Line:
The boxxer Race is a very well engineered fork for the price,it's lighter than the 03 marzocchi triple crowns and is more forgiving over the rough stuff and small frequency bumps,and IT NEVER BOTTOMS OUT AFTER BEING WELL SETUP,NOT LIKE "ALL" MARZOCCHIS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
2slow
a Weekend Warrior
from philippines Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-price -plush -looks
Weaknesses:
-very bad seals -bottoms out at 4 inches out of the box
Similar Products Used:
RST alfa alfa, fox forx 125rl, judy xl,
Bottom Line:
Nice plush fork, rebound works on mine, but the seals are really bad. Rockshox should do something bout their seals and improve them. Had my seals replaced twice already in 3 months. I'm very disapointed with this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Howery
a Downhiller
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock on SGS Pro
Strengths:
Light, works well at medium speeds or when the terrain is fairly smooth.
Weaknesses:
Spikes spikes and spikes. When the trail gets really rocky and choppy, and you want to make up time, forget about it. This fork makes it hard to hold on to the front of your bike, I tried all the different rebound settings I could and it changed nothing.
It's too bad that they can't design a fork that does low speed AND high speed "well", instead of making it "exceptionally well" at low to medium speed, and "crap" at high speed, which is what this is. Like my 99 boxxer it takes drops pretty well, but this feels even less controlled than that did, and it seems to be from the spiking. It's too bad, I was expecting something that obviously wouldn't feel like a monster T or anything, but I was also expecting to see the trickle down effect, at least from the previous years boxxers. My friend has a broken 00 boxxer and I am going to try the compression cart from that and see if it helps. I gotta say this feels about as bad as a Jr T, better in the mid-speed range though, but at high speed pretty much the same.
Even still, it IS a great value, and it's upgradable, but its a pain in the wrist stock, 3 chilies when combining the preformance with value, but by preformance alone I wouldn't rate it high at all. My 6" 1998 Super T feels better in every way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
I've ridden it 3 times and have had to send it in 2 times for warranty work.
Bottom Line:
After the first ride I had to send it in because it seized up. It felt like it had been locked out. I also heard air bubbles running up the fork leg(s). The left leg leaked a little bit of oil during the second ride. I blew the left seal (losing a lot of oil) during the third ride and lost all rebound control. I basically had no dampening control. The fork was functioning on the springs alone and it felt like a pogo stick. I'm happy with the fork when it works properly (it's the first DH fork I've had). Rock Shox has been pretty good with customer service so far. I've lost a lot of ride time while it's being sent back and forth. Two flamin' chilis for value because of the semi-low price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy P
a Downhiller
from CHCH New zealand Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
penny sports
Strengths:
light, cheap, reasonable quality
Weaknesses:
fruity happenings
Similar Products Used:
junior t's, bent them
Bike Setup:
new keewee progressor ht with boxxer race(6") dblewides, 8"hydros, roox, husslefelt
Bottom Line:
they seem to go real funny after big hits which is fckn me off immensely! goes real soft. good value, light. look cool
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from Toronto, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
bikeroom.com
Strengths:
-very stiff lowers compared to a super T or shiver -stiffness to weight is excellent -32mm stanchions -price
Weaknesses:
-Using different crowns instead of slightly longer stanchions is absolutely retarded. -The drop crown design kills turning radius. The crown hits the frame not the bumpers on some frames (at all stem heights). On my Norco VPS it is so bad that i decided not to use the fork -serious quality issues. Metal burrs galore inside. I dumped the oil (to change to 7") when the fork was BRAND NEW and it was full of metal shavings -different colors in different areas of the stanchions, again on a NEW fork -I also get the sqeek mentioned below
Similar Products Used:
2001 and 2002 Super T, shiver, psylo, Bomber MCR
Bike Setup:
Norco team dh. DON'T get this fork Norco vps owners
Bottom Line:
The fork has a lot of potential but due to some serious flaws, i have to use a different fork. I got an amazing deal on it at bikeroom so I am not too upset.
With a non stupid drop crown design, i would love to use this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a Downhiller
from Placerville,CA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$530.00
Purchased At:
Gloden Spoke Bike Shop
Strengths:
weight,stiffenss,20mm axel,plush,simple looking
Weaknesses:
It's more of an annoyance but every time you get on your bike after it's been sitting for awhile and you push down once or twice the fork makes a squeeky noise and then stops
2003 bullit,2003 boxxer race,D321's,Hayes 8',LX drive chain,FSA cranks and headset,easton and thomson stuff,maxxis and intense tires
Bottom Line:
A good move if you want a cheap,DH,FR worthy fork.I bought it over a Jr.T cause' of the tire clearence and also the boxxer has a normal 20mm axle,instead of that QR 20 crap.I've taken it to Downieville and some freeriding spots and it soaks up anything.It's the plushest fork around.When set up right.It's weight rules.I was riding a 2001 Strataos S-8 which weighed 10.5 pounds!This fork weighs 6.5!It dropped 4 pounds off my bike.So far the best fork i've ridden.I love the metal plates insteas of stickers.They don't peel off and get all messed up.If you want a nice freeride or DH race fork and don't want to shell out huge bucks,buy this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Pueblo, CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Squirrel Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bicycles
Strengths:
Awesome fork, much better than the POS Manitou it replaced. Excellent stiffness, good damping once its setup properly. easy to work on with the removeable stantion legs.
Weaknesses:
Having to rebuild the fork to change the travel flat out sucks, and they ship it in 6" travel... Stupid. Rock Shox Oil sucks compared to the Golden Spectro I am running now.
Similar Products Used:
Fork Replaced a 2002 Manitou Black Elite 100/120. DO NOT BUY THAT FORK! Also Demo'd Dorado, 2002 Boxxer, Monster T, and 2002 Super T.
This fork, out of the box, is just OK. But once you get everything fixed up (Change the travel, use some golden Spectro oil instead of that rock shox junk) this fork rips. It glues the tire to the terrain and never skips a beat. It should come with a top crown, but I wanted the extra tire clearance over a Marzocchi Jr. T so I bought the Boxxer. So far, no regrets!
For the money, I can't beat it, but it only gets 4 chilis for overall because its shipped in 6" travel with the Junk Rock Shox Oil.
Also!!! The Rock Shox tech manual has a part of the rebound damper in upside down in the picture, so if after you change the travel you notice you're getting lots of top-out spring rattle, you need to flip the little black plastic piece that rides on the damping cartridge. It came properly assembled in my fork, but the picture showed it upside down. When I put it together using the picture it made the rebound damping basically non existant and it topped out very hard, with lots of noise. Flipped it over, issue resolved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan parrett
a Downhiller
from alexandria, va ,usa Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
rockshox
Strengths:
strong, stiff, light
Weaknesses:
there is no real compression damping to speak of.
Similar Products Used:
psylo race(2001 and 2002) i broke the 2002 2 times and they then warrentied my the boxxer!
and a marz 2002 DJ1 (these fork suck so much. ie bad damping and the stantions start to saparate from the crown in like 2 weeks!!
Bike Setup:
2003 ironhorse sgs expert and downhill componets
Bottom Line:
i have run this fork in the 6 and 7 inch mode on a hardtail for about 6 months and it did great. but the fork is so much better when you have a 7 inch travel frame! the fork also track wonderfully in fast rocky downhill and non of the other fork that i have ridden can say that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gingus Campo
a Downhiller
from Delhi Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
This fork is mega burly....and loves to go really fast. I took all my normal drops (the same drops that blew out my Marzocchi) and the fork LOVED it...I mean it really loved it. It is plush..yet stiff enough to take anything thrown at it. It loves to haul, and I noticed instantly that my speed and confidence with this fork increased. I would recommend this fork to anyone who doesnt want to spend the ducats for high end forks that don't put out what you pay for. This fork is high quality @ a low price!!!!
Weaknesses:
Yes the stickers aren't on there great....but for me (a downhiller) I don't want my bike looking like a cadillac. Asides from that...there arent many weaknesses at all. The crown is a bit high (depending on the one you get) but you can get the shorter one and use spacers.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Shiver, Marzocchi Super T, DMN's
Bike Setup:
Bullit with mega hookups, and this boxxer
Bottom Line:
If you have 1000, get a better fork (the team and race are sweet, so I hear). I you have been saving for a while for a fork...and are sick of saving, get this fork. It is high quality and can take ANYTHING thrown at it. A better fork for downhill racing, rather than dropping or freeriding. A downhiller looking to go really fast will LOVE this fork. The decals aren't on there great, but this doesn't effect performance, and all you peeps who love your bikes to look ultra clean out there shouldn't care as much about it. This is a GREAT fork at a GREAT value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan elliott
a Downhiller
from CA Orange County Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
home made
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
the bike company
Strengths:
as my first dh fork i am pretty impressed.when the work
Weaknesses:
the top crown bolts come loose because of the slit for the clamp isnt long enough
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
i love em, but only when the work. the 6/7 inch travel is great because my current bike an ironhorse g-spot only accepts a 6 inch fork.i use them for dirt jumping dh and free riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ticked Off
a Weekend Warrior
from Chung Hua, Taiwan Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Goat Pit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Ben The Ruler
Strengths:
Looks pretty, fits on my bike! Yeah!
Weaknesses:
Here's my story. I did a ten foot drop, landed her smooth. (No leg pully) Smooth. I put my bike to yap it up with a friend. Back on the bike and the forks don't move, in fact it feels like there is something jammin the stanctions so they won't compress. Yeah I'm pissed. I live in Taiwan and there service suck little dinkys. Their first quote was maybe I would get them back in 2 months. I bought a fork off them so they could have back for 2 months. Other than that I am satisfied!
Similar Products Used:
Jr. and Super T's, Z1
Bike Setup:
It's not setup when it has no fork!!!$%^&*#$%^$%
Bottom Line:
Get something else that works better, like a 1995 Marz 2 inch traveller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Downhiller
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pacifica
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
the chassis is reasonably stiff and it's light for a dual crown.
Weaknesses:
the damping absolutly stinks, or should I say the lack of damping stings. There is NO compression damping at all, that side of the fork has a dummy rod only, not even a ported damper rod! The real problem is the awfull rebound damping. If you set the rebound where is feels good in the 0-4" travel range then is has way too much rebound damping on the big hits, causing the fork to pack up over several bigger bumps. When the rebound is set where it works on bigger hits, it tops out so hard it clanks loudly. I tried heavier weight oil and reducing the preload on the springs to a minimum but it doesn't help.
Similar Products Used:
Dorado
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for...a cheap fork! I would look elsewhere if your racing or want a tunable fork. The rebound cartridge is a pile and doesn't belong in a race fork. I heard many similar complaints during last weekends race from other 03 Boxxer users including the same rebound complants from the Team and WC models.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryder
a Downhiller
from Creston BC Canada Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
i like it steep
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$603.00
Strengths:
Its the cheapest double crown fork i know of, it works pretty good and it's fairly light.
Weaknesses:
Those decals aren't glued too well, bad quality control, stock oil sucks (poor lubricator, traps air), i think they should come stock with the "short" top crown.
Bottom Line:
I think that these forks should come with the short 25mm crown and for a $1000CdN one would expect a little more, if not technology at least better quality control. the stock shock oil is crap and when i drained it, it was full of metal burs, not cool. also i think the brake tabs need to be machined flat on the inside. i could not get my brake to sit square. and as i read in Sebastians review the squeeking he was talking about is cased by unlubricated springs rubbing on the inside of the stanchions. my suggestion is to grease the springs. oh and Curtis Cole you were complaing about a clunking noise when your fork tops out, your rebound speed is too fast slow it down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drew
a Downhiller
from charleston, wv Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Moab's cool
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on Bullit
Strengths:
Relatively light for what it is. Performs well.
Weaknesses:
Lacks external adjustment that'd be nice for racing, but that's a very minor issue. The through axle is a pain.
Similar Products Used:
First DC owned, but have demoed some others.
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit, 5th Element, etc etc.
Bottom Line:
I like it. It takes a beating, and I'm yet to bottom it out. It's like having a parachute. Whenever I screw up a drop and nose it in, this sucker saves me. It's not as plush as a Super T, but when I got it the new super t (32mm stanchions) wasn't yet available. I used to think I'd switch when I got the money, but I'm very happy with this fork. It's lack of plushness is more than made up for by its performance on the race course. It responds quickly, it's stiff, and other than a dent I put in the bottom of the slider, it's tough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Scandrett
a Downhiller
from New Zealand Christchruch Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Port Hills any wear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
everthing this is a great fork, its really plush and heaps of travel.
Weaknesses:
nothing yet apart from the dirt on the forks
Similar Products Used:
JRT 03,JRT 2000,judy XC,Z.1 wedge,psylo 01 and 02
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky 02,DMR chain guide std apart from a few things
Bottom Line:
great fork for any one wanting to upgrade to a trimple clamp fork pretty light and really strong. Everything a 12 year old needs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
curtis cole
a Racer
from denver Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$286.00
Purchased At:
qbp
Strengths:
price, and the simple concept and procedure for changing it from a six to seven inch travel fork.
Weaknesses:
it tops out loudly when jumping, if anyone else has noticed and has ideas to fixing, please email cpcj19@hotmail.com./ rock shox says its normal, but we all know that some companies are hands off once the product is bought.
Similar Products Used:
bombshell marilyn, hanebrink G-7
Bike Setup:
specialized s-works downhill, 26' atomic lab dhr on chris king, 24' avro on chris king, king headset, pro taper bars, xt shifter, xt cassette, and xtr rear der., purple hayes disc, azonic 454 profile cranks, and kujo dh tires.
Bottom Line:
incredible deal for top of the line performance. peace, love and nappiness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris smith
a Downhiller
from christchurch Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Port Hill they are sweet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles uk
Strengths:
everything they are plush and strong buy thses forks and they are light too.
Weaknesses:
nothng at all
Similar Products Used:
Z.1s,JRT,psylo's
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky 02
Bottom Line:
these are great fork for someone wanting to upgrade from a singel crown to a double crown. If you like dirt jumping then buy these and they are even better for down hilling/freeriding.i would recommed these forks for any ones whos upgrading and wants a sweet as fork buy one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EDDIE NIGHTHAWK
a
from LAKELAND, FLA. USA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of em!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came stock on my Banshee Scream
Strengths:
Stiff, Sturdy, havent bottomed them yet! (and Ive tried,My Banshee Scream weighs 44lbs and I am 185 lbs). And they look really cool too. An exceptional fork!!!
Weaknesses:
The logo stickers (metal) peel up at the edges and trap sand, dirt etc. (but no real problem) The stantions appear as though they have paint over spray on them but again absolutely no compromise in function.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox 2003 Pilot C .
Bike Setup:
2003 Banshee Scream, Fox Vanilla R, Hayes 8" hydro-brakes, Funn Fatty head, 2.6" Kenda Kolossal rear tire,2.6" Kenda Kinetics front tire, Husseffelt DH cranks w/bash ring, MegaRange rear cogs, and Shimano Rapid Fire shifters, Deore deraileurs. (Sweet Bike!)
Bottom Line:
I ride the extreme trails (phosphate pits) in central fla. Full of roots, rocks,logs, and huge swooping dives off tops of dirt piles (hardened with age). Most phosphate pit drops run almost straight down then "V" at the bottom shooting immediately straight up into the next climb. (Rollercoaster effect) and I have yet to bottom these forks out!! They are extremely smooth over the roughest stuff,logs, rocks, roots, gopher holes, even studder bumps. I have the stock springs in place and will be leaving it that way!, its perfect! When adjustments are made with the "fast/slow" rebound knob you "do" notice the difference.(unlike some forks when adjusted one extreme to the other no differnce is noticed). They are also extremely lightweight! Nothing bad at all to say about them so far!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tj
a Downhiller
from S.B. CA. Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jesusitas
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
Stiff, lightweight, 6" or 7" travel
Weaknesses:
the metal decals
Similar Products Used:
Super T, X-Vert Carbon
Bike Setup:
Giant AC with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
I called RockShox concerning the coating on the stanchions as mentioned by the other reviewers. The tech I talked to said the coating they use is porous and absorbs alot of oil producing an uneven look to the stanchion. He said this is normal and is not the coating wearing off or being too thin. All in all, this is a great fork and I couldn't be happier with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fred
a Downhiller
from northridge, Ca. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: February 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
summit trail, big bear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
weight would have to best strenght. clean look. upgradable.
2002 spec big hit dh, 03 boxxer race 7" set up, raceface northshore xc cranks, hayes hydros w/8" rotors front and rear, mrp slalom system 1.
Bottom Line:
first i would like to say that these are sweet forks, but hard to get use to. the fork i was riding before the boxxer was 2001 monster t. the rebound has been greatly improved form the boxxer 151, and with addition of upgrading to compression damper, performance should be unreal. as for the sliders coating, just going to ride it like that for a wile. than upgrade to the ti-ni sliders.
will be putting the fork to the test on feb 8th at the fontana dh race. will post agian in a few months after i really put some use on this baby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Powell Butte, OR
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$594.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Very stiff in every way. Lightweight for a DC. Price (which included upper crown). Simplicity. Adjustment between 6" and 7".
Weaknesses:
No functional weaknesses so far. Metallic stickers look like dirt holders since edges stick up. Stanchion coating is too thin. I can see through it in places and after one ride noticed some wear in those spots.
Similar Products Used:
Test ridden Junior T.
Bike Setup:
2002 KHS Fetish DH50, Alex triple walls, Kona cromoly cranks w/bash, XT & SRAM 7.0 mix, 2.7 Roller Pro's, Boxxer.
Bottom Line:
This review is from one long ride with some 4' drops and 10' gaps. Functionally, this fork is exactly what I wanted. A light, stiff and simple fork that can be jumped, dropped and even go uphill. I removed the metal stickers which improves the clean lines of the forks looks greatly. The stanchions coating seems poorly applied, but that shouldn't affect function to my knowledge. A toolless axle would be nice for trail repairs, but I like having the tried and proven bolt on 20mm. At close to 190lbs with gear I think I'll have to do something to keep from bottoming the fork. I didn't bottom it out alot so I may just add a little oil and go from there. I'll post another review at the end of summer. I'd recommend this fork to anyone who likes to trailride rough stuff, do drops and dirt jump. This fork is perfect for that stuff! This fork really hits the mark for "Freeriders", which I guess I am.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sebastian
a Weekend Warrior
from Maine Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any trail that i dont have to pedal this pig around on (haha)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
Ski Rack
Strengths:
- adjustable travel - rebound adjust - great over all feel - looks good
This fork is awsome,i have to pedal it to the good spots, but after that first drop of downhill trail its worth it..one other thing, and i dont know if anyone elses boxxer is doin this, but the coating on the upper legs is coming off and you can see the coat beneith it. It doesnt mess w/ the forks performance, but it looks really cruddy. the fork also squeeks pretty bad when u first hop on ur bike after a few hours, but after a few minutes its ok again, its probably because its just not fully broken in yet. other than these things the fork is great, and is defenitly worth the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Downhiller
from Leh PA Usa Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Quarry
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
New from Friend
Strengths:
Can't beat the Price! Weight to Travel Ratio , Weighs in at 6.5 lbs with axle , Very Solid Controlled feel for drops and Jumps. If your a lightweight you will have trouble bottoming this fork. I switched out to light springs and still rarely bottom it. The ability to adjust from 6 to 7 is nice allthough you have to take the fork apart to do so. Nice colors and graphics if you like that sort of thing.
Weaknesses:
It would be nice if Rockshox could somehow put the U-turn of the psylos on this fork. This really isn't a weakness but the fork would be amazing if it could go from 5-7 inches of travel. All the rest is just personal preference because this fork has no real weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Junior T , Sherman Slider , 00 Boxxer
Bike Setup:
02 IronHorse G-spot , built for freeride , hussefelts , rhyno xl , weighs in at 39 lbs with the boxxer now.
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the price , uber stiff for such a lightweight design. Even though the fork has limited adjustments its great for freeride. The Rebound speed adjuster actually makes a noticable difference , from pogo stick choppy to pack up over the stutter bumps slow. Definately the best Freeride Fork on the market when you factor in its light weight affordability and durability.
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Submitted by
Will Norton
a Downhiller
from Perth Western Australia Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
ALL the Dwellingup tracks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bike Force Joondalup
Strengths:
Super stiff, Light weight, cool colour and super plush
Weaknesses:
the decals come off very easy but i glued them back on and they seem fine now
Similar Products Used:
Stratos S8 ultras (mates bike)
Bike Setup:
San Andreas, profile cranks, hayes mag disks, mavic 521 rims with funn hubs and a aireal stem and easton dh bars
Bottom Line:
best forks for there money and light as heck if you want a good race plus freeride fork get these
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Submitted by
Bender Over
a Downhiller
from Trabuco Canyon, Ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pocupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super beefy 32mm Stanchions. Easy to work on. Rebound adjuster works great.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bike Setup:
02 Giant AC with Romic Rear shock, and 8 inch avys.
Bottom Line:
I raced this fork at Bootleg this past weekend, and it has been an excellent investment. Prior to this I was racing DH with my stock Manitou Black. When I first got the Boxxer, I was only going to use it for races, but now it has become my full-time trail riding for also. I run it with a red spring in one leg and yellow in the other, with 4 preload spacers. I weigh 225, and haven't bottomed it yet, even without the compression adjustability. It took me 10 minutes to change the oil the other day. And switching from 6 inches to 7 took about 30 minutes. So far, this fork rules.
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