Submitted by
Benjamin Weisenfeld
a Weekend Warrior
from Weidenhahn Germany
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007
Strengths: Stiffness. I never had such a stiff fork on this bike, especially not at that weight. Easy maintenance. All White forks I had came with this special "feature" and I love it. Just some basic tools, the manual and there you go. Simply perfect. Performance. It doesn't have fancy adjustment knobs, maybe just because it doesn't need them. The fork works very nicely as it comes and can be fine-tuned pretty easily. Looks. Incredibly nice build quality, finish and design. Service. I haven't encountered a customer service like the one from Eko. These guys really help you out, they take care of you, they try to solve your problem to see you happy. Two thumbs up!
Weaknesses: To me, the weak point of this product is the air cartridge, or better the two of them. The name says it, they're high pressure cartridges. If one of them has a leaky seal, the fork's performance goes down immediately. Luckily it's pretty easy to find out and to fix.
Bottom Line:
I got this fork in used condition, I just coulnd't resist. The previous owner hadn't ridden it much because he found it too harsh. All the fork needed was a little love. I took it apart, used some oil here and some lube there and sent the cartridges to Ben from MB Tech for a service. As the bushings where still in "like-new" condition, I used some Finish Line stanchion lube on them to take the stickiness away. After all this, I really adore it. The performance is great, trails just feel as smooth as a paved road. Even though I'm pretty heavy and use very light wheels, the fork is stiff enough to keep me on track. I don't regret to get the AT-4, the 3rd White Bros fork for me. Definitely not the last one!
Similar Products Used: A vast number of Marzocchi, Manitou and RS forks.
Bike Setup: GT Zaskar LE '97, parts from Paul, Ringle, Machine Tech, Race Face and AC. Total weight 19.8lbs
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
malcolm palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from shoreham, NY usa
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006
Strengths: Overall nice feeling fork, simple to set up, great looking on any bike and reliable
Weaknesses: no lock out, but who really cares
Bottom Line:
Just like to say that this at-4 does not owe me a dime. This fork has been on 1 hardtail, and 3 full suspension bikes and has lasted for 3.75 years, with a riding schedule on a average of 2 to 3 days a week all year round. The fork performed great all those days no matter what the conditions. Only now is one of the legs losing pressure and I believe its time for a rebuild or maybe its time to suck it up and buy another one. The price tag for any great fork isn't cheap but I believe that this fork was worth the funds and I would recommend it highly
Bike Setup: litespeed full suspension,fifth element,chris king iso,juicy 7, tompson ect.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up of my previous review. A few days after I posted my last review, I recieved an e-mail from Jason at EKO Sport. He was apologetic for not having a positive experience with the AT-4 fork and requested that I ship it back to EKO Sport so that they can make the fork perform as it was designed. I was astonished by the excellent customer service and concern with the perfomance of thier product. Not many manufacturers show that these days.
I shipped the fork back to EKO Sport as requested. I recived it back about 10 days later and they had gone through the fork completely. Evidently there was a broken negative spring in the fork that was probably the cause of the clunking noise. They also replace the schrader valve on the leaking air cartridge and relpaced the bushings and the seals on the fork. All of this work was performed under warranty even though technically the fork was not covered.
I have ridden the fork a few times now and it is perfect. I now love riding this fork. It is smooth, supple and torsionally stiff. It is a real pleasure to ride. Based on the positive experience that I have had with both EKO Sport and the AT-4 after they have overhauled it, I would not hesitate to recommend this fork or any of thier products to anyone. Thank you EKO Sport!!
Weaknesses: Reliability. I have had trouble with the air cartridges not holding air. The fork makes clunking noises when the front end of the bike is picked up or when the fork rebounds.
Bottom Line:
I would love to love this fork. I always thought that White Brothers made an awesome fork until I got one. I have had nothing but trouble since the day that I got it. Similar to what Troy has described below, the fork makes clunking noises whenever the front end of the bike is pulled up or when the fork is rebounding from a bump. EKO sport had pressed in a new steer tube on this fork and one of the air cartridges has never held air reliably since. I have actually had the fork collapse on me in the woods. I returned this cartridge to EKO, they sent me a different one and it still does not hold air. In addition, it is a different style than the other original one installed in the fork. Maybe that is why it is clunking? I should have kept my last SID. I never had trouble with it. I am very disappointed with the AT-4.
Similar Products Used: Multiple SID XC's, Manitou SXe
Bike Setup: Mongoose Pro Ti (TST/Sandvik), AT-4, all XT, Crossmax wheels, Bontrager flat bar, Thomsen post, Flite Gel saddle.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Troy
a Racer
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002
Bottom Line:
OK, got the fork back today and just got done taking it for a ride. INCREDIBLE difference. It is essentially a new fork and has never worked this well.
As it turned out the fork had wrong sized compression springs installed which was tearing up all the internals. The springs weren't even close to the right size or spec and were actually from another manufacturers line of forks! I should mention that the problem was most likely not created by the manufacturer. I have my ideas about who fubar'ed it but no sense in mentioning names here.
So now I get to post a real review of the fork. I am thrilled with its performance and have no plans on replacing it now that it is working properly. The fork performs on par with the others I was considering, Marzocchi Marathon and Fox Float RLC. The AT-4 doesn't have as many gadgets and features but its simple design and smooth travel could be its competitive advantages. Lockout would still be nice but the bounce has been reduced with the rebuild an proper adjustments making it less of an issue. Great fork!
Again, Eko has done an exceptional job making the fork work like it was meant to, even when they were not the source of the problem. Thanks again Eko!
Follow up to my previous post. WOW, Eko Sports customer service is exceptional. A day after I posted my previous review I had an email from Tim at Eko letting me know he would do whatever he could to get the fork working properly. Shipped it to him and they identified a improperly replaced compression spring that was causing major problems. He replaced everything and has the fork shipping back to me as we speak. I am very impressed that I was contacted proactively and Tim was very anxious to get the problem resolved. 5 chilis for Eko Sports, will let you know how the fork works now that it has been assembled properly with all the correct parts. Kinda like getting a new fork!
Strengths: Tracks tight, no brake rub, tough and beefy yet still maintains race worthy weight. Quality build.
Weaknesses: High maintenance and no external adjustments. It tends to pogo a bunch when out of the saddle due to the extra travel and no lockout.
Bottom Line:
When this fork is working smoothly it is great. The little extra travel is a bonus and this thing tracks straight, hardly any flex at all. I am 180 lbs and am having to do quite a bit of maintenance on it though. I have bent 2 cartridges (don't ask me how) and about 3 months after rebuilds it develops some noises and a pop. Shop says they think it is the spring catching on a lip in the bottom of the lowers (they seem to think it is a design flaw). Its not got in my head, every time I hear the thing make a noise I think I've busted or bent something again. Anyone else had similar problems? Judging by the other reviews it sounds like this may be an isolated problem.
My experience would make me recommend the fork for a race bike that isn't an everyday bike too. Unfortunatley I broke the bank on the Truth so it is the only horse in the stable right now. It is a race bike, training bike and all around trail bike too so this fork gets a lot of use. I might also caution heavier riders too. I am thinking about making the move to a Fox Float RLC or a Marzocchi Marathon and selling this fork to a buddy for his race only hardtail. If anyone has any thoughts or recommendations I would be interested in the feedback.
Submitted by
Kim Kreb
a Cross Country Rider
from Colo Spgs
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Strengths: Ecko Sport has great customer support
Bottom Line:
Since I submitted my original review (see top), I did send my shock back to Ecko Sport. I was hesitant to do so, as the repair they suggested was the same thing they did to "fix" it last August. To my surprise, they rebuilt the shock and now it works like a charm. I am very pleased with the response I got from Ecko Sport. I thought they should just replace the entire shock because mine was alemmon (given other reviewers really liked it). But, they made it right, and I'm very happy with the shock now.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Julianna Superlight with XTR, Fox RC rear shock
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Kim
a Cross Country Rider
from Colo Springs
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Strengths: Stiff
Weaknesses: Stiction city. No external adjustment. "Support".
Bottom Line:
Can't believe I wasted my money on this POS. So much stiction it hardly works. Sent back to factory. No improvement. Been using it for over a year so it's not a break-in issue. Customer "support" is a joke. No online manuals, etc. I should have known better and got a SID. WBros sold their fork line to Eko Sport. What's that tell ya. Stay away.
Submitted by
Taylor Lyne
a Racer
from Richmond, Va.
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Strengths: light,Adjustable and customer service
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
The fork is great but what I want to scream about is Eko sports customer service. I bought this fork Used still under warranty and they serviced it for free replaced all the seals and bushings and a air cart. For free!! More than I can say for Ellsworth. Who do not warranty there bikes after the first owner. If you want a light strong Race fork go with these guys.
Bike Setup: 2001-Ellsworth; Ad-12,king/517's,Race face,Hope,Thompson/sellsia,Monky lite,Scram sl
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
GARRET FERRARI
a Cross Country Rider
from SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Strengths: Light weight, long travel, fat shanchions for stability.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
The fork works great, supple over rocks, but can handle big hits with no problems. Mainly I wanted to express the excellent cusotmer service. I sent my shock in for a look see after a head on endo over a small boulder. I received two voice messages the day White Brothers received it. After explaining the situation they readily called back for clarification, and to explain what they were to do. A small assumption by one of the techs, where they disassembled more than necessary was explained to me, and the full service done at no charge. I could not believe it, and the fork is as good as new. These forks are more $$$, but they are what you pay for.
Purchased At: A FRIEND WITH SHOP CONTACTS OUT EAST
Similar Products Used: Rock Shox Mag 21 with long travel kit.
Bike Setup: Amp B-4 with all custom components, weighing about 24 lbs.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
JAMIE morgan
a Racer
from steamboat springs
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2001
Strengths: Light enough to race the NORBA NCS with close to twice the travel of my competitors. Long travel super smooths the courses.
Weaknesses: Adjustment to climbing stance to balance out the long travel. You cannot just lean on the fork and expect it to not bob with all of the travel available. I could have added more pressure, but I chose to adjust my riding style and keep the super smooth descents!
Bottom Line:
I raced this fork all season as a NORBA Pro XC racer and loved it. I did absolutely NO service work and NO travel adjustments from the day it arrived from White Bros! The fork has held up through all of the 2000 Season training and racing across the US and in Colorado with no problems.
This one will be re-built now (due to my lack of time for servicing all season) and placed on wifey's hardtail. I am lucky to arrange a 2001 AT4 for the upcoming NORBA Pro season with White Brothers!!
The longer travel fork was not recommended for my frameset. However, the bike actual rides much more stable on nasty Colorado descents and I feel more comfortable with the slightly higher headset stance on the bike.
Dan and the staff of White Bros definitely understand suspension design---even for XC!!!
Similar Products Used: White Brothers 1999 SC72UL; 1998 Judy SL 80mm; 1997 Manitou Mach5SuX
Bike Setup: SPECIALIZED M4 HARDTAIL; XTR/SRAM; MOOTS COMPONENTS
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Submitted by
Noe Valles
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsville, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001
Strengths: This fork is great. It's light,stiff and works when it's supposed to.The workmanship is top notch and the materials used match. The fork was pretty much ready to use when I got it. All it needed was a little dampining adjustment and a little air. I weigh 190 pounds and our group rides are in some of the rockiest and hole ridden places in south Texas and in the past six months I haven't had to do anything to it. The fork has also taken some nasty spills and seems to be somewhat scratch resistant. Bottom line the fork is worth the money, White Bros. knows exactly what they're doing you want stats go to they're site you want an awesome piece of gear get the AT-4.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
White Bros.AT-4 has me convinced that I made the right choice, even though all I had to go by was they're word.The fork works and can take a beating. They may not be as big a company as others but that's o.k cause they obviously pay more attention to what they're doing, bottom line.
Similar Products Used: Rock Shox sid sl, Manitou Mars, got rid of em.
Bike Setup: 2000 Truth,AT-4,Spox M-1,XTR,XT,Easton Monkey lite carbon,CT-2 carbon post,Koobi Xenon,Easton ea-70,Race-Face Next carbon cranks,Time Atacs,Precision Billet V's,Yeti grips,Tioga xc tires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Robert Baird
a Racer
from Austin
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Strengths: stiff,stiff,stiff
Weaknesses: did not work out of the box. It was missing a piece internally. I have rebuilt it 3 time now in the 1st 30 days. I have now sent it off to WB to be repaired. So far the service has been great. The bad news is the service has been great. It should of just worked. I will repost after I get it back and ride it. This may have been a fluke.
Bottom Line:
If the service department works every thing out. It could be a very sweet fork. The action is smooth, no problems botteming out for an air shock. But it did not work on the first try. Like I said earlier I will repost after the repairs are done.
Bike Setup: Truth 2001/XTR/Raceface/Mavic/Chris King. It is about 25.5lbs. Set up for CXracing, not downhilling
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
skinny
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland, OR
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Strengths: This is a good fork. It is stiff as hell and tracks flawlessly. The seals work well and it's red. The box crown and forged arch are top-notch.
Weaknesses: I hate the silly factory logo on the fork, but hey, them's small potatoes. The break in period is more like 3-4 months of hard riding rather than the 10 or so hours stated in the manual. It took a LONG time to smooth out. All the adjustments are internal which is a slight pain--you have to gut the thing completely to alter it in any way (other than air pressure). Other than that paltry stuff--no major weaknesses.
Bottom Line:
This is a damn good XC fork. However, you must ride the hell out of it to get it working smoothly; So if you buy one don't even think of judging it until you've ridden it hard for months. You'll also have to pull it apart and adjust it: I set mine with all the negative spring spacers in it (rides more like a coil-over) and increased the rebound damping. With these alterations the fork rides SWEET, smooth, and stiff. You'll love it. White Bros. hands down makes the stiffest forks out there--I got so sick of having to install brake beefers and arches on all the wimpy flexy brake-rubbing forks out there--thank god for White Bros. making something realistic and buff instead of worrying about 2 oz.'s weight in the catalogs. Truly no-compromise suspension. I've had these almost a year and they still run great--in fact they seem to keep getting better. I really think these smoke the other ultra-light forks out there offered by Rock shox.
I give it 3 flamin' chilis for the value because they aren't cheap and there's no external adjusters, but 5 overall because they are VERY well built and perfect for hard riding on the XC trails.
Similar Products Used: Heaps of rock shox forks, Marzzochi, Manitou, as well as the coil/oil White Bros. forx of years previous. I think I've ridden them all.
Bike Setup: I have this fork on an old steel Kona Hot, setup is race light. The fact that this fork doesn't have preload adjusters on top is great for this bike because of its cable stops on the down tube that always hit regular forks. Unintentional but a huge bonus.
