Submitted by
Tony Mairs
a Racer
from Belfast, Northern Ireland Date Reviewed: May 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Belvoir (the only trail near by). Favourite Road : Rocky Road 20%
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Never bottomed out (never tried, not an off road fork) Quality undeniable. Looks good, if it matters.
Weaknesses:
Not for MTN bikes. Preload does NOT work, no difference between soft and hard.
Similar Products Used:
SR Suntour forks in bike shop (which are practically identical). XC MTB forks from ROCKSHOX and other big name companies that worked well.
Bike Setup:
Fork on $500 hybrid cycle
Bottom Line:
If forks are to be used on hybrids they should be able to be set very soft which this fork does not allow (stick to rigid for road). I kind of get the impression that suspension companies have come out with these hybrid type forks for no reason other to increase profit. Most of the time the only thing you have accomplished by having one of these is adding an unwanted couple of lbs.(Better on a fork than on a belly!...joke.) Suspension forks just aren't much use on anything designed for the road or path. I am not saying that the Metro GPS is no good, I am saying that the fork needs softer springs. I bet many people who read this are saying to themselves, "hey if the fork gets softer springs, it i'll just bottom out." Well yes, I would agree with them if this was an off road fork, but it isn't, comfort is the main issue here and the truth is that it could go well on a budget touring bike for rough roads if it had softer springs, I still feel that you will just be carrying more weight around on 99% of roads. lets not forget that rigid forks are not made out of matchsticks and can also go over grass, rough roads and anywhere the Metro GPS is designed to go. This fork is good value and is easily on a power quality wise with the Judy TT fork. Ive given the Metro GPS 4 chilis for value since the quality is good, and three chilis overall as its use is limited and it NEEDS softer or more adjustable springs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phlip
a Cross Country Rider
from Oroville, Calif. Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wildflower(road) Brad Freeman(off)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Campus Cycles
Strengths:
Surprisingly smooth and feels lighter than I expected.
Weaknesses:
Preload adjustment on one fork only and yet it seems to work well.
Similar Products Used:
My first experience with fork shocks (except on motorcycles).
Bike Setup:
Came stock on my new Trek 7500 hybrid with 700c wheels.
Bottom Line:
These shocks work well for such a short stroke. I have gone through many potholes gritting my teeth only to find that it wasn't bad at all. I don't think that they have ever bottomed out on me yet and I weigh 200lbs. They make this skinny hard tire bike ride very much like my fat tire Mountain Goat, but with much less rolling resistance. They make me want to upgrade or at least try something with more travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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