Submitted by
Luigi
a Downhiller
from Joinville, SC, Brazil
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Strengths: Soft Damping, tough construction, excelent for dropping
Weaknesses: Heavy, and be sure it HATES water!!
Bottom Line:
I had a nightmare after riding 3 hours under tropical rain here in Brazil. The day after the shock was completely locked; thanks to Cannondale support I got it fixed. I bought this bike to ride 2 meter drops... and it works beautilully!!
Weaknesses: It is rather heavy (which is probably why it is so strong). No lock out.
Bottom Line:
I like the security of knowing it is a very durable fork. In addition, the bearings make it very smooth - there is no stiction. I find that the stiffest dampening setting allows for best control.
Although its not supposed to be for the weight conscious rider, I would still prefer it be lighter.
Submitted by
Roger Trinidad
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila, Philippines
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Strengths: Beefy...
Weaknesses: Heavy...
Bottom Line:
I've tried some of my friend's bike to see what their forks are goin' to say. But I still prefer my Moto FR 'coz it always give me a smooth landing after a big jump.
Submitted by
Scott Rowe
a
from Bronxville, NY - USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Strengths: BIG - HEAVY- MEAN
Weaknesses: HEAVY- Not a whole lot of travel
Bottom Line:
These things kick ass. They were a little tough to get use to on XC and uphill-- but there is nothing better than blowing past people on a DH. The best thing I have put on my bike since I bought it.
Submitted by
David Lopez
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami Lakes
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001
Strengths: Very strong, very smooth, Dampening Dial actully works, reliability.
Weaknesses: Weight (I would estimate 6.5 lbs.), Suggested retail price, Only C-dale mechanics with special tools can work on it.
Bottom Line:
If you abuse your fork or have broken lesser forks, this is the fork for you. I weigh 225 and ride like a gorilla escapped from the circus. I destroyed the Quadra 5, Indy SL, and even the X-Vert tripple clamp!, in less than a year of riding in FLAT South Florida. On the other hand, I've abused this fork for over two years and have not had a single problem. The shock is smooth as silk but could be a little more progressive. The Dampening Dial actually makes a difference and helps to reduce some bobbing when turned all the way tight. It is extremely stiff, with no lateral flex. It holds its' line on any size impact or sharp turn. The weight is a concern if you intend to race. If you are just out to have fun and play with your bike or Freeride, this fork is a good option. If your a big guy like me and don't mind carrying the extra weight, go for it you wont be disappointed. I've started racing a little this season so I just replaced this fork with a 2000 Marzocchi Atom 80. I love the Marzocchi so far, but I've kept the Moto FR in my garage as back-up just in case I destroy the Marzocchi. It loses one chili for Value, even though I got it on sale at a decent price. In the Overall, it loses one chili for weight and the fact that you will have to pay someone to work on it unless you are a Cannondale mechanic with the special tools required to service this particular fork.
Bike Setup: cannondale super-v 400 frame, motto fr fork, mavic rims, race face lp cranks, magura claras
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Carter
a Downhiller
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Strengths: Beefy, smooth 100 mm travel. Very stiff.
Weaknesses: WARNING!! The first year production has serious faults. One: can't use disc brakes with it. Why? I don't know Cannondale has not been forthcoming as to the reason. Decription: Yellow, round holes for disc brakes. Two: The beefy fork brace seems to be welded on at an angle relative to the stanchions. Does it matter? Cannondale hasn't told me yet.
Bottom Line:
Be careful about buying that particular year 98 I think.
Strengths: Strong, long wearing, NO stiction, sealed, accepts disc brakes
Weaknesses: Weight, valving
Bottom Line:
My wife's Cannondale came with one of these forks, and I liked it so well I put one on the bike I was building for myself. The fork is heavier than most others with the same travel. But it is VERY strong, stiff, and durable. Where most forks rely on a sliding fit beteeen the forktubes and lower legs, this fork has needle bearings. As a result, it needs little maintainence compared to traditional a fork. Since introducing the "lefty" (which is basically one leg of this fork) Cannondale installs the Moto FR only on tandems. When the fork does need service, special tools are needed. Overhauling it is beyond the scope of even many mechanics. So if you're not sure whether you should disassemble one of these forks, don't do it. Most people are happy with these forks the way they come, but they can be better. With all this fork has going for it, Cannondale made some questionable choices on the shock valving. Heavier oil helps a little, but re-valving is really what's needed. Cannondale will re-valve it for you, or if you're brave, you can play with it yourself. If you choose the do-it-yourself route, be prepared to spend some quality hours making small changes and trying them out. I like the fork, and if not for the valving thing, I'd gladly give it more add more chili's.
Submitted by
graham davidson
a Downhiller
from aberdeen,scotland,uk
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Strengths: Not to heavy and there is plenty of people waiting to buy them off you when your finished with them since they have easy maintenence.
Weaknesses: Not enough adjustability and flaky paint.They sieze-up if any mud gets in and they cost a bomb to get fixed.(£70-£90)They bottom out to easy while jumping and make an awful noise.
Bottom Line:
Good for trail riding but to soft for jumping but if you are looking for a downhill fork try something with a little more travel.Be carefull not to let any mud under the boots.
Similar Products Used: Pace RC150 monsters and Bombers.
Bike Setup: Cannondale SV900fr with Race-Face cranks,Hope hydro disks,mavics,mr dirt gizmo and Azonic
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
KB Turner
a Cross Country Rider
from Valley Forge, Pa.
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000
Strengths: smooth, fair working adjustment, nice tracking, and no maintenance hassles
Weaknesses: heavy, crappy drop-outs, enough material to build another frame
Bottom Line:
Hey, I bought the medium frame, when the large would be slightly better. The fork works predictably, which is all I really want. Big sticker shock on tools, but it made a difference. Maintainical info from LBS and C-dale took months, and was not entirely reliable. The weight issue is enough that I want to get the Lefty fork, in hopes that the inner workings are somewhat identical. A great fork, but a dog on the looooooooong climbs. Tandem bikers should really look at this, as should folks with a fork breakage history.
Weaknesses: Only for Freeride enough travel No rebound adjustment while riding it it began to stiction to heavy for Feeride use QR only
Bottom Line:
To me it seems that the fork is a compromise but not the best ive seen yet if you gonna use it for freeridde the forks seems to me to heavy the travel is for that use enough for serious downhill use the weight is secondary she is very stiff but the travel isnt enough the one id used began after some time to stcition and getting real hard
I may have a chance to get a really cheap Moto fr fork but wanted opinions 1st as I have no knowledge of this fork. I have a 97 SV 500 that it would go on if I got it. Just have th Read More »
Hello,
I'm new to this forum and am hoping I can get some help. I have a 1999 Cannondale MT 3000 Tandem MTB with a Moto FR suspension fork. I need to service it and I'm looking f Read More »
I got this bike for a steal of a deal from a doctor who barely used it. It was set up for more XC with carbon cranks/bars/seatpost etc..
I do a little bit rougher riding around t Read More »
I just picked up a Moto FR fork, (I know old) and would like to find a stiffer spring for it, Cannondale no longer has them, and I cant seem to find one anywhere else. Anyone know Read More »
So, I'm going to be buying this bike from my brother. Any idea if, or where I can get a front shock service? I heard they're a bit complicated to take apart with 88 needle bearin Read More »
