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Cannondale
HeadShok Fatty Ultra DL
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Submitted by
Wader
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | any dirt one | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$840.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-Rack, Lincoln, | | Strengths: | stiff, light, smooth | | Weaknesses: | service-currently at Cannondale for a blown seal, 3 other guys out of the same shop have forks there with the same problem. It's out of warranty so who know what they will do. I bought the bike because i wanted the shock. Now shock is broken and I have no ride. | | Similar Products Used: | RockShocks- have used the old MAG-21, Quadra-21, Jett, Judy SL Air | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale f4 spec + xt spd's | | Bottom Line: | I am pissed that the shock is broken. I just want to hear from Cannondale what they are going to do. If I have to replace it, i will probably go back to RockShocks. That itself will be a pain due to the head tube differences. Otherwise, I plan to do what I have to, then sell the bike and go another route. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from california, San Mateo
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | one | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | biek store | | Strengths: | Lock out, but now it does not work | | Weaknesses: | Can not replace. Do not go this way. Get a fork shock ... Do not purchase this shock system... | | Similar Products Used: | other MB shock systems | | Bike Setup: | Bad boy cannondale | | Bottom Line: | I went with the headshock because I thought cannondale was a reliable company.. I should have listened to my inner voice.. "What if it gets starts to leak, what if it has any problems, you will not simply be able to get a new set of forks and be done with it..."
Maybe I got a lemon, but do you want to take that chance.. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bashbosh
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs, East Sussex, UK | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles, UK | | Strengths: | When set-up correctly it feels smooth and gives the XC rider confidence to make slight turns by transfering their weight through the hips! | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't have the feel of a cheap fork. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | XC | | Bottom Line: | My HeadShok Super Fatty Ultra DL was serviced recently. It was returned with a gentle 'knocking' when locked out (Down to the pins and races being in contact?). The problem was not rectified after being returned to the machanic twice! I was told this fork is known to have construction problems when serviced? I'm tempted to contact Cannondale and find out if there are any known problems with this fork? Has anyone out there had any similar problems? Basically, the service was by a Cannondale approved mechanic in the UK and when I ride it not locked out its perfect so I guess its a case of ignoring the lockout? the stiffness of the fork if set-up correctly reduces bob and the need to lockout uphill. Just want to know if the mechanic was yanking my chain? Could it be a bad job because why would Cannondale sell duff forks which develop this problem only when serviced? Thanks guys. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek Park (24hrs/Adrenalin Course) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, zero stiction when braking, laser-precise steering response, full lockout, rebound dampening. | | Weaknesses: | Loses air over time(so do tires!), service parts are expensive, very expensive to replace(non-warranty). | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Lefty, Rock Shox SID race. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Cannondale F2000SL | | Bottom Line: | This review is actually for the Ultra Fatty DLR2- which is basically the same fork......with an added rebound dampening dial.
The lightness and stiffness of this fork is truly confidence-inspiring. You are able to attack singletrack
with sheer speed and control. At under three pounds- this fork is still lighter than most carbon fiber front suspensions costing thousands more.
Lastly, you cannot go wrong with Cannondale's race-proven, winning technology. I prefer this over their slick Lefty- only because TWO points of failure is obviously better than ONE(know what I mean?). Unless you seriously abuse the fork like a DH/Freerider.....there is virtually nothing much you can do to this bulletproof setup, under normal XC use. With the correct pressure settings, you will experience little or no front end bob, riding uphill without the lockout engaged. It's THAT SMOOTH!!!
Cannondale really has a truly ingenious design here.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Private Party | | Strengths: | Super light; Steering precision/control; simplicity of operation; twist-resistant steering; rebound/dampening knob; on-the-fly lockout; lifetime warranty | | Weaknesses: | Slow air leaks; not user-serviceable | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Lefty DLR | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Cannondale F600 Furio; Ultra Fatty Headshok DLR; SRAM x.7 shifters/drivetrain; Avid BB5 mechanical brakes; MAVIC XM117 rims/Shimano M475 hubs; IRC Serac XC tires; Fizik saddle; Crank Brothers Smarty clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | No twin-stanchion air fork can compare to this baby. It's too light....yet strong like bull. I feel safer on this fork than even the Lefty. A true XC race-inspired fork- with many race wins to prove it, too. Cannondale should just improve on this platform, instead of further developing the failure-prone(ouch!) Lefty. Produce this fork with 105mm travel, and it will be ONE LEGENDARY FORK- bar none. With a quarter-turn lockout, climbs will put all your friends in the dust.
The overall quality of the Headshok....is worth the price of a Cannondale alone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnhem, Gelderland, Holland
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | everything where it goes down | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | secondhand, internet | | Strengths: | Stiff/Strong
Smooth/No stiction
Looks
Perfect with discbrakes
Keeps your front wheel on the ground when needed like nothing else
Weight
Though | | Weaknesses: | Can't do many experiments with damping
Not easy to take it appart (it is possible!!)
You can't order any parts from it wich are needed for yearly service. So the service depends on the dealer
For maintainence it's not a cheap fork but hey wich racing fork is?
you have to take out the wheel for re adjusting the fork tension whit the air valve
Can't put it in a "normal" bike only Cannondale uses a 1,5 inch head
| | Similar Products Used: | rockshocks Judy XC, Several Manitou, rigid Pace, Other Headshock | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F900 Sl, LX/XT, Hayes disc brakes, Mavic Crossride disc, and other stuff | | Bottom Line: | This fork is the best I'v ever tried. It's a though tool and makes me feel like my bike is better than I am.
Only problem I'v had is that it's not easy to take it appart and do some maintainance things like re-greasing and checking the races/needles but it's possible!!
As a constructor/engineer I had my doubts about the rubber boot wich protects the fragile inside against mud/watter, but after a quick look I'm convinced that it's absolutely save! Same for those unbeliveble needles, how the hell is it possible that there is no play between it? Even after all the time it has'nt been re-greased ore cleaned!
Although many people claim it has the best lock-out on a fork I do not use it. Can you imagine what it does to the needle barings when they don't move but have to endure litle bangs and vibratings? (this is what makes the litle dents in the races of your fork)
And the damping is good enough for not pumping up and down going uphill on the road so I don't use the lockout. But I must say Im not a very heavy rider.
Oh and there is another thing about the adjustment of the fork. The recommanded presure in the instruction manual don't work for me!! I use a presure wich is a litle lower
Maybe there is somebody surfing around on this website who has problems with a litle play between te races/needles. (who has? please write a review about it!)But I don't see this problem very often.
While riding it it has'nt got the problem of most forks. As soon as you touch the front brake ordinary forks refuse to take any bumps and only give a litle reaction at realy big bumps. The Headshock forks (and the lefty too of course) just keep absorbing bumps. The don't give you the feeling of being locked becauce of the used barings. I can't imagine why there is no other fork constructor who uses barings!! (Or maybe there is...? reactions !!)
Altough it's not the most comfortable fork, it takes the bumps out and keeps your wheel on the ground for excelent grip like no other fork (except the lefty wich is a litle better). The 80 mm way is more than enough, how many times did you actualy "use" more? The first time I tried a Headshpock I did'nt realize it works so great till I tried al litle off road and wondered where all those bumps where gone!!
For complete compare with other forks I should trie a German-a front fork (yup, those ugly forks with a swing arm!) Those forks should be as light as a Headshock and even as responsive!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dash
a Weekend Warrior
from prescott, az. USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light-weight. Reliable. Quick, easy to reach remote lockout for climbs. Made in USA. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Magura CSS, F600. Disc specific, XT, Kenda Nevegal, Rockshox post. | | Bottom Line: | Performs beautifully. Once the rider has the fork is setup properly, the bike corners perfectly. It will "set" just before corneringing and give the rider that planted feedback from the bike that ultimately instills rider confidence. It's a little choppy in BIG rock gardens, but I live in the desert where rock gardens are can be meteor sized and probably better suited for Full suspension bikes.
I've thought about going to the lefty but this fork does everything I need.
I like this for so much that on a new bike, I would probably swap nearly every fork for this one.
Good job Cannondale. Made in USA as well! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Karotka
a Racer
from Bratislava
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | probike shop | | Strengths: | Super LIGHTWEIGHT only 1250g with headset, good Lockout, very stiff...... and beauty :) | | Weaknesses: | damping works bad, this is only race fork withount any comfort........PRIZE | | Similar Products Used: | Sid Race Titanium 2002 Lo, Sid Team 2004 Lo | | Bike Setup: | Caad5,XTR,Hope Mini, DT Hugi, Mavic 317, Time Atac XS carbon, Race face, Roox, CODA | | Bottom Line: | Super Fork for XC riders, is´t good for weekend riders becouse is uncomfortable, and at the second side is very stiff, light. I can say this fork is one of the best which I have ridden. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leonard Levine
a Racer
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Birch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia | | Strengths: | I've ridden & raced this fork hard for five seasons with no problems. The steering is second to none. Tracks perfectly. Just point and shoot. Easily corners through tight singletrack at high speeds. Light Weight! Overall simplicity makes it a winner. | | Weaknesses: | Very harsh if you forget to un-lock before descending. Leaks air very slowly overtime. Nothing to worry about though, simply re-adjust pressure. Really no major weaknesses to speak of. Except that high-end cannondales with head shocks are all disc specific now???? I liked the weight and simplicity of v-brakes especially with the fatty! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 stock cannondale F-3000 SL. Cadd 4 frame, crossmax tubeless wheels, python air lights, coda 2x9 crank, xtr cassette,derailleurs and shifters, easton ct2 bar, thompson elite post, coda stem, coda seat with ti rails, avid arch supreme calipers, avid ultimate levers and did I mention my head shock ultra DL? | | Bottom Line: | Great fork. Came stock on my y2k F-3000. I've ridden & raced it ever since witout a hitch. It will make you a better bike handeler especially in the tight stuff. This fork is world cup and world championship proven. I can remember when Alison Sydor and Cadel Evans were almost un stopable on the fatty ultra. I just wish cannondale would spec it on another super light weight set up without the discs. Or at least give us the option of having caliper bosses! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | RCP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels in Motion | | Strengths: | Stable feel | | Weaknesses: | service | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2000 Bad Boy Ultra accept switched to XTR pods and 26" rims with 2.1 tires | | Bottom Line: | Solid fork with rebound assembly set up for 165lbs of air pressure. Great for hopping. Very quick. No flex. Solid breaking. One small air chamber air only compresses so much.
Softer ride extended more solid as travle is squashed. Hard XC riders dream. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Macon, GA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dauset Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech of Macon | | Strengths: | Steering rigidity, the lockout, smoothness of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Might be too simple for some folks. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Duke C, Manitou Skareb Comp, Rock Shox Jett TT | | Bike Setup: | Essentially an F2000 | | Bottom Line: | The steering is tight and the travel smooth. The rigidity also shows up in braking. I don't see any of that forward flex in hard braking like I did with the Skareb.
Some folks might miss rebound damping and coompression damping, but I surely don't. The fork only has the one dial, that real big on on top of the stem, that locks out the travel. Any other adjustment to travel is done at the schrader valve.
The travel is nice and smooth. I tend to run the fork around 10psi lower than recommended for my weight, and so far the wheel stays glued to the trail nicely.
The best thing I can say about the fork is that I forget about while I'm riding.
Great product. A classic.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Splijin
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, rigid, no stiction, and true lockout. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't look as cool as the Lefty. | | Similar Products Used: | RockShox Pilot | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F400 | | Bottom Line: | One of the best forks out there for XC. The traditional fork design allows the wheel to be super stiff and tracks true. Lockout is a dream when riding around town or when blasting up the mountain.
Takes a bit of trial and error to fine tune the air pressure to get the feel just right, but once you find the correct air pressure its velvety smooth. With 80mm of travel at only 2.9lb, it’s in the same league as RockShox’s SID Team.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Berwyn
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Dan's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Rigid, stiction free, light weight, and sexy. | | Weaknesses: | People have mentioned expensive service, I don't have that problem, bike shop hooks me up constantly, price of loyalty I guess. I have busted a seal by the air valve letting all the hydo fluid onto the front tire once. Air leaks slowly. These are nit picks, I abuse the fork a lot and any other fork would have failed by now. All my old forks have! | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou, Rockshok, Marzocchi | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F600 stock except tires, bars, pedals and stem. | | Bottom Line: | Some say it needs more travel. I agree but it is the quality of the travel that is more important than the quantity. This fork out performs others that have much more travel. A word of advice, if you weight over 180 lbs. you may want your LBS to swap the oil in the fork (5 wt.) for 7.5 wt. oil. This slows rebound a little which helps the shock from topping out, it will if you have the air pressure set for big weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mora Luis Fernando
a Cross Country Rider
from Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | cross country | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Ciclo Güilly | | Strengths: | In order of importance: control, weight, speed and looks | | Weaknesses: | I have tested for 3 heavy cross country rides and haven´t found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Head Shok Lefty DLR | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F-800, magura julie brakes, mavic X223 rims, coda expert crank, all the other components are Shimano XT | | Bottom Line: | I was very close of changing my bike because of the lefty shok (and the limited options with the Cannondale frames), until a friend offers me to test this one. I feel very insecure with the lefty but in this 3 rides I have regain my confidence in the downhills, and its mainly because of the huge difference in tne handling control of the bike. I agree that the lefty is a nice shok but this one gives you the rigidity necessary to take the most speedy, "big rocks loose" and slippery mud handling downhill you can imagine. As from today I have decided to keep my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jussi Pattitussi
a Cross Country Rider
from Pohojola
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | pupu-trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Velosport, Helsinki | | Strengths: | Lightness (helps on manuals and FEELS GOOD)
No adjustment gears: u only lose your nerves and become paranoiac with these numerous adjustment options in the forks today. Fatty DL doesnt have any, so u just ride. Hey, the engineers HAVE thought how it should travel/feel, u are a rider so drive, dont adjust! | | Weaknesses: | Lack of travel sometimes, but on the other hand too much travel sometimes causes passive riding style, so there comes the time, when the rock/obstacle is too big even for the longest travel --> over u go! DL has just enough travel to keep the front wheel on the ground on the high speeds which i think is the mening of the front suspension | | Similar Products Used: | Rocks Poks something... | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F800SL | | Bottom Line: | It's so beautiful! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mathias
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose california
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | its the fastest XC fork, there are no weaknesses, if you are a freerider travel is insufficient get the ultra for racing. | | Weaknesses: | could be 10 mm of more travel but 70 mm work´s great in the terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | sid´s sl, race, manitou mars elite. | | Bike Setup: | original. | | Bottom Line: | This fork is awesome, it does exactly what it is supposed to do, I can't believe the steering precision gain over the rock shox i really recommend this fork to anyone that want to be a serious cross country racing/riding in terms of weight and travel is exellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biker xc
a Cross Country Rider
from miami
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | bikesports | | Strengths: | Lightweight, on-the-fly lockout, lateral rigidity, it´s the most accurety XC racing fork in the market. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox sid sl, race . fox forks | | Bike Setup: | original from factory. | | Bottom Line: | The best front shock I've ever used for racing . Steers and resists twist very well. Coupled with the ultra light frame set(scalpel 800),Works great for XC racing, not for free riding free riders don´t apply,is the best fork on the market for precise steering and responsiveness to small and medium bumps.Air adjustable dampening works great The lockout is the best of the market | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The General
a Cross Country Rider
from Walzenhausen
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lachen-Birkenfeld | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Lockout, simple to use, direct steering. | | Weaknesses: | Complex in construction, difficulty in home maintenance, travel could be increased. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing yet. | | Bike Setup: | Standard Jekyll 700 | | Bottom Line: | I was a die-hard road-race rider before I moved from Sydney, Australia to Switzerland. However the alpine forest trails were calling me and I needed a mountain bike for the first time ever. I chose the Super Fatty/Jekyll because I wanted a smooth transition from road to XC. The on-the-fly lockout is great as I need to take some hard-surface roads uphill to get to my favourite trails. I don't regret my purchase as the bike handles like a dream.
So far I have had no failures but I am not looking forward to my first maintenance visit. Labour charges here are ridiculous, and I hate it that I can't work on it easily myself. Are there any home maintenance options?
P.S. I doubt very much that "Clyde Toris" is really from Australia. Firstly, he can't even spell Australia ( note that the error was carried), and to my knowledge there is no place called Whistler down under (confirmed by Google search). Also, a real Australian wouldn't be so nasty. Please keep that in mind before generalising us Aussies! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis, oregon, usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclotopia | | Strengths: | The Fatty Ultra Dl is super light weight. The lack of stiction is unparalleled. Also, the tradition fork design makes it super rigid. You can get it on the Caad 5, which is super terrific | | Weaknesses: | Travel, sometimes 70mm isn't enough. I think adding 10-15mm would help a lot! Compared to other forks there is a slight notchy feel, but it fades with use and it does not effect the ride. You have to own a Cannondale or Moots, and both are a little expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | Fatty, Rock Shox Sid, Manitou Mars | | Bike Setup: | Caad 5 f2000 SL | | Bottom Line: | Headshoks are the best XC forks. No other fork can match the lack of stiction, precision, rigidiy, or originality. If you are racing, get the Fatty Ultra. If you are just out to have fun, GET A LEFTY, or a Super Fatty and you will be much happier. The lack of travel can be hell on long rides, or rough trails. I wish I had a Lefty, but I love my bike/fork nevertheless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edson S. C.
a Weekend Warrior
from México City, México
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | XC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, on-the-fly lockout, lateral rigidity, it´s the most accurety XC racing fork in the market and low maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | Travel (10-15 mm + would be perfect), no regulation of travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shox Judy, SR Suntour MG9050 | | Bottom Line: | Check these aspects:
-Weight; is more light than Rock Shox SID Carbon!
-Rigidity; lateral rigidity claimed by Cannondale is very superior of the others forks.
-Precision: Very precise steering reaction. The small obstacles dissapear and the medium obstacles are very well absobed.
-Very low maintenance.
-Lockout is the best in the market.
-Travel: is short (not enough but close) and no regulation.
In the terrain, Headshock Ultra DL offers all that one needs of a XC fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sammy gaver
a Racer
from frederick md
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | mt airy bikes | | Strengths: | super ridged needle berings roll smooth light 2.8lbs avalable in assorted flavors mines black gloss with mango text | | Weaknesses: | bosses were welded unevenly (height) craftsmanship flaw
| | Similar Products Used: | fatty sl sid race light stuff | | Bike Setup: | 98 ravin custom polished and drilled swingarm | | Bottom Line: | i had to replace my old fatty sl (leaked and lost rebound dampening) a bit pricy for product buts it light and ridged and easy to install all you do is hammer out the old fork and press in the new one no tools required jut a mallet. love the ride smooth and plush ifinate adjustability on dampening and locks out in a quarter turn instead of some where you have to turn it 50 times. it only been 4 months but it handles 5 foot drops pretty well 70 mm goes fast but its a cross country fork so do it fast no slow wheely drops i stand behind cannondale stuff minus some coda products. if you upgrade this is the one!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve S
a Weekend Warrior
from Portsmouth, ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Q.E.P. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Sensible Cycles | | Strengths: | Light, good tracking, no twisting, low maintenance, good adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | Could do with another 10mm of travel, can't carry out home maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy's, Mach 5's (Manitou), X-verts. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 F900SL, Hope Mini's, USE alien, Easton CT2's, Time aliums. | | Bottom Line: | Nice fork. Steers and resists twist very well. Last bike had triple clamp x-verts, with disc brakes and when you applied the brakes hard you could feel the twist. It also affected the forks performance due to stiction when the fork twisted. There was also some flutter due to play in the bushings. This is not a problem on the Ultras as they do not telecope like everyone elses fork. They are really easy to look after, but do need to be serviced by a dealer from time to time. I guess the lockout is a good feature, but I never use it. I think the bike feels better when the fork can move.
Wanted a nice light bike and this fork certainly helps that. Didn't want a flimsy, fluttery, light weight thing either. Overall, perfect for me. Downhillers need not apply. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Lunsford
a Racer
from Batesville, IN
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Wright Bros. Outdoors | | Strengths: | The 2.7 lb. weight and lockout along with precise steering reaction make this the fork to beat. | | Weaknesses: | If you dont own a Cannondale you cant use one!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Just about everything on the market. Was co-sponsored by Rock Shox for three years providing tech feedback as a degreed mechanical engineer. | | Bike Setup: | I have three Cannondales. Two of which are set up with Fatty Ultra DL forks. One Caad4 Hardtail and one SuperV that we upgraded the fork from a P-bone. All of them are built with top shelf equipment and made to race fast! | | Bottom Line: | I have been racing bikes off road in various forms for over 25 years. This is the best fork on the market for precise steering and responsiveness to small bumps.Air adjustable dampening works great. Granted there are forks out there with longer travel. But this fork is made for fast trail riding/racing. The lockout is a Godsend on long uphill fireroads and the occasional road ride to the trails. I usually train on my hardtail with semi-slicks and do both roads and trails in the same ride. With the lockout its like having two bikes in one. Coupled to a handmade Cannondale frame, this is a superlight package that rivals the weight of every pro's bike on the Norba circuit. Lets not forget the handmade and designed in the USA along with something unique that can only be found on a top of the line Cannondale. The Idiot from Austriala is a HUGE LIAR!!! you CAN NOT mount a Fatty Ultra in a Raliegh frame. The only thing he has blown is his brain. I have been racing and abusing my Ultra forks for two years now and have had no failures of any type! Profesionally speaking the design is the best on the market. When everybody else is trying to adapt a motorcycle fork to a bike, C'dale wiped the board clean and designed a bike fork for bike riding. Nuff' said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patchito
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, California
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | -really supple, little stiction
-tracking and lateral rigidity
-originality...the un-boutique, anti-poser factor
-yup...made in the USA | | Weaknesses: | The ubiquity and preponderance of American designed bicycle equipment, e-commerce, culture, and general American world hegemony make a few of our backward, illiterate, vegemite eating Aussie friends with bad teeth feel a trifle insecure. | | Bottom Line: | It's getting pretty close to the 4th of July, and the fact that there are people out there taking the time to trash their American designed bicycle equipment on an American website, on an American invented, inspired, and funded World Wide Web, on Intel powered Dell computers while eating a Big Mac makes me feel patriotic already.
Perhaps those multi tatooed and pierced, "way cool dude" downhill thrashers should opt for a downhill fork(what a novel concept). There are many such options from such companies as Rockshox, Manitou, and yes, Cannondale. If you feel that such a purchase should be an act of patriotic expression as well, you might purchase a fork made and designed in Au....oops....forgot...there are none. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clide Toris
a Downhiller
from Whistler, austrailia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | one that curves steeply downwards at an alarming rate. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | the least expensive bike store ever! | | Strengths: | shatty for DH | | Weaknesses: | it is made in the US
americans are stupid and dumb. if you have a problem with that, e-mail me and i will explain it.
horrible fork for DH | | Similar Products Used: | a rigid | | Bike Setup: | rigid raleigh | | Bottom Line: | this fork is horrible for DH.
It is very obvious that only an american could have made such a horrible gay fork. maybe they made it for the purpose of sitting on the pointy end.
I hate this fork, and i blew ALL the needle bearings in ONE DH!!!! how about that!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Brigham
a Racer
from Milton, Vermont
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Catamount | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack | | Strengths: | Ultra light weight, eats up small bumps, the best headshok ever.. | | Weaknesses: | Could use more travel but eats up all other standard shocks | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shok SID, and several other Head Shoks | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Cannondale F1000 SL CAAD 4, with full XTR except for CODA Tarantula crank set | | Bottom Line: | The best front shock I've ever used. Coupled with the ultra light frame set up, this is one fast set-up. If you can get by with 70MM of travel, this is the shok for you. Over-all a great shok for all levels of riders who appreciate a light weight responsive fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | peiriks cycle | | Strengths: | weight, lock out, price, | | Weaknesses: | like there ever is one with a headshok except could use more travel | | Similar Products Used: | p-bone m, p-bone D, Sid XC | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Cannondale F-900 | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet fork, but more travel would be nice. I will never go back to the old rock shok style after i have had my two head shoks. It is sweet for XC riding and racing. GET YOUSELF ONE!!!NOW | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dash Point | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable, Great on-off knob, very responsive, looks tizzy~ | | Weaknesses: | Uh.....eh.....hm.....well.....whats the question? | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi z2 | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Caad 3, XT all over, and i advise u to get the Titec Carbon bar ends! | | Bottom Line: | I bought the 00 Caad 3 frame, and the DL came with the frame, and i was only $400 all together! Sweet! But ya, this is a GREAT suspension, very plush. Works great for XC, possibly DH, but i only tried once. Eats up all the bumps, and the quick on-off knob is very convenient. ALL my words have "very" before it, and are all positive. Tizzy fork. Give a 5 of those burning pieces of ish | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Foster Maxwell
a Cross Country Rider
from Fryeburg
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mineral site downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | over the net | | Strengths: | this is the smoothest fork i have ever used. it works perfect and is easy to adjust. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | DD50, old manitou | | Bike Setup: | 1998 cannondale F700 (caad3) xt/lx drivetrain, coda disc brakes, clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | this fork is one of the best cross country racing forks in terms of weight and travel anywhere around. i recommend this fork to anyone that is into cross country racing/riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Kahlenberg
a Racer
from Shippensburg, Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 Mile Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Guy's Bikes | | Strengths: | Precise Steering, Smooth Travel, Lockout | | Weaknesses: | Traves can be too short at times, but this doesn't take away from the fork's overall performance. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox SID, Rock Shox Judy | | Bottom Line: | The fork came on my F3000SL and has worked great thus far. I actually like it better than my SID. I would recomend this fork to anybody along with my bike(racer's only). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Saw Mill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very Stiff
Precise Steering
Lockout | | Weaknesses: | Very short travel
bottoms out rapidly | | Similar Products Used: | RockShox SID, Marzocchi Z1 | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll 900sl, Full XTR (except CODA crank) | | Bottom Line: | An excellent cross country racing fork, very light with very precise steering and no flex. Out in the world of trail riding, needs more travel especially with 4" of travel in the rear (like my Jekyll or a Raven). All in all though, the HeadShok has been very dependable and the lockout is great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Westphal
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bukit Timah Nature Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Low maintenace, fast On-Off option, sufficient travel for trails. | | Weaknesses: | Needs specific tools for maintenance, danger of corrosion if not maintained correct. | | Similar Products Used: | nope | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F700 CAAD 3, Maguras Raceline. | | Bottom Line: | If not used often and properly, corrosion may occur inside the headshok. A MUST for Crosscountry and Trail-hoppers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Stiff, light, awesome precision | | Weaknesses: | Not a huge amount of travel | | Similar Products Used: | sid xc | | Bike Setup: | 00 f1000sl | | Bottom Line: | Hey Jamz you don't have a ultra fatty dl, you have a super fatty, so write your review somewhere else, it is not this product.
My fork is awesome I can't believe the steering precision gain over my brothers sid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Angwin, CA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light
Precise Steering
Stiff | | Weaknesses: | If you want the fastest possible XC bike, there are no weaknesses, if you want a freeride bike then travel is insufficient. | | Similar Products Used: | y2k sid 100 | | Bike Setup: | y2k raven 1000sl | | Bottom Line: | This fork is awesome, it does exactly what it is supposed to do, absorb some shock and move the bike where you point it. It does not have a lot of travel, but if you want a fast xc bike then you don't want a lot of fork travel. This is far better than my roomates y2k sid 100. It is much stiffer, and lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamz
a Cross-Country Rider
from canberra
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
precise steering
stiff | | Weaknesses: |
travel
stiction
air springs | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shox
marzocchi | | Bike Setup: |
on a 2000 model SV 800, see the review | | Bottom Line: | good when it works, which isnt often. In three months the dampning cartrige has blown once, the air negative stuffed up and i blew 2 seals on the air spring. Also makes a topping out noise - dont know why. Shop has rebuilt it 3 times. I asked for replacement cartrige but cannondale insists on fixing it, and i pay for labour time. when it works its not too bad but not as good as marzocchi. Also 80mm is not enough travel to go with 120mm rear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Angwin, CA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Precision Steering
Good travel
No noticable stiction | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Bottom Line: | This fork works great. It came on my 2000 raven 1000sl. The air is easy to tune, unlike my roomates new sid 100, with adapters and weird pressure drops. It feels very plush, has 3 inches of travel and is light and stiff.
I highly recommend this fork and my new raven | | Overall Rating: |
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