Submitted by
Gingerider
a Cross Country Rider
from Rush NY US Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dryer road park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
not problems, love the lock-out cant live with out. nice travel
Weaknesses:
dont think im getting the full listed travel out of the fork.
Bike Setup:
speshilized HR pro, hardtail xrt parts
Bottom Line:
well I wouldent ask for a better price on this part, its has bean by far the best fork i have ever used. for thw MSRP priceing, no FOX, or RST can beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
excellent preload great tavel very good fork. Be careful with the knobs they can break of very quickly.
Weaknesses:
Be careful with the knobs they can break of very quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Fox vinilla
Bottom Line:
Great but fragial dial.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
excellent preload great tavel very good fork. Be careful with the knobs they can break of very quickly.
Weaknesses:
Be careful with the knobs they can break of very quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Fox vinilla
Bottom Line:
Great but fragial dial.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonny
a
from NH Date Reviewed: April 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Eastside Secret
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Nice Shock, No Bosses, Semi Plush
Weaknesses:
Knobs are Crap, Customer Service/Reps could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Have 04 888R, 04 Dirt Jam, Had 01 Z5
Bike Setup:
Zaskar Team Frame w/King Iso laced on 717's Carbon HFX-9's Race Face Ti, Next Lp, Monkey Lites, XT/XTR
Also 03 AC Frame built up w/ DeeMax's, 888R, Diablous Bar, A Frames, Prodigy DH XT
And Stock STP
Bottom Line:
She's taken some abuse of 5' to flats dinn like it so much but she took umm. Pretty Good could be a little more rugged seals and bushings are shot but with some hard riding I'm currently rebuilding here to sell on the Zaskar this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maciek Dudek
a
from Poland Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lagiewniki
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Long, plush travel, very sensitive and rigid
Weaknesses:
!!Plastic knobs, lack of preload adjustment(for me the spring was OK but still...)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXC ECC Air
Bike Setup:
XC full suspension...
Bottom Line:
I liked this fork very much and don't know where this negative reviews come from! Does not leak oil. Good aggresive XC/Enduro fork. Very good lateral rigidity..
What is this U-turn for??!! I always used it with 125 mm travel:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spangels aregreat
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$512.00
Purchased At:
Velo Ecosse
Strengths:
U-turn, damping and compression adjustment, lock out, plush with good small bump compliance
Weaknesses:
Blew the seals when riding it off road when I forgot to take the lock out off. Fixed under warranty with a reasonably fast turn around.
A bit bouncy, but that is due to being a bit heavy for the stock springs.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XCa
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Team (4.5 rockers fitted), Hope XC on Mavic 317, Michelin Wildgripper XLS on Eclipse Tubeless, SRAM 9 shifters and mechs (1998 still going stong), Race Face cranks, Giant MPH brakes, Profile bars, Flite saddle.
Bottom Line:
The lock out is really good and it complements my NRS on long fire track climbs or on road rides. I get the full travel (currently ride with 100mm but since I put the 4.5 rockers on the frame I am considering riding it a 110 to balance the bike) on the fork on all settings I have tried. As I stated above I am a bit heavy for the stock springs but I intend to upgrade them (Tim Flooks does a spring swap deal) when I send it for its first full service in the new year.
All in all it has been a good trouble free fork, ideally suited to my riding style. I am aware that alot of people have had issues with reliability but other than the lock out problem mine have been fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrisonburg, VA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Narrowback
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
Very plush, lock-out, U-turn is awesome, rarely needs servicing, great small-bump compliance as well as big-hit capability, nice looks
Weaknesses:
I never really felt like I was getting all 5 inches of travel, but then again I never even came close to bottoming it out...
Similar Products Used:
2000 sid xc, 2001 manitou mars, 2002 fox forx 80mm, soon to be the new manitou minute 2!
Bike Setup:
2001 giant mcm team custom, full xtr, psylo sl, full raceface, crossroc ust discs, avid mech disc brakes...
Bottom Line:
This fork is a hell of a deal, and now you can find it for like $250. It is a steal, and seriously performs in any conditions for any purpose. It looks bad@ss, and inspires so much confidence to take on some of the nasty downhills and jumps you may come across. Why pay twice as much for a fox?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Orm
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Don
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Worked great for 2 years with no service. The perfect trail fork.
Rode for 2 years. I came from an 80mm SID three years ago. Just rebuilt at home with no problem. So easy to rebuild despite somewhat incomplete info @ Rockshox. Feel's like new after rebuild. None of problems that many reviews wine about. Learn to rebuild with the right tools.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crossbones Style
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston MA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Feels smooth, adsutable, lockout(sort of, light for the travel.
Weaknesses:
Feels weak, standard springs are too soft, leaks oil after a few months.
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon w/XT/XTR/Raceface Sun Single Tracks w/ XT discs.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this fork is a piece of cheese. It is too soft, and it lacks strength. It has a lot of travel but you blow through half of it when you get on the bike. Rock Shox needs to get thier act together and produce a quality freeride fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James L
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Fort Street Cycle
Strengths:
Adjustibility, qr20...
Weaknesses:
wimpy sid-sized crown Leaks oil around seals blows through travel and bottoms out despite heavy spring upgrade Full of sticktion through the first inch or two of travel when applying heavy braking (I have 8in hayes hydro) the fork lowers flexe a huge abount toward the readr of the bike
Similar Products Used:
Headshock, tested marzocchi jrts, z5s, and dirtjump 3s
Bike Setup:
2002 Cannondale Gemini 1000 stock except for raceface 3rd ring guard, Fi'zik Atlas saddle
Bottom Line:
They cant hande drops, period. I dont exactly go big, and they bottom horrible off of les than 4 foot drops with heavy spring!! Definately is not a true freeride fork. Bad rockshnox customer service. I had to get the seals replaced twice and the damper rod seal replaced too... they wouldnt cover it under warranty the second time, and of course "they had never seen anything like it." Yeah, right. Ive seen the light. Im never buying annother rockshox product again. The performance of the fork was not very good, and as other people say, moutainbike magazines give them a good reveiw, but they only use them once... The reliability of these forks are HORRIBLE.As soon as the forks are 6 months old they will beg for mercy. dont get em unless you plan on spending as much money on them geting fixed as they cost originally.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rio
a Racer
from Tucson Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Adjustment range and ease
Weaknesses:
Leaks a lot of oil. Adjustment knob break or fall off
Similar Products Used:
Man SX-R
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC. Pretty stock except for the fork change
Bottom Line:
I thought I would use the adjustment capability of the Psylo a lot more than I do. I think the duribility of the shock overall is less because of the increase in the adjustments. If you are going to spend any amount of money to upgrade, go with a top of the line fork (SID, FOX)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CulBaire
a Weekend Warrior
from Geelong, Vic, Australia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anikie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Ajustability- Rebound,Compresion/lockout, travel! Suppleness- Like Buttttaaaaah! Durability- Stong....Maintain it ppl it will work great!
Weaknesses:
Cracked the U-Turn knob, metal ones would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
"97" Judy SL, "01" Psylo XC, "03" Judy TT100
Bike Setup:
Avanti Montari, LX/Deore spec, Stoped by Avid Mech Disc's with the Psylos' bangin upfront!
Bottom Line:
A great Trail / Aggresive XC fork, will handle almost anything you through at it :-) Ajustable is one word for it, with Compresion, Rebound and Travel ajustments what more does you need?
A great All round fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stu mac
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Innerleithen and Fort Bill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
freeborn
Strengths:
When working, ie. new or just after full rebuild it works pretty well, which is in fact the least anyone would expect.
Weaknesses:
Full 125 travel doesn't seem possible. Durability is useless. Mine has been serviced 2x and totally rebuilt 1x. 200 miles after total rebuild it has done its old trick - namely stiffening up, allowing less travel and less plushness - even hammering on DH courses and doing jumps I was only getting 100mm max.
Similar Products Used:
marzochi z1, jnr t
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Joker
Bottom Line:
DISAPPOINTING - Can magazines start doing proper review please? Everthing works when brand new, but what about after a few months in the dirt - where it matters. Expensive fork that starts off good but very quickly gives up. Impossible to service at home - which means loads of hassle, loads of bills, all for a rubbish fork that is so bad in the durability department its best fitted to a road bike only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any in Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
friend ?
Strengths:
Steers very well - rigid , lockout , adjutability .
Weaknesses:
Action - feels like an air fork with lots of stiction .
Similar Products Used:
Marzoki Z1 , XFly , Marathon , Sid .
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer - all the goods .
Bottom Line:
This fork is a roach , it jackhammers through stutter bumps and only seems to move on very big hits . It sure does not feel like a coil fork . Now I know why buddy sold it to me after only using it for a month - it sucks !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willy
a Downhiller
from Vermont Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
chute of doom
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Conscidering the claimed performance levels of the sl, i got this fork a decent price. Initially, the rigididy was good, the travel is plush, and it's adjustable.
Weaknesses:
As i logged trail and airtime miles on the fork, it got more and more flexy. It also needed way more rebuilds (bushings sucked) than my friend sam's cheap marzocchi fork,so durability really doesnt impress me. Platic tuning knobbs? Rochshox, what were you thinking?
Similar Products Used:
other high end forks, this one's just flexier and more fragile.
Bike Setup:
2000 kona roast----> avid discs, psylo sl, general parts upgrads.
Bottom Line:
I bought this fork for agressive trailriding, dirtjumping, and any downhill concidered a possiblility with a ht. If you are a factory rider and get a new one of these every other race, its fine. For the rest of the world who require durabilty, look elsewhere. this goes for the 03 model as well. Just this past week i crashed cruisin down a fire road and BANG--- there was play in the crown, so now its scrap and i need a new fork. My advice: go for a marzocchi- one of the z1 models, or exr if you want a cheaper one- or if you can afford it, go for one from fox- primo rides.
ride hard-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Ebert
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT USA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sypes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Budget Bicycle Center, Madison, WI
Strengths:
adjustable travel, lockout
Weaknesses:
Flexy - getting worse by the day, cheesy plastic u-turn and climb-it control adjustment knobs
Bike Setup:
2002 Fisher Sugar 2+, stock except for Fox Vanilla RL rear
Bottom Line:
I liked this shock when I lived in Wisconsin, where I was limited to free-ride (it does feel good on 3 or 4 foot drops) and rather lame cross-country riding. After moving to Montana a month ago, and getting into more aggressive cross-country and downhill riding, I am ready to scrap this thing. It is way to flexy, making for squirrelly descents. It has a ton of play in it - feels worse than a loose headset. Local shop does not want to touch it and neither do I - rumor is that these things are a pain to work on, and results are very limited.
U-Turn knob broke and the idiots at Rock Shox defended its design. Plastic? that sucks. They wouldn't send me a new knob, had to go through a bike shop. They should have kissed my ass and delivered it directly to my mailbox, instead the guy was a jerk. I don't care about company policies.
No more rock shox for me ever - I think I will replace it with a Z1 (extra weight is a small price to pay for durability and stiffness). I used to defend rock shox, but after riding this fork for a year, I now see why everyone who is knowledgable in the bike biz (I worked in a shop for 3 years) hates them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Yackandandah Australia Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
rowdy flat
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
adjustable 80mm for ascents, 125mm for descending,compression damping easily adjusted not that heavy or expensive a great upgrade for most bikes
Weaknesses:
the plastic knobs especially the U turn, Rockshox excuse is that it cant dent the frame if it twists in a crash! I have had to repair then replace them.
Similar Products Used:
manitou SXR , Judy
Bike Setup:
stumpjumper FSR with BETD long travel link, front Hayes disc, no big chainring
Bottom Line:
I find it rigid enough and forgiving. I have had no problems at all- I dont go off cliffs !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-great adjustability -killer looks (black) -small and big hit performance -durability
This is my promised update. After the initial break-in period where there was some oil leakage out of the bushings, I have not had a single problem with this fork. I'm a 220 pound rider who likes to thrash the trails. I expected more than mere competence from this fork, I expected at least a basic level of performance considering the price I paid. My expectations have since been exceeded.
Essentially, the Psylo SL delivers. The (very minor) oil leakage stopped after about 50 km of trail use. all the adjustment knobs, including rebound continue to work flawlessly. On the trail, the Psylo Sl's performance is astonishing and on par with any thing else I have ever tried. Drops, rock gardens, jumps, root strewn sections, everything gets sucked up like it wasn't there. The u-turn feature is amazing and continues to work without a hitch. Tight, technical stuff? Just dial it down to 90mm or so. Downhills? crank it up to around 115-120 mm and you're set. That's the amazing thing about this fork: actual usable versatility. No problems with slop or bushing play whatsoever and it's been five months of serious agressive trail use. After my experience with the Psylo, I can't help but wonder how many of the negative reviews below are just the result of anti-Rock Shox flaming. Just for the sake of flaming.
The Psylo Sl is one of those forks that just surprises you. It melds into the bike and disappears, doing its job. My original take on this fork still stands though; This is not a freeride product! Get a Sherman or a DJ if your into to doing serious, repeated drops. Also overhauls and maintenance should be done on a fairly regualr basis by an experienced mechanic. Rock shox expects you to replace the bushings and change the oil at least once every six months. Small price to pay, in my opinion.
The fork's small bump performance is exemplary, provided you set up the compression correctly for the trail. Lateral stiffness is excellent. I can't feel any difference between this fork at 120mm compared to a Zokie Z!1! There is no appreciable difference either in actual real world performance. Also the lock-out feature is a real bonus on the climbs.
The Psylo SL has wholeheartedly earned my recommendation as a superiior long travel trail fork.
Out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clay
a
from orono, me Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
loaner from bike shop
Strengths:
fairly plush, adjustable travel, rebound and compression. Tullio axle helps with stiffness. Soaks up big impacts with no complaints.
Weaknesses:
VERY flexy at 125mm and it feels like my headset is loose b/c of something rattling in fork.
Similar Products Used:
z.1(being repaired for creaking), black, fox vanilla
Bike Setup:
2002 kona stinky deelux
Bottom Line:
I've used this for 5-6 foot drops to flat over and over without a complaint or bottoming it out. The legs do get oil on them every ride though, so i assume they are leaking a bit. I've only been on it a couple weeks though so it's hard to tell. I haven't experienced the breakage of previous reviews though although the loose feel and flex is apparent. It also makes a clicking noise. Overall I'm very happy with the performance though, it just seems RS skimped on the durable bushings and plastic parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geri
a Weekend Warrior
from Austria Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003
U-Turn is great, everybody who wants one fork for everything go and get it. With the 80mm I go up and with 125mm I can drive trails and jumps I could not do with my old Judy Race. Soaks up everything you throw at it from small to big hits. I road the new Z1 of a friend of mine and I must say there is not much difference except for the much better stiffness. For me the ETA of the Z1 would be a better joice because I mostly use the 80 and the 125 mm and nothing in between.
If you can get a deal for the 2002 Psylo go and get it, its a real nice fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Render
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
4 play
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
sport X
Strengths:
Very adjustable, compression, rebound, lockout, height
Weaknesses:
non so far, no preload.. who needs it.
Bike Setup:
99 FSR, MRP long travel kit, mostly XT, 2.5 tires
Bottom Line:
This fork has been Bomb proof, I took it up to Bromont and hammered it on the down hill course, no problem even took a 12-15foot drop, that was by accident. But it took it. When set to the 80mm setting it rides identical to my old Judy SL that originally came on the bike. I would recommend this fork to any one who is upgrading!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hendrik Huebscher
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho St. Margarita, CA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Company
Strengths:
Adustability
Weaknesses:
Product Quality and performance (or lack there of)
Similar Products Used:
Mazzi Z1 CR
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth ID w/ the uusal
Bottom Line:
Looking at all the "great" reviews of the '02 fork I must have gotten the one build during the Super Bowl!!!
This has got to be the "choice of your own bad word here" fork ever build. Adjustability is great - but I hardly ever use it anymore since you have to get off the bike to raise the travel (stupid) Damping and plushness out right sucks. Fork makes "clunking" noise when locked out and customer service at Rockshox is worse than the performance of the fork. I had to send it in after 3 month and even though you could hear parts rattling around inside I was given the usual "we can't find anything wrong" routine and it took 3 weeks to get it back. Funny thing was that the rattling was gone when I got it back. Put heavy spring kit in and played with oil weights - fork still sucks!!!
My advise,go with a Fox Float or Mazzi Z1 Freeride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hammerman
a Cross Country Rider
from Camada Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mark's Mecca
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Hub Cycle
Strengths:
Adjustment(travel, compression, rebound).
Weaknesses:
plastic has no place to be on a mountain bike.
Similar Products Used:
99* Z-1 ( 3 years )
Bike Setup:
115mm travel FSR, 8' hayes, Easton, Raceface, XTR
Bottom Line:
A great fork for the price. Not as plush/strong as Z-1. Not as smooth/stiff as BLACK elite 120. More adjustment than both put together.FOX 125 you say , check the price.Oil leaks at the compression knob,Take off the cap(unscrew little screw). There are holes in the top to hold the ball& spring Clicker noise thing( and oil can be cleaned out of there as it's residue from oil change ) it has nothing to do with dampening and not a leak.It's got to be the hardest fork to work on however so you might as well send it to rockshox for an oil change,thanks alot RS.Awesome range of compression . Now for you guys who have these partial lockout issues, or not soft enough.Before you put that lil'red cap back on grab an 8mm wrench turn the black adjustment full clockwise until fork locks out.Check to see if ball/spring in 7 o'clock pos.Slide red cap knob over with tounge/pointer all the way back and against crown ,8 o'clk. Thread back in tiny screw. This should give you 12 clicks of compression adjustment any less and your not getting all you can out of it. Caps will crack, junk.NO performance issues, aggresive trail riding, 3,4,5 foot drops to flat.Oh,wish it had another metal name plate for the other slider to serve and protect. If you know nothing about dampening adjustment, fork height get a Z-1.Locking out allows you to climb a 5" fork well, who'd a thunk it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Technical Support - web site manuals and call in support (I think they get a lot of practice.
When the fork is brand new and after a complete maintanance rebuild, it works great.
Weaknesses:
VERY HIGH maintenance, lots or plastic parts that are easily damaged. Cost of washers, bushings, etc. is VERY HIGH. Lower tube bushing set is way expensive and requires special tools to install.
Similar Products Used:
Marz. '03 Marathon S which is an outstanding fork.
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, XTR, Shimano XT disc, Chris King HS & hubs, Aeroheat rims
Bottom Line:
If you like doing maintenance instead of riding, this is your fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Pruss
a Downhiller
from red deer,canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
biker gang trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
red bike
Strengths:
amazing, love the lock out, so much varablity in adjustments, so strong, 6 feet to flat. I HAVE YET TO BOTTOM THEM ON THEIR SOFTEST SETTING!!!
Weaknesses:
a little flex and they give to light of an oil from the factory.
Similar Products Used:
jetts, z1 dropoffs
Bike Setup:
norco 125 too many up grades to list (the whole bike has been replaced except the frame)
Bottom Line:
great shock, little costy but thats what you pay for rock bottom quality (get the pun)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Pruss
a Downhiller
from red deer,canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
biker gang trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
red bike
Strengths:
amazing, love the lock out, so much varablity in adjustments, so strong, 6 feet to flat. I HAVE YET TO BOTTOM THEM ON THEIR SOFTEST SETTING!!!
Weaknesses:
a little flex and they give to light of an oil from the factory.
Similar Products Used:
jetts, z1 dropoffs
Bike Setup:
norco 125 too many up grades to list (the whole bike has been replaced except the frame)
Bottom Line:
great shock, little costy but thats what you pay for rock bottom quality (get the pun)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RONIN
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge, Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Very plush, which makes it very responsive on the trail. The lockout dial is great for the climbs.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any...... yet.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox JudyC, JudyTT
Bike Setup:
GT XCR5000 & 2002 Giant Warp DS1 both equipped w/ the Psylo SL.... Shimano Parts from both LX & XT components. Both bikes equippped w/ Avid Disc Brakes. Mavic & Sun Rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a pretty good fork so far. I took My Giant out on the trail w/ it and found it to be pretty responsive, but I have to wait out the winter before I see what it can really do. So far I've been doing a lot of urban assault and it's pretty awesome. So I have to submit another review sometime down the road. But up til now, no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RONIN
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge, Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Very plush, which makes it very responsive on the trail. The lockout dial is great for the climbs.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any...... yet.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox JudyC, JudyTT
Bike Setup:
GT XCR5000 & 2002 Giant Warp DS1 both equipped w/ the Psylo SL.... Shimano Parts from both LX & XT components. Both bikes equippped w/ Avid Disc Brakes. Mavic & Sun Rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a pretty good fork so far. I took My Giant out on the trail w/ it and found it to be pretty responsive, but I have to wait out the winter before I see what it can really do. So far I've been doing a lot of urban assault and it's pretty awesome. So I have to submit another review sometime down the road. But up til now, no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RONIN
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge, Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Very plush, which makes it very responsive on the trail. The lockout dial is great for the climbs.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any...... yet.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox JudyC, JudyTT
Bike Setup:
GT XCR5000 & 2002 Giant Warp DS1 both equipped w/ the Psylo SL.... Shimano Parts from both LX & XT components. Both bikes equippped w/ Avid Disc Brakes. Mavic & Sun Rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a pretty good fork so far. I took My Giant out on the trail w/ it and found it to be pretty responsive, but I have to wait out the winter before I see what it can really do. So far I've been doing a lot of urban assault and it's pretty awesome. So I have to submit another review sometime down the road. But up til now, no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roscoe Williams
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, Colorado Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Jones Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Ted's Bicycle Shop - Coolest little shop on the planet!
Strengths:
Still plush after a lot of abuse. No further problems with seals, spring noise, or bushings.
Weaknesses:
A bit flexy for sure. Some stiction on small bumps, but pretty compliant overall.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC, SID XL; White Brothers 90AT; Marzocchi Jr. T.
Bike Setup:
Devinci Kingpin with a lot of freeride goodies. An awesome frame if anyone was wondering...
Bottom Line:
Okay, I've owned this fork for a couple of years now (see review far, far below) and am pretty proud to say that it is still working fairly well for a Rock Shox. I recently put the fork on my Devinci and had to switch to a longer headtube, and the only one I could find locally was from a Psylo Race model, so it is gold and the legs are black - does that matter? It does, as the Race tubes are thinner and lighter and have a bit more flex. The fork still has some stiction on smaller bumps, but it works well on the larger hits and as saved my butt a couple of times on nasty, nose-first drops. I can't say that I totally recommend this fork for bigger riders, but it is a good deal for smaller huckers. My new Marzocchi has taught me a lesson about good forks, so my ol' Psylo has sort of taken a back burner on my back-up bike. Peace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BBMF
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Campbelltown
Strengths:
None, Rockshox have got to have the worst customer service and product line of any company out there..
Weaknesses:
Everything!, the lock out and all other external adjusting knobs break within a few hours of use, they leak, seals need constant maintainence etc..Overall a very poor product, should be assigned to supermarket bikes only..
Similar Products Used:
None similar as none compare to the poor quality junk..
Bike Setup:
GT I-drive - custom or "limited" for SV..
Bottom Line:
Buy MARZOCCHI!..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edd Raisters
a Cross Country Rider
from Mukilteo, WA USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Slick Rock, Moab, Utah
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
This is a very great enduro fork that I bought for my 03 Enduro FSR. I didn't really like the feel of the Marzocchi MXComp that came on the bike, so I upgraded. This fork can take medium hits but not really big hits.
Weaknesses:
Spring isn't stiff enough
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXComp
Bike Setup:
03 Enduro FSR with deore/xt sweet $1500 deal
Bottom Line:
Do not buy this fork just for freeriding. This fork is meant for agressive trail/enduro riding. It was worth every penny of the $249 I spent. The fork is very responsive on the trail, which is what I like. I just never got used to the slow feel of the Marzocchi, even when I adjusted the dials . So if you want a fr fork don't buy this one, instead go for a DJ I or a Sherman. But, if you want a great Enduro/Trail fork go for the Psylo SL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
49er in Nelson, BC; The Far Side/Root 99/Endo, Squamish BC.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Excellent Trailbike/Enduro Fork (THIS IS NOT A FREERIDE FORK). No oil leakage issues at all, so far, after 1 year of riding. No bushing issues either. Travel adjustment is very useful, usable and handy, as are the compression damping and lockout features. The rebound damping is a out of reach unless you dismount, but not really an issue. A very versatile fork for super-technical trail riding, and enduro-length riding, obstacles (smaller log pyramids, rollovers, small drops, etc.). I am very pleased with this fork.
Rockshox has now (January 2003) come out with a retrofit kit remote lockout and compression adjustment lever that attaches to your handlebars (similar to the one on the 2003 World Cup SID and the 2003 Psylo Race - see their website). I have one on order, and I'll post a review of that once I've had a chance to ride with it.
Weaknesses:
Stock spring supplied with the fork was too soft (I am a 180 lb rider), so had to upgrade to a stiffer spring. Rockshox should provide the buyer with a choice of springs at initial purchase, and inform buyers about the springs so they can make an educated choice when buying the fork.
Travel and Compression/Lockout adjustment knobs are plastic, and have some minor cracks in them. Not a serious issue so far, but annoying for a higher-end fork.
Similar Products Used:
Tested equivalent travel Marzocchi forks - they do feel a bit nicer/stiffer/plusher, and are probably built to be more durable, but I don't think they even come close to this fork's adjustability, which is the main reason I bought it. I would like to try the FOX Talus and Vanilla RLC forks to compare. I hear the Talus is great, but expensive.
Bike Setup:
2001 GT i-Drive 2.0 frame, Sun Rhyno-Lite rims(welded and machined version), Easton EA-50 bars, XTR shifters, XTR rear derailleur, LX front derailleur, Race Face RealSeal headset, XT disc hubs, Hayes Comp hydraulic disc brakes, Race Face Turbine LP Cranks and chainrings (44,32,22), Race Face Signature XS bottom bracket, XT 11-34 tooth cogset, Thomson Elite seatpost and stem, Rockshox SID XC rear shock, Specialized Comp saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a great trailbike/enduro fork, available at a great price.
People that give this fork low ratings on the basis that this fork is not durable as a freeride fork, should have given their heads a shake when they were buying it. Think about it folks - a $319 (US)(now $249 US at PricePoint) 4.5 lb, 5-inch travel, single crown, 30mm stanchion, standard-diameter steerer tube fork is supposed to stand up to North Shore style riding??? I don't think so. If you want to do big-hit freeriding, buy a beefy double-crown fork or maybe a Manitou Sherman One-Point-Five fork instead (depending on how it performs).
This fork has performed very well for me - exactly to my expectations, and it has fully lived up to the high ratings it received in the various magazine write-ups. For value, I give it a 5/5. Overall, I give it a 4/5, only because Rockshox should have used machined metal adjustment knobs, not plastic. That would have easily earned it a 5/5 overall as well. I would have gladly paid a higher purchase price for the additional costs of machined adjustment knobs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
CFMBA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth, supple action Stiff, relatively lightweight Good price Great adjustablilty
Weaknesses:
Plastic knobs unacceptable Spring not stiff enough out of the box
Similar Products Used:
Zokie, Manitou and RS
Bike Setup:
'01 Enduro with Hayes hydro discs and XT everything.
Bottom Line:
For the price, weight, features and performance the Psylo SL is probably the best fork in its class. Hands down. I'm not an uber fan of Rock Shox which has had more than a few problems of late, but I (reluctantly) have to give credit to where credit is due.
This is a great all round trail fork. And I mean TRAIL fork. This is not a free ride product, even with the Tullio option. I think some people are forgetting that. You're trying to tell me that a single crown, four pound fork will hold up to six foot drops without a rebiuld somewhere down the line? That's living in fantasy land. Anyway, RS does have a free ride fork. It's called the Boxxer.
As for quality control issues, I don't have any. There is no bushing play or oil leakage out of the box. Having ridden the fork a couple of times I can tell you, it's solid.
I do have a couple of minor beefs though. What's with the plastic knobs on a high end trail fork? You'd think that Rock Shox would go through the trouble to machine some metal ones. I do have to agree that the stock spring isn't stiff enough. But that's not a fault with the product. And, truth be told, if you pay for a performance item, then you have to expect to spend some time getting it dialed in.
I looked long and hard for an upgrade to my Zokie Z5 air. I looked at everything, including Fox, but nobody else can do what the Psylo can for the price. It's true that there are better forks out there, but you'll go broke paying for it. I will post again by way of an update in a few months. But I would tell any body looking for a fork upgrade to SERIOUSLY consider the Psylo SL. Great trail fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from philly pa. Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
wissahickon valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
on line price point
Strengths:
adjustability, looks good
Weaknesses:
the seals are leaking oil, guy ay lbs says its normal and not to worry about it. been riding it for a year, will rebuild soon. hopefully that will stop the leaking.
Similar Products Used:
judy xc(came stock on my bike, junk)
Bike Setup:
00 enduro, 4.6 travel setting(i plan on purchasing linkage upgrade), rhyno lite xl, tioga 2.3 dh, hayes hydralics, race face cranks bashgaurd,
Bottom Line:
its a good fork for the price, and the adjustability is great. but ive been getting better at big drops and wish i had got the tullio option to make it more rigid. im not happy with the leaking oil but i like the ride and the price was good. my next fork will probably be a z1 with a 20mm axle, because they have better big hit ability(thats what all my buddies ride). still a great fork for trail riding if the oil seapage doesnt bother you too much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from MV Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Favorite? Most trails in OC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
123Bikes
Strengths:
Adjustability
Weaknesses:
Stock Springs
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy and many others
Bike Setup:
02Intense Uzzi SLX
Bottom Line:
First the shock has a soft stock spring intended for your typical pipsqueak. I am a 6’3” and 215 Lbs. and the shock does not come stock setup for someone of my ahh…stature. I installed the correct spring and adjusted the shock per the manufactures guidelines (an incredibly easy task). That’s right folk’s sometimes you need to read the instructions. As far as the seals leaking they are most likely getting blown due to not setting up the fork correctly. I had four buddies that owned the fork and all four-leaked oil. Two of my buddies sent their forks in to the manufacture for warranty repair and when they got them back they sold them. The other two installed the correct spring and adjusted the shock per the manufactures guidelines and never had another problem. I also experienced a “clunking” noise when the shock was fully extended in the 5” setting. I determined that it was toping out. With a one-quarter turn back (compressing the spring) from the fully extended position the clunking stopped. Well the bottom line is that it is nice to have a dialed in stiff fork. In the 5’ position I can take on gnarly drops with my fellow free ride buddies with their Marzochi Bombers (a good fork). However when it comes time to doing some technical climbs I can adjust the Psylo to 3 or 4 inches and grove on up. They have two choices with the Marzochi 1. compress the fork and lock it out. 2. Leave it at 5 inches and loose traction or worse flip over backwards! Unless you are 145Lbs rider you cannot expect the fork to be perfect right out of the box!!! I am going to say it one more time “install the correct spring and adjust the shock per the manufactures guidelines”.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002
The Bad: 1) knobs at the top of each leg are fragile 2) lockout is not a true lockout 3) flexy
Similar Products Used:
01 Marzocchi Xfly 100 01 Manitou Xvert Super
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit/Hayes/XT
Bottom Line:
I bought this fork for it's adjustability & plush stroke. What I didn't anticipate were the broken travel adjuster knob, lockout that doesn't work correctly, or the flexy nature of the fork in the 5" travel mode. For $275, it's a screaming deal and for most situations it does it's job and does it well. To Rock Shox's credit, the adjuster knob was replaced under warranty and the half-working lockout I can live with, but my biggest beef is the flex when in 5" mode. This tracking in 5" mode is so poor that I leave it in 4" mode 90% of the time. Not a problem for me since I use my steed for xc use, but for those looking to use all 5", you'd best be served with a Marzocchi, Black, or Fox.
Bottom line: 1) fantastic adjustability 2) fantastic price 3) great for all-around xc use, but freeriders look elsewhere
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
link
a Weekend Warrior
from melb Date Reviewed: December 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
Looks good
Weaknesses:
Leaks oil, lock out stoped working on the second day, Rock shox customer service is the worst.
This fork failed me on the secod ride of my new bike, no off, road just the road and bike path! Rock shox customer service is through a local distributor, the have no parts in stock for 6 weeks (im told this after 2 1/2 weeks waiting) no offer of a replacment. I had them return the unrepaired fork to me, it came back in bits, I was charged $27 freight! I rebuilt myself it using Rock shox on line info. It has now worked for 7 days with no leaks and the lock out is performing ok. 1 why did they not rebuid it for me, I used no new parts? 2 I sent them a complete fork, why was it returned in bits? 3 Why was I charged freight on a warrenty item? 4 Why did a high end product fail in 2 days of limited use? 5 Why did Rock shox not reply to me when asked these same questions? 6 Why do Rock shox sell such a nasty product? Enough said, I will never purchase another Rock shox product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fauzi
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore Date Reviewed: December 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
street, stair gaps
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
easy to adjust fork travel from 80mm for street riding to 125mm for fast dh action. does not need much care or maintainence. i've been using this fork for a long time and it doesnt even squeek..............
Weaknesses:
nothing, but a 32mm stansions would be nice and disc brake tabs for 8 " rotors,
Similar Products Used:
answer manitou, marzocchi dj1, monster t rockshox judy
Bike Setup:
2002 identiti xt disc and bits and pieces, 24" double wide on 2.70 maxxis highroller rear, 26" halo combat on maxxis highroller 2.50 front and azonic bits and pieces.
Bottom Line:
very very good fork. best for any type of riding. even good for a downhill bike, but more travel would be nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Aliso Viejo Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The biggest strength, is knowing that it is worth your time and money to replace them.
Weaknesses:
Dont get me started.
Bike Setup:
Lets stick to the fork issue
Bottom Line:
This fork blows. Seriously. If you are thinking of buying this fork, either 02' or 03'. DONT DO IT.
This is an update from before. The fork's seals flipped around inside and froze the shock up the first week I had it. Rebuilt it.
The knobs fall off. Top and bottom. Pain in the a$$.
The bike is back in the shop. Bushing play is un-ridable plus I have oil all over my forks from a leak up top. Nothing like have a reliable product.
6 months time, rebuilt twice, knobs replaces over and over. The LBS said the bushing play is normal wear and tear.
WELL guess what, b.s. If you had to rebuild the forks every three months, would you get them? Also, I ride 150 miles a month. Not a racer, just a trail rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hoj
a Weekend Warrior
from Leek, Staffs, UK Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Peaks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Dave Hinde
Strengths:
Light for a big travel doofa Smooth travel Lockout handy
Weaknesses:
Crappy finishing, but hey its cheap. Endlessly turning those damn adjusters.
Similar Products Used:
Z1s, XCs, Blacks
Bike Setup:
Enduro Expert 02 custom build
Bottom Line:
Yeah, go on get them. I haven't had to deal with madison or RS cust services yet tho'.. Badges were falling off mine when I got them, doesn't matter as they're only badges..If you have another £120 in your pocket get Fox, or get these and go down the pub
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pale Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2003 PSYLO SL. Awesome looks, cool aluminum logo plates (not stickers), graduated markings on the left stantion tube for the U-Turn (U-Turn is an awesome feature--very innovative!), no V-Brake bosses (good asthetics), Climb-It Control and rebound damping ACTUALLY WORK!---WELL! Very stiff (no flex) and super plush---even on the first ride. A VERY supple fork, indeed.
Weaknesses:
You would think they would have gone with 32mm uppers this year to compete with Fox. Not that I think they need it yet...But no weaknesses yet that i can see. I hope they really did get all the bugs worked out of it for '03, so I don't have any of the problems of previous posters here.
Similar Products Used:
RS Indy, Judy, SID, Psylo XC, Duke, Headshok Fatty ultra, Lefty, etc.....You name it, I've ridden it.
Bike Setup:
'03 Maverick American ML-7---need I say more?
Bottom Line:
This fork focking rocks! I may post a follow-up when i get a lot more ride time on it. Very happy so far. Buy it! It is a LOT of fork for the money. And $100 less than a Fox.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsburg, IN, USA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Nebo Ridge and Winona Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
0
Strengths:
Solving the infamous Psylo clunk
Weaknesses:
Clunkiness
Bottom Line:
I read on one of the forums the solution to get rid of the annoying clunk on this fork. Set your bike upside down and you'll see a dampening adjustment on the bottom of the fork. Mine has an arrow pointing to a turtle on one side and rabbit on the other. Turn the setting all the way fast (rabbit side) and then maybe back just a turn or two. This solved that damn clunk and I've heard it's worked for others also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from pdx Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
u-turn
Weaknesses:
sealo-problemo
Similar Products Used:
manitou
Bike Setup:
lightspeed
Bottom Line:
Great function at first, then it suffered some slight leaking from the pure side,before I knew it,I could'nt lock it out in the 5" setting or 4.5" setting, then it crapped out, I tried to replace any lost oil,& discovered the cheezy plastic hardware,finnaly after complete failure. I returned it through my dealer. The warranty was up by the time I actualy got it to them. Rockshock handled it in 2 weeks. It is working OK now,they did the work under the warranty.I'm noteing a trend in the long term reviews!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Niven
a
from Bansetead, Surrey, england Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
A- line (whistler) all noeth shore style stuff any down hill with big big big jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
-Super stiff -Pure damping is great and gives a massive range of adjustment -U-Turn -climb it control -plush as any zocchi forks
Weaknesses:
poor paint job plastic adjusters
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi - Z1 freeride and Mxr coil both are good but i advise this fork
Bike Setup:
Who cares!!! (if you have a hard tail do not extend travel past 110mm, i find 100mm the bes seting anywayz)
Bottom Line:
I need a fork to keep me happy cos' i do so many differant riding styles. E.g. North shore style, dirt jumps urban assualt, dh, fr, dual etc. This fork is sooooooo versatilr and i advise it to anyone. Although it is quite heavy it is a billiant fork and super stiff and smooth. I usually follow marzochhi but i thought id try rock shox. I'm glad i did. The highest drop i've used this fork on was 12ft and it didn't even bottom out on 100mm. get this fork you won't regret it. I don't advise this however to croos contry riders (dispite the lockout option) cos' it is heavy. If you find this fork to flexy upgrade it to the tullio option($400) P.S. To people who complain about no pre load, i'm not bieng rude but the U-turn automatically adjusts it according to the re-bound, compression and travel (see www.rockshox.com/psylo)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clinton
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Not around here!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Used
Strengths:
Adjustable on the fly, Hasen't leaked yet, seems stiff enough at 100mm, Lighter than I expected.
Weaknesses:
Previous owner broke lockout top cap and you have to replace the whole assembley to repair it. This costs too much money. ROCKSHOX- Stop using plastic, stop using plastic, stop using plastic!!!!
Fork seems to lose travel slowly after a couple of weeks and requires too much work to keep plush. Not stiff enough at the 125mm setting. U-turn is great if don't mind stopping to make the travel longer. I'd change that to be adjustable on the fly. What's up with the Plastic Rockshox? I'm going to a Fox Talas next on the new Titus Switchblade I just bought. Buy this shock if you're a cross country rider, not for freeride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Immediately after installing fork on bike, the compression knob started bleeding oil. It leaked on the first ride. In order for me to get it fixed - I will be without my ride. It is very plush and acceptably stiff. Definitely better than the Psylo XC (which is a piece of crap - rebound adjuster stripped, leaks oil out the seals, and either tops or bottoms out - there is no in between).
Buy Marzocchi or Fox. In the end -you'll end up paying for a Marz' or Fox anyway after you keep replacing parts on your Rock Shox and eventually sell it on Ebay and lose your money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Aliso Viejo Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Adjustable
Weaknesses:
Reliability
Bike Setup:
Enduro Pro 02
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my June 02 Post. This fork has treated me well since.
If you like only trail riding. You like to Climb. You like to jump/drop 3-4 feet max, then the concept of this fork applies to you.
You can adjust the fork, this is great!
BOTTOM LINE: Buy another fork that can adjust and take the force of a 4 foot drop. Dont buy this fork.
I have had it for a year. I like it. But, I can just as easily have a bad experience with it tomorrow, and get shuffled around through rock shocks cust. service.
I would not be suprised if it broke. At this point, I would not fix it, not wait, just replace.
Honestly. If you are this type of rider, buy another product. If your a downhiller, no way. If you cc, then buy another fork.
Thats it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ME
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Adjustability Looks LockOut
Weaknesses:
The seals leak alot. I got the fork rebuilt twice and it still leaks! Customer Service SUCKS
Similar Products Used:
ROckshox Jetts
Bottom Line:
This fork is great for a really light weight crosscountry rider, but they call this a freeride fork. I only wiegh 130 and bottom it out on three foot drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from NC Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Lotsa travel- especially for XC types. U-turn: I use it all the time. Climb-it Control: works great and lets you keep the fork at longer travel settings when climbing. The rebound knob has a huge range of adjustment. Cool looking. Light enough for me- my Psylos are lighter than my old and cheap Judy Cs. Very smooth stroke- it's fun just to hop on your bike and compress the shocks :)
Weaknesses:
when the travel is above 125 it is extremely flexy: I haven't ridden any 5-inch travel forks before, but I'm sure they don't compare to the Psylo as far as flexion goes. I'm scared of screwing up my U-turn: if you turn in too far in either direction or adjust the travel while the fork is locked out you can ruin the U-turn. They flex alot. The Pure damping could use some work. They are pretty flexy at 125mm mode. Ummmm, the only other weakness I can think of is that the paint scratches when you run into large sharp rocks, but that happens to all forks right? Oh yeah, did I mention they flex?
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black Elite 80/100 is a good fork. TPC dampening is super-smooth. Looks very cool. It's nice how you can instantly change the travel. A coulple minor weaknesses are: the travel adjustment is on the bottom, you only have two travel settings, and no lockout. But it has one HUGE weakness- you can't go to 5 inches of travel. You either get a fork that goes from 3 inches to 4 inches, or one that goes from 4 inches to 5 inches. You cant get a Manitou Black Elite 80/125. That's mainly why I chose the Psylo. That and the fact that the Psylo was cheaper.
Not really similar but: Rock Shox Judy C Manitou Six Comp Rock Shox Duke XC (both '02 and '03) Rock Shox Duke Race Rock Shox Judy XC ('01) Rock Shox Jett Rock Shox Duke U-turn
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900. Psylo SL, Chris King headset, Sun Rhyno Lites on LX, Shimano M515, Hutchinson Scorpion tire in the back.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a freeride fork forget the Psylo. Scroll down and you will probably see tons of complaints on how peoples Psylos are cheap and snap like twigs while doing miniature dropoffs. That's because those people are hardcore freeriders, and, to them, a six foot dropoff is a cinch. If you are one of those people, go buy a Marzocchi.
This is a great fork for what I do: XC with a little urban assault every once in a while. The biggest drop I've done with my Psylos is a slow 5-footer. I wouldn't want to go any bigger than 7 feet with this fork- simply because it is not a real freeride fork- as Rock Shox says it is. It is great for cross-country and trail-riding. At 5 inches of travel, it makes my hardtail feel like a full suspension bike when landing drops.
This thing is considerably taller than a cross-country fork like the Duke, especcially when in 100 mm mode (which is what I use for cross-country) so you will notice the front wheel lifting up off the ground when trying to climb extremely steep grades. The front end is nearly impossible to keep down if you are sitting during one of these climbs.
The U-turn is very usefull, and is half the reason I bought this fork. If all you do is big-hit freeriding or cross-country racing (one or the other, not both) this fork is not for you. If you do a little bit of both, you will love the Psylo. The Climb-it control is good for climbing- and is especially usefull when in long-travel mode.
If you are a trailrider that doesn't do many good-sized (4-foot plus) drops, I would recommend the Manitou Black Elite 80/100 instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Collins Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Stock on Sugar 2+
Strengths:
Adjustability, Lockout
Weaknesses:
They call this a Freeride fork? The crown flexes, absolutely terrible when more than 100mm. (Lower Body seems fairly stiff) Travel setting useless unitl the last two clicks. Performance slowly deteriorates with use. Requires a lot of maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, RS, Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Stock Sugar 2+ with Thomsom stem.
Bottom Line:
If you pay $275 for this fork online, ride mostly CC on non technical trails, the fork will be a good investment....however. The fork really fails to address the intended market. What is the point of having a freeride fork that cannot track with more than 80mm of travel? I had a Z-2 BAM, two years, no maintenance ever (simply sprayed silicon on the stancions occassionally). Yes, that is poor maintenance, but I never had a problem. Would you rather ride it, or maintain it? The Psylo Lockring snapped on the right leg after 1000 miles of riding (only 1/3rd of that actually offroad). Rock Shock told me "We have not seen this before". Maybe so, then again....I will say, the tech support has been helpful. The lockring seems like a really flimsy piece relative to the function. The only reason I own this is because it came stock on my Sugar 2+. I know the lockout is nice, but the adjustability seems like a waste. I rarely changed the travel during a ride. They idea was good, but the implementation leaves much to be desired. Not a 'Bad' product Rock Shox, just not really 'Good' either. 3 turds for value, 2 turds overall. Did someone say Fox?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard McKernan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
NA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
adjustability
Weaknesses:
flex, seals
Similar Products Used:
Struts 80 mm, RSxc
Bike Setup:
Titus QM w/6 inch rear travel setting
Bottom Line:
Blew out a seal after 4 months. LBS had RS send a new seal for free, LBS charged $55.00 to fix... Even so, I have really been quite pleased with the SL's performance, I ride CO's mountains and love to attack the rocky, rooty downhills. I do small dirt jumps and max 4 ft drop-offs and although it has already had one seal replaced it has otherwise worked fine for me. On some of the ski resort downhills it definitely feels flexy on the really fast, loose, rocky stuff and has come close to sending me flying. It's a hard call though because I won't ride the chairlift so appreciate the ability to dial it down to help with the climbing. Compared to my previous shorter travel xc forks it's still a huge improvement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pperrelle
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Modjeska Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Adjustability, ride, looks
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Manitou
Bike Setup:
Psycle Werks Wild Hare, XT components, Thomson post & stem, Hayes disc brakes, King headset, Easton Carbon bars
Bottom Line:
I was a little nervous buying this shock after reading some of the review below, but like it a lot since I got it! The ride is smooth as butter. What I like most is the adjustability. You can go from 80mm to 125mm with a turn of a dial. I like to climb in the 80-100mm setting, with lockout, and then when I get to the top, I like to switch it to the 125mm setting and fly downhill. It's almost like having two bikes! I haven't had any problems with durability at this point and I am a 200 lb. rider. Don't do any huge drops or anything though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, Ca Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Supergo-Fountain Valley
Strengths:
U-turn Adjustability
Weaknesses:
***CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS***
***QUALITY CONTROL IS TERRIBLE****
Bottom Line:
ROCK SHOX, YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a follow up review. My 02 Psylo SL is running ok now but what a hassle with the company! The u-yurn knob cracked on the first few rides and when I called to get it replaced, they said I had to go to a LBS to get them to order the part. They wanted to make sure that I didn't abuse the product and that it would be covered under warranty. Come on! First off, its a small cheap plastic part on a bike part that is supposed to take abuse. Who are these lazy scrotes that answer the phones, build the parts, and represent the company??? Then it took them two weeks to send the knob to the shop! DONT BUY RS PRODUCTS! MAYBE THEY WILL GO INTO GET THE HINT WHEN IN BANKRUPCY COURT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ds_racer
a Racer
from nc Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
about none. i htink it loooks cool. and works good when youget it
Weaknesses:
um its too soft. flexes like crazy. its not good for freeriding.
Bottom Line:
ok this is a follow up reveiw after i have had the fork for about 2 1/2 months. right now i have a totally different veiw on the fork. i think it flexes way too much when its on 125mm travel. it feels like your headset is loose and stuff when its on your bike. it blows through the travel way to fast and im only 95 pounds. overall i say dont get this fork cause its like not good. and you cant use it for freeriding nomatter how much you weigh. but im gonna give it a good rating just cause the guy under me posted like 5 times with the same review
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Bickle
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, NS Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Brandon Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Phatire
Strengths:
Stiff, plush, love the adjustable travel, and damping adjustments. I've had this fork for a full year and am happy with it.
Weaknesses:
Blown seal just before the warranty was up. Replaced by Roxshox. Cheap contruction, what's with the plastic?
Titus Loco Moto and a couple of months on a Cove Stiffee.
Bottom Line:
In the past year this fork has seen a lot of dirt and it works very well in a wide variety of terrain. I can't fault the way it works which is similar to a Bomber but is isn't as easy to maintain. Bombers are put together better and have ECC which is good but the Uturn is more than a gimmick. Uturn is very usefull, I use it on most rides. You can change handling, climbing, descending, and spring rate characteristics to suit the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Stowers
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chadwick
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$259.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
you can sell it.
Weaknesses:
Customer Service
Bike Setup:
Kind of a unicycle at the moment, Rock Shox has my fork.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous review. This company has the worst customer service I have ever seen. After be told everything in my previous posting, I finally got a call back from Rock Shox. The first call came two days after I called (not a good thing to do to angry customers) then passed me on to someone else who I couldn't get a hold of for days(He kept calling me back after working hours,and once I even informed him of this). Then, I finally spoke to Brian who said he had a hard time believing my story, but said he would check into it and make sure my fork gets sent out right away. So I called today to check on the status of my fork and they said it is scheduled to be worked on Monday. Today is Tuesday, which means it is going to sit there for a week. I don't know about everyone else, but to me that is not right away. I think this company is shady. Unfortunately there is little I can personally do about it. I am however, going to do everything in my power to fight their practices. I will never purchase another Rock Shox or SRAM product, I am going to tell everyone I can about my experience and I am going to write every magazine and consumer advocacy group I can find. I hate this company. I might even sell my new fork just so I can purchase something that isn't RS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a Downhiller
from Lafayette Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sticks and Stones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$200.00 from Friend
Strengths:
U-turn, rebound control
Weaknesses:
Oil leak, not stiff, serial # comes off as soon as it touches anything, Paint job sucks!!!
Similar Products Used:
Boxxers and Sids. Stratoes super 8. Fox Float
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, hayes 8in hydro, XTR drivetrain, king headset...
Bottom Line:
Ok shock, but if you are a crazy DH guy get some boxxers or if you are looking for same travle get a Fox Fork RLC 125mm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tully
a Downhiller
from Woodinville, WA, USA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sun Peaks, B.C.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
damping adjustibility, u-turn, lock-out, not very heavy
Weaknesses:
not very sensitive to small bumps
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black 100/120 (tested)
Bike Setup:
2002 Giant AC Air Lite
Bottom Line:
Compression adjustment and lock-out are good, but the rebound adjustment is unbeatable. I am yet bottom it out. However, it doesn't do the best job on stutter bomps, and increasing compression damping completely rids the fork of the little small-bump performance it had to begin with. All in all, I would have to say that it is great for XC, alittle bit of dirt jumping, and lightweight freeriding, but is just not supple enough for hard downhilling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AS
a Racer
from NYC Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Adjustability
Weaknesses:
Reliability
Similar Products Used:
Bomber
Bike Setup:
2001 Uzzi SL
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork for anyone who's into all day epic (go anywhere) rides. It's the ultimate "trail" fork... not too heavy with 3-5" of adjustable travel.
This is NOT a freeride fork. The Psylo can't handle constant abuse like jumps and drops. It's not built tough enough to be classified as a "freeride" fork. Anyone who uses a Psylo for hardcore freeriding will be greatly dissappointed. The compression and rebound dampners WILL blow and the seals WILL leak. It's a proven fact.
If you're a heavy XC rider or all day trail person, looking for an aggressive XC fork, than the Psylo is for you. If you're going to be hucking drops, launching steps and hitting dirt jumps, then this is NOT the right fork for you.
Only 3 Stars for the Psylo SL... If you're going to give a fork 5" of travel and call it a 'freeride' fork, then it better be able to handle some 4 foot drops without falling apart!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Stowers
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Berryman/Ozark
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Don't know, haven't got to ride it.
Weaknesses:
Customer service, customer service and customer service
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXC, Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear, IRC Kujo 2.35, Kona DH Stem, RS Psylo (Kindof)
Bottom Line:
I can't really give a review on this product because I haven't had a chance to ride mine yet. After carefull consideration after reading these reviews, I decided to buy a Psylo for two reasons, one was price and two was I figured with the quantity of product going out, by sheer ratio there are going to be some bad reviews. However, I cannot believe how bad Rock Shox treats their consumers. I received my fork with a broken compression damper, so I called RS and they said I just needed to bleed the damper so I took it to my LBS and they said it was broken. So I called RS back and said I wanted a replacement and they said I agreed to the warranty by installing the fork. I may be wrong, but how can you see how the product is going to work without installing it. Then their excuse as to why it happened was that "if a guy comes in hung over and has to make 900 of these, the quality may suffer a little." They actually said that to one of their consumers. I told them that as a consumer, their poor craftsmanship wasn't my responsibility and basically they said too bad, send it in. I have called corporate and am waiting for a call back. I will update this review when the problem is resolved. However, I will never purchase a RS product again and am going to make it my personal agenda to spread the word about my experience with this company. RS claims to have the best suspension products in the world, I think they just have the most. And personally I would rather have 1 really hot girl than 20 ugly ones. Get my point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Stowers
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Berryman/Ozark
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Don't know, haven't got to ride it.
Weaknesses:
Customer service, customer service and customer service
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXC, Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear, IRC Kujo 2.35, Kona DH Stem, RS Psylo (Kindof)
Bottom Line:
I can't really give a review on this product because I haven't had a chance to ride mine yet. After carefull consideration after reading these reviews, I decided to buy a Psylo for two reasons, one was price and two was I figured with the quantity of product going out, by sheer ratio there are going to be some bad reviews. However, I cannot believe how bad Rock Shox treats their consumers. I received my fork with a broken compression damper, so I called RS and they said I just needed to bleed the damper so I took it to my LBS and they said it was broken. So I called RS back and said I wanted a replacement and they said I agreed to the warranty by installing the fork. I may be wrong, but how can you see how the product is going to work without installing it. Then their excuse as to why it happened was that "if a guy comes in hung over and has to make 900 of these, the quality may suffer a little." They actually said that to one of their consumers. I told them that as a consumer, their poor craftsmanship wasn't my responsibility and basically they said too bad, send it in. I have called corporate and am waiting for a call back. I will update this review when the problem is resolved. However, I will never purchase a RS product again and am going to make it my personal agenda to spread the word about my experience with this company. RS claims to have the best suspension products in the world, I think they just have the most. And personally I would rather have 1 really hot girl than 20 ugly ones. Get my point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Stowers
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Berryman/Ozark
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Don't know, haven't got to ride it.
Weaknesses:
Customer service, customer service and customer service
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXC, Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear, IRC Kujo 2.35, Kona DH Stem, RS Psylo (Kindof)
Bottom Line:
I can't really give a review on this product because I haven't had a chance to ride mine yet. After carefull consideration after reading these reviews, I decided to buy a Psylo for two reasons, one was price and two was I figured with the quantity of product going out, by sheer ratio there are going to be some bad reviews. However, I cannot believe how bad Rock Shox treats their consumers. I received my fork with a broken compression damper, so I called RS and they said I just needed to bleed the damper so I took it to my LBS and they said it was broken. So I called RS back and said I wanted a replacement and they said I agreed to the warranty by installing the fork. I may be wrong, but how can you see how the product is going to work without installing it. Then their excuse as to why it happened was that "if a guy comes in hung over and has to make 900 of these, the quality may suffer a little." They actually said that to one of their consumers. I told them that as a consumer, their poor craftsmanship wasn't my responsibility and basically they said too bad, send it in. I have called corporate and am waiting for a call back. I will update this review when the problem is resolved. However, I will never purchase a RS product again and am going to make it my personal agenda to spread the word about my experience with this company. RS claims to have the best suspension products in the world, I think they just have the most. And personally I would rather have 1 really hot girl than 20 ugly ones. Get my point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Miller
a
from Nazareth, PA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Curt's Cyclery
Strengths:
the uturn is very cool
Weaknesses:
not very stiff, spring a bit heavy for me, Paint flaking off?-whats with that??
this fork is great, i love the uturn. i dont use the lock-out, but its cool to have. it feels a litle loose in 130 and als gives the bike a little slower handling. i keep it in like 110 for almost everthing except fo drops. its awesome on the drops and feels soo plush, yet its sweet for xc. my paint is starting to flake away, i have to touch it up. I think everyone should have a psylo, who cares about the loose feeling, it s only noticable if u sqeeze the brake and push back and forth. what other fork can you use for xc an the still have travel for drops?? GO BUY YOURSELF A PSYLO, NOW!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from apex north carolina Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
my newly built freeride course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Similar Products Used:
none. none of the stuff i have tried compares to this
Bottom Line:
well. ive had this fork for about a month now. and i have done the same 10 foot drop like so many times. i do that so i get better and when i see something of the same size it will be easy to just try it and land better. but i maxed them out only once. and thats cause i had a terrible landing the first time because i barrely had enough speed. but these forks defiantly saved my from crashing. they are just so awesome. ill prob put some on my ac1 that im getting this christmas. i have a really good feeling about how long these will last. i had some judy xc before these. which might i say sucked arss. they lasted like a year then totally sucked. but i have high hopes for these forks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from apex north carolina Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
my newly built freeride course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Similar Products Used:
none. none of the stuff i have tried compares to this
Bottom Line:
well. ive had this fork for about a month now. and i have done the same 10 foot drop like so many times. i do that so i get better and when i see something of the same size it will be easy to just try it and land better. but i maxed them out only once. and thats cause i had a terrible landing the first time because i barrely had enough speed. but these forks defiantly saved my from crashing. they are just so awesome. ill prob put some on my ac1 that im getting this christmas. i have a really good feeling about how long these will last. i had some judy xc before these. which might i say sucked arss. they lasted like a year then totally sucked. but i have high hopes for these forks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from apex nc Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
new light trails up in raleigh
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.pricepoint.com
Strengths:
it is so smooth. there is no flex. you can chooose the amount of travel at the flick of a switch. and you can lock it out on climbs
Weaknesses:
there are none. this fork is just awesome
Similar Products Used:
none compare.
Bottom Line:
i got this instead of a psylo race because of teh uturn. and so far the uturn has worked flawlessy. the uturn is just plain awesome. this fork is very smooth. it is very stiff. and i have no complaints. i do race dual slalom and this fork goes through the turns very well. and it has improved my riding majorly. i would give this fork higher then a five for both value and over all but i can only give it a 5 flamin chillis. overall i htink anyone should get this. from a hard riding cross country rider all the way up to a hardcore freerider or a racer. the price is also awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a
from Rochster, NY, USA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The actions is plush and it is very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Very loose. Feels like the headset is loose all the time, but it is the fork.
Bottom Line:
I got the fork with a Giant AC AIR Lite 4 months ago and I am on my second fork. The first one was lose from day one. Rock shox said the pure oil damping system had air in it. The LBS blead teh pure oil and it was good for a few weeks. Took it back the LBS rebuilt it and put in heavy spring. When I got it back it was totally loose and the damping didnt work at all. LBS sent it back to Rock Shox. One month later it is on my bike. Worked well or one week now it is loose again. I am very unhappy with it. It seems that almost every other review on this fork had the same problem. I just read review on the Manitou Black - not one problem with loosness. I would definitely say that the psylo is a bad design. Im going to rebuild it one more time and if it doesnt work I am going to ask the bike shop for an exchange, even if I have to pay a little. I just cant tolerate that looseness in the handlbars, makes it handle crappy and feel crappy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Castle Rock, CO Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
rocky and steep
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Travel adjustment Plush Plush Plush
Weaknesses:
Some flex in the 120mm mode
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2
Bike Setup:
Awesome
Bottom Line:
I'm stunned by the negative reviews of this fork. I put it on and it was amazed at how it cranked the mtb enjoyment factor. With my Zoki, I dreaded the downhills. I loved climbing but hated the jarring, wrist-wrenching, painful descents. My favorite trails are steep and rock-infested on the way up, so guess what they are on the way down? With the Marzocchis, they are a series of chiropractic events! With the Psylo, I'm going twice as fast and laughing out loud a half dozen times on the way down. Granted, the Zokis were 1999 80mm forks, so it is not a fair comparison, but these Psylos are incredible! I use 90-100mm for climbing, 100-110mm for rolling hills and descents. I don't typically use the full 120mm just because I've heard that wears out the bushings. But 110m works great!
I've only had them a few months, so I certainly hope they don't develop problems. I'll re-post if they do. Both seals on my Zokis blew in the last few months I had them, so I'm running Lizard Skins fork boots on the Psylos. Will probably begin oiling the seals based on the tips in the review below.
I had one minor problem - they stuck in the 80mm position when I first got them. I called RockShox customer service, got right through, and the tech walked me through taking the top adjustor off, unscrewing the top cap, loosening the hex bolt on the bottom, and then unscrewing the spring. That fixed it. It happened twice more after that and the same fix worked both times. Then it quit happening. No trouble since.
I'm totally delighted with this American product (one reason I chose it over the Italian offerings) and with RockShox service. I highly recommend the Psylo!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Klausen
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$365.00
Purchased At:
E.P. Deal
Strengths:
Weight Versatility Super-Plush Coil/Oil Feel Lockout can damp bobbing without making fork totally rigid
Weaknesses:
Slightly flexy when @ 4+ inches
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Duke Race, Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Custom LT hardtail 8500
Bottom Line:
Nice fork for the money, great Swiss-Army-type fork. Can be stiffened for climbing without fully locking out, so fork can still move when hit. Great stroke feel, though slightly flexy at full travel. Some people complained that their forks had poor reliability in the bushings and in the damper. Earlier versions all had reliability problems, but newer ones is buttah...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Stoke Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Everything - no really. Weight Strength Damping range (of adjustment)
Weaknesses:
There is bushing play but not noticeable MADISON!!!
Similar Products Used:
Boxxers !?!?
Bike Setup:
Jumpy
Bottom Line:
Madison are crap - you'd be better off going to rockshox.com and getting the service guide and DIY.
Apart from that it's perfect, except there was a clunk from inside the U-turn, and the start of the travel was noisy.
I had it sent away because a nut had fallen off inside the rebound adjuster (oops) but the forks had grown a strange clunk at the end of the travel - so because i was due to go away on holiday i did it myself. Its sooooooooooooo easy!! I dont know why more people dont do it themselves.
And the clunk at the start of the travel was just under-lubed (upper) seals. Oh yeah, when u reassemble it - dont bother putting the springs and bearings (under the top caps) back in - its WAY faster adjustment without it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuckles
a Downhiller
from NEW ENGLAND Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Porcipine Rim, Moab, UT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
U-turn and lockout makes things a lot easier when riding on the roads. Coming off of a 100mm travel fork makes the ride feel much more plush.
Weaknesses:
Squeeky noises if spring rate is not adjusted right.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou x-vert, magnum, Black, and x-very super.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Tassajara, Psylo, XT drivetrain, Easton handlebar, Bontrager rims, and WTB Moto Raptor tires.
Bottom Line:
The fork's feel is sometimes weak, but with the help of u-turn you can get rid of it. Does anyone know about Rock Shox grease? (EMAIL ME)thats it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed cluer
a Weekend Warrior
from glos., england Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
these forks have rekindled my love of riding> what a difference from those knackered old judyz... I can just blare over pretty much any roots or rock and still stay in control. I love the U-turn (I've settled for around 100mm) and lock out is v. useful and it does work. Only gripe is that under full compression I can feel play esp. on long travel setting. Hopefully tis will be fine with a bushing replacement / service
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dieter Schaad
a Weekend Warrior
from Berne, Switzerland Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
The fork works fine but it's the clunking noise I hate. Does anybody know how to get rid of it. Lockout is working fine, I use it a lot but not the travel setting. Leave it in 120mm all the time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian S
a Cross Country Rider
from Dalton, MA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Capt. Jacks in CO Springs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Externally adjustable travel; plush; nice feel
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
SID, Manitou MARS, Cannondale Lefty, Super Fatty DL
Bike Setup:
01' GT i-Drive team, XT/XTR, Time ATAC Alium pedals, XT Disc/Sun Rhyno Lite rims, Panaracer XC Pro 2.1 tires.
Bottom Line:
I think Rock Shock did a pretty good job on this fork. It's a tad bit on the heavy side, but any fork will be with the 80-125mm's of travel. It's smooth, and I don't notice much flex in the corners either. The adjust preload is nice too. Some people were complaining that the tops of the fork legs were leaking oil around the caps, but i haven't had anything like that so far, so I maybe I lucked out. Overall a nice fork though. 5 flaming sh*ts for this these puppies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AS
a Racer
from NYC Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
A dirty one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
?
Strengths:
-Travel Adjustability -Relative Weight
Weaknesses:
-Soft OEM Springs -Reliability
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SL
Bottom Line:
Man, I really liked Rock Shox. I tried to stay loyal despite all my buddies suggesting I switch to Marzocchi. I purchased the SL with the hope that RS finally made a decent FreeRide fork that wasn't so damn heavy. I should have known better.
The compression dampner went in the first week. The rebound adjuster screw stripped after 2 months. The rebound dampner blew after 4 months.
Now I'm riding a $400 fork that feels like the ones you find on a Toys-R-Us dual suspension bikes! Crapola.
Please tell me for 2003 Marzocchi will have an externally adjustable Z1. If not, I'm trying the Fox Fork. Anything but a Rock Shox again.
Sorry RS. You are dead to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
very few err, they're cheap
Weaknesses:
lots, creaking, wobbling, blow through travel too easily even when wound up
Similar Products Used:
z1 cr, drop offs, Jnr Ts
Bike Setup:
Giant AC 1, d321, hope 4pots, world force, dmr v12s etc
Bottom Line:
A note to some of you, esp. Stewart a Weekend Warrior from Colwood, B.C
In the UK the AC comes with these naff forks, why couldn't they be specd with Z1s I ask you!
If only one was allowed to swear about these forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from nw indiana Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
challenge park extreme
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
bought this over the winter before all these neg. reviews came out and i must disagree with most of them. i love this fork. i ride xc,dual slalom and northshore stuff na di love to jump and hit good size drops and it has held up perfectly so far. i do clean the stanchions after every ride and spray some oil on them before riding because of the "flipped seals" i heard so much about. i have no bushing play to speak of, they don't leak, and the u-turn and lockout features are great.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
judy sl and 'zocchi air fork(don't remember model)
i weigh 180 lbs. and have had no problems with this fork despite my hard style of riding, value us great at 300.00 5 flamin' turds
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
- light - cheap
Weaknesses:
- Climb-it-control doesn't work properly on either of the forks that I've had (had to get new one under warranty, see below) - For a freeride fork they are about as tough as a wet paper bag! - Plastic parts - Poor RockShox customer service and quality control
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2002 Santa Cruz Bullit, Sun SingleWide Rims, Michelin 2.5 Tires, XT/LX Drivetrain
Bottom Line:
After reading all the bad reviews in here, I still decided to buy this thing because it was half the price of a comparable Marzocchi fork. I guess I was hoping that mine would be different from all the others. What a mistake! THIS THING IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF JUNK THAT I'VE EVER SPENT MONEY ON!!!
After less than 2 weeks of riding it, it started making these really loud creaking sounds. Where the upper tubes are pressed into the crown had come loose and was moving around. This is where I realized what a big mistake I made buying this thing. I returned the shock under warranty, and after waiting 2 and a half weeks, I was returned a new one. I've been riding the new one for less than 2 weeks now, and guess what, it started making the exact same noise. I just called RockShox, and they tell me I have to through the whole process or returning it again. Now, if you do the math, since I've bought it, I've ridden it for a total of 3 weeks, and after I get it back this time, I will have been waiting for it to be returned under warranty for a total of 4 weeks. That's not a good ratio!!!
DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID! spend a little bit extra and get a marzocchi (or anything other than RockShox for that matter). From the reviews that I've read in here, the marzocchi's are the way too go! I'd give the psylo's a negative rating if I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Weekend Warrior
from South Portland, ME Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
adjustability feels ok when working
Weaknesses:
bushings! U-turn
Similar Products Used:
none yet, but looking at Zokes
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air Lite, black Psylo, EA50 bars, Atac Carbons, then stock
Bottom Line:
The adjustability of the fork is great...when it works. I've ridden it for 3 months and already have to send it out for servicing. It developed severe bushing play and the uturn feature broke. We'll see when it comes back from warranty, but I may be going to a Zokes. I will give the Psylo another chance first tho.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Aliso Viejo Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Update from previous post. I was disgruntled because of this shock. The shock broke the first day out, they reubuilt the shock. Since then, the shock is great. After every ride, I wipe the arms down, clean out the dust from the crevices and add fork oil to the arms, cycle it a few times, and spread the oil to coat for the next ride. I do this because i am a bit skeptical. I am concerned that they might break again, but so far so good. When it first happened (seals inside flipped around), I was pissed of course. Now, I am a happy camper due to its perfomance. Will the shocks hold in the long haul, or on a trip. Will I trust them traveling to some remote trail? yes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stewart
a Weekend Warrior
from Colwood, B.C. Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Stiff, adjustable, compression and rebound damping, and the lock out.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
To the reviewer below me:
AC 1 huh? Interesting... I was not aware that Giant was spec'ing their AC 1's with the Psylo. In 2001 it came with the Zocchi Z.1 and in 2002 it was a single crown Shiver.
Please take your misinformed review and put it in the circular file. I don't know what you have against the Psylo but is an excellent fork for its intended purpose. Perhaps you bought a shop bike and didn't know you were getting rippd off and are now bitter. Please don't take it out on an excellent trail fork that can be easily adjusted from 3"-5" and offers the choice of compression and rebound damping that actually work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kinver
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Two Wheels
Strengths:
Hard to think of any
Weaknesses:
Reliability
Bike Setup:
Giant AC1
Bottom Line:
Don't buy any!!!!
These forks came with a Giant AC1. They were fine for the first month, then the weather picked up and so did the jumps. 1 trip to Coed Y Bren and hey presto both seals leak like a tea bag.
The guys at two wheels did their stuff and replaced the seals for me. All was well for about 2 hours when after a few 4 ft (ish) flat landing and they got real stiff and would lock half way.
Back to the shop again. The lads did there stuff again and they were all better.
Back to Kinver for a bit of fun in the trees, after the first run, I noticed a knocking on rebound. I know this is a "feature" but now it was getting real bad. Upon investigation (a little wobbling) I found the right leg to have a disturbing amount of play.
I called the lads at the shop, they know my forks quite well by now. Who are not at all surprised when I tell them I'm calling about the forks. After a bit of head scratching they decided the best thing for it was a pair of Z1's. The rockshox were sent back to the factory for some attention or to be filed in a bin, not sure which. This was about 8 weeks ago now I still haven't seen or head anything.
I just don't understand how these forks manage to get all over the place in magazines, on TV in comps. All I can think of is these guys are sponsored and get a new set every ride. If your not shy of jumping over 2 feet these aren't for you. In fact I don't know who they would suit.
Oh I've been using a pair of £150 bomber air forks in-between rockshox repair and they're 2 years old now. Not a single problem and I ride no different.
RockShox get your act together, these are worse than crap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Psylo Ho
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
SuperGoGo
Strengths:
- U-turn travel - Lockout - Plush coil ride
Weaknesses:
- none so far
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper FSRxc with Psylo set to 80mm-100mm
Bottom Line:
This is one nice fork.
I wanted an all around fork good for many conditions. There are smooth dirt trails and extremely dry rocky desert like trails and I wanted a fork that could handle both.
The forks stays in 80mm for flats and uphills, and then it gets cranked up to 100ish for going down. The lockout feature works great. The fork at 80mm matched the fork height on the factory installed fork, so steering is the same.
All my adjustments work as they should. The rebound adjuster actaully works well, unlike my Judy's whose rebound adjustments were hardly noticeable even when new.
This is one plush fork. I weigh 140lbs and have no complaints about the springs. At 80mm, it eats all the small and medium hits. On my way down, I crank to 100-ish and my descents are more stable, sometimes there isn't a smooth line to pick out and this fork set at the longer travel is great for those moments.
I have had no such oil leaks of any sort. I was concerned when I read about all the Psylo in this review page that had oil leaks. Seems like there was a really bad batch that made it to customers. But maybe I am just lucky, so far?
I live about 4 miles from the trail head, so I like to ride there. This is where the lockout comes in handy. The road uphill to the trail head is might steep and long, so the lockout helps out on this climb. I also commute to work with the fork locked-out.
I ride this fork for XC stuff, so I cannnot give a testimony for it's ability to take big hits and drops.
I chose this for XC riding because my local trails are in bad shape and I wanted a fork with a lockout. So far, I don't mind the 4.something pound weight of the fork. The added heft is work it to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Aliso Viejo, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
When it was working, it was like "butter". But.....
Weaknesses:
Reliability
Bike Setup:
Enduro FSR Pro 02'
Bottom Line:
First day out, the forks froze up. Had a bunch of friends out with me, we all had to head home, major bummer. " A seal inside flipped around". Supergo bike shop rebuilt the fork, 2 days down-time, got the bike back. Worked great for about 2 days. Now the shock seems to be getting stiff again. After all the complaints, I have to add yet another complaint. I am not one to complain, but wholy crappers is this fork unreliable or what?? I may be heading back to the store for them to rebuild it again. Any thoughts, any comments...... Note, I am willing to make this fork work. But, there comes a point when I just want to ride, not fart around... I will update shortly...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Surly Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Great Bend, Ks Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$315.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
very adjustible when everything still works, smooth travel, not super heavy
Weaknesses:
soft, breaks things when it bottoms out hard.
Similar Products Used:
ridged fork
Bike Setup:
SURLY INSTIGATOR, setup as a single speed with disks, race face northshore cranks, and some other things
Bottom Line:
I had good luck with the fork for a few mounths when it was so cold that you couldn't have any fun and you had to keep moveing on down the trail. Once it warmed up and the jumps became fun the fork went down hill really quick in one night. After a 4-5 foot flat landing off a jump it bottomed out and shattered all the PLASTIC parts in the pure tube rebound unit. Sent it in to rock shox yesterday.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from ontario canada Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Weaknesses:
leaked oil
Bike Setup:
fisher sugar2+ with discs
Bottom Line:
this is an update .During my second ride the dampening side leaked all oil out and I had to take it back to my LBS and they sent it back for warranty I was back riding in 8 days great turn around time ,but after I got it back it developed a small leak around top adjusting nob . My bike shop said it could be some oil trapped from rebuilding the fork and to give it some time to see if it would go away well it never did and as it is riding season and it was a minor leak I didn't want to send it back so my bike shop gave me customer service phone number and when Icalled (got through right away) and they were very helpful and wanted to keep me riding and they thought it was an o-ring pinched or damaged during rebuilding (these things happen) and ask if I could look at it ,I did and it got nicked during installation and they sent me a new one and I installed it and it hasn't leaked since and I had no missed riding (thank-you rock shox customer service CANADA) and now the shock works great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tam loop, Amasa Back
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Adjustability, stability, soaks up the hits, smooths out vibes
Weaknesses:
QA. I think an earlier reviewer questioned why the bargain blems came out. Mine arrived without a scratch, but was under-filled and wouldn't lockout. $25 and some 5wt. and now it's fine. Bummer to have to service out o/box.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Answer SX ti
Bike Setup:
'98 FSR Pro xt/xtr all over, wtb lazer wheels, pretty std.
Bottom Line:
RS QA and customer service are way suspect. Too bad, the schock is solid once it's put together right. Oil leakage? Yes, if it's over-filled it'll leak. I road the 80mm Manitou for three years, then finally started sampling friends' Marzoochi and SIDS. The upgrade makes a new bike. Sure, I've only been on it for two weeks, but that's four rides. Stability & predictability are way up with the new fork. I'm 220, but keep the fork at 125 and wide open all the time. Granted, I'm a x-country rider and not taking too many drops over 2'. The shock does the job nicely. I'll give it 4 steamin' shiggers, dropping one for the initial "why the f*ck won't this lockout?!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
through the field and woods by my house to where I hunt turkey and deer
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
plush adjustable ride good for on road or off
Weaknesses:
it comes setup for a light weight (150-170 lb'er)and changing the spring with those dam plastic caps having to be started under load....well I stripped one and wasted an hour getting it done (hint- pop the c-ring off the old one and use it as a replacement on the new but ruined spring)
Bike Setup:
parts from here parts from there - thudbuster & wtb laser V seat are the most important parts other than this fork for comfort.
Bottom Line:
I bought this mb and hated anything but mild trails, which I do like alot. So I ended up using this bike for on road get in shape runs 75% of the time and then doing local park trails with the girl friend (i said mild) the rest of the time. At 100mm locked out and gran prix tires this rips down roads as good as gets, with the fork set at 120mm and not locked out over the wtb tyranoraptor tires I almost feel like a mountain biker floating over whatever crosses the trail. This is a great ride for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keaton
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
criterium bike shop
Strengths:
U-Turn, long travel
Weaknesses:
lockout, no preload,
Similar Products Used:
manitou black elite
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air Lite.
Bottom Line:
handles big hits well, not real sinsitive on small bumps,great for dirt jumping and drop offs. U-turn great for cross country
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronald Obermeyer
a Downhiller
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Stiff, super adjustable, damping knobs actually work, lock is nice for bike path riding
Weaknesses:
None so far. I question the lack of fork boots but my Psylo hasn't become sticky yet.
Similar Products Used:
'98 Judy XL '99 Judy XC '99 Judy XLC '02 Psylo XC '01 Bomber (can't remember what it was, Z-1?)
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
I'm real pleased with this fork. I comparison shopped and the Psylo was bar far the best deal and it offers the U-turn feature that no other forks have. Being able to adjust the travel is awesome. All forks should come this way.
I have not had any bushing problems or anything else to speak of. The compression and rebound damping work over a wide range and really let you taylor the ride to your liking. I'm not quite sure why the fork doesn't have higher reviews except for people bashing it just because it is a Rock Shox. This fork is so far ahead of the old cartridge Judys and the latter non-adjustable hydracoil Judys that you can't compare the two.
My fork was $279 for a brand new model. I checked into those blem forks Supergo was selling and thought that it wasn't a good idea to buy one. I have my suspicions that blem forks are responsible for the bad reviews. I mean, come on. The name plate doesn't match...YOU BOUGHT A BLEM FORK!
I give 5 chilies
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garson
a Downhiller
from WESTMASS! Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sugarbush '00 trail 66 season opener DH course (as muddy, rainy and tech as can be)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
peak performance (new england's best)
Strengths:
Light, plush, thru-axle qr works really well, adjustable travel
Weaknesses:
could be a bit stiffer, I'd prefer no lockout
Similar Products Used:
most single crown zokes, supernova (the greatest fork ever), jr. t, boxxer, trixxy, noleen chubby
Bike Setup:
Planet X JFC with 24" arrow rims f/r, king hs, tioga stem, azonic bar, hayes, northshores etc.
Bottom Line:
It's a pretty good fork. I mostly dirt jump and ride urban on it. I have it set to 3" unless I'm doing REALLY nasty trails or DHing. I got a good deal on it because of a partial sponsorship from peak performance, but it's usually between $50-$100 more. If you can find a supernova, get that, but if not, this is IMO better for all around riding than most zokes. Not bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trig
a Downhiller
from Old Blighty Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Quick release bolt-thru works really well. Takes big hits supprizingly well. RS dust seals are the best by far. Weight isn't bad. External adjustability. Absolutely no stiction. Compression damping rate.
Weaknesses:
Bushings needed replacing from new. Lock-out doesn't really work, but that's not why I bought the fork. Crown is a bit flexy compared to Zocchi. Look a bit crap. Very tall for the travel. RS quality control has never been the best. Expencive. Not a lot better than the XC's
Similar Products Used:
Bombers: very good. X-Verts: all Manitous are diabolical, don't go anywhere near them
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
Mine came with badly wobling bushes, but were sorted out for free and within a month so not too bad there. Since then I have ridden them for a year and never serviced them - although I probably should now - and they're still working like new. I haven't had any of the leak problems that some people mention, but as said above - RS quality control is a bit "hit and miss". Front wheel tracking with the Tullio bolt-thru is dead good - far better than Zocchi's QR bolt-thru and quicker to do. Seals are just the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Bonatto
a Racer
from Peterborough, NH, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Clubby Scott
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
RockShox direct, emplyee purchase
Strengths:
Plush, looks good, adjustable travel, Climb-IT control
Weaknesses:
Not many, except mine started leaking oil after a mont of riding but it stopped after 2 weeks.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black Comp Manitou SX-D
Bike Setup:
Frame: Gary Fisher Sugar 4+ Front shock: RockShox Psylo Sl Headset: Chris King No Threadset Stem: Easton Mag Handlebars: Generic carbon fiber Grips: Salsa Pepperjacks Shifters: Shimano Deore Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial Ti Brakes: Avid Meachanical Disc Tires: Michelin Wild Gripper Hot-S in red Rims: Mavic 317X disc specific Hubs: Shimano XT High Flange disc Pedals: Azonic A-Frame Cranks: Bontrager Select Bottom Bracket: Shimano square taper LX Chain: SRAM 9 Speed Cassette: Sram 7.0 Read Deraileur: Shimano LX Front Deraileur: Shimano LX Saddle: Selle Italia XO gel Rear Shock: Cane Creek AD-5
Bottom Line:
One of the best all arround forks i have ever ridden. Email me for comments hexman101@cs.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Glass
a Weekend Warrior
from FL Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Can't tell
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
NONE..ZIPO!
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING. The moment I took the fork for a ride, it started making noises. I never felt safe on it. Staring leaking oil after 2 rides. Lockout won't work.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Intense UZZI SL now with a MARZOCCHI. No more RS for me!!!
Bottom Line:
GOOD GOD!!!!!1 This fork and RS customer service is HORRIBLE!! They are not the friendliest people and don't care about your problem...SRAM, I hope you can addresses these issues and bring RS back to where it used to be...you're losing alot of what use to be loyal customers..after RS started to mass produce to the market, Quality control and their products have dropped tremdiously and the evidence is displayed in the quality of these forks...NOTE: NEVER BUY A SHOCK WITH FEATURES WHICH IS IN IT'S FIRST PRODUCTION YEAR...The U-Turn while is a great innovative idea sacrifices relability...I've already put on a Marzocchi MCR and I'm happy with it...put your money elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Silver23
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trails at Lago di Garda North Italy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Rock Shox Support stand
Strengths:
Light, Super cool Look, Soft Smooth action, adjustability(U-Turn) and still haven't bottomed it out yet. Long travel possibility, which makes it a great fork to Downhill with. The lockout feature rulez big time, have never thought it would matter that much. Takes little and big bumps in an excellent way, without bottoming out!!!
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Mag 21 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rock Shox Quadra Rock Shox Judy SL Manitou X-vert Air. Fatty 70 from Cannondale. DD60 from Cannondale Rock Shox Boxxer Rock Shox Psylo Race 2002
Bike Setup:
Frame: Ghost Dual Slalom, Anodized Gold. Wheels: Hugi Hayes/Mavic D521 rims Fork: Rock Shox Psylo Race 2002, converted to SL Brakes: Hayes Hydro Disk Brakes Shift dept.: full XTR Handlebar: Answer Protaper Tyres: Rear 2.35 Ritchey Z- Max/ Front 2.1 Ritchey ZMax Saddle: Terry Liberator, very Good Stem: Azonic ORC Crancks: Shimano LX with Rock Ring Pedals: Shimano 636 SPD's / Wellgo B36 Platforms
Bottom Line:
I weigh 185 LBS and still haven't bottomed this out, even while making high drop offs. I run the blue firm spring. Some stated facts: -Smooth Action -Great adjustability -Great Looks, when in Race package, otherwise "dull". -Small. medium and Big hit eating fork!
Rock Shox made a great fork!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, use right spring!!!! I hope they will keep up the good work while being under SRam's wings.
I had my Psylo Race, serviced and it leaked oil, which went away within a few rides, I guess it was just because of overfilling them at first setup. The fork worked fine after leaking the excessive oil. So don't worry to much about it.
Great rides to all of you!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Adjustability, telfon stanchions, 20mm Thruaxle and no brake bosses. Pretty plush
Weaknesses:
Leaks oil, poor quaility control, the Tin plate that is mounted on the side of the fork is coming off, makes a loud annoying sound when at the 125mm setting
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer with Chris king hubs on Mavic D219's, hayes brakes, easton bar and all XTR drivetrain with race face crank
Bottom Line:
I've had this fork for about 3 months and believe it for not, it's starting to fall apart. It's quite disappointing that I've spent $400 on this fork and I get such horrible quality. The U-Turn is quite cool but you have to unweight your bike if you want increase the travel. HOwever, I have a loud clucking sound in the long travel setting and after a few days, the fork startign leaking oil. The fork now for some reason feels sloppy and not reliable. I called RS customer service and was put on hold for so long until someone was able to help me out. They told me to have my LBS send it back for me. I'm relucant to send it back and not see my shock for more then a month as many people on this board indicated that RS kept their forks for some time. If you need an opinion and deciding to buy this fork, save your money and put it elsewhere in a more reliable fork even you if you have spend more money such as a marzocchi Z1 which a few of my friends have who have no problems whatsoever. Even my LBS recommeded it over the 02 Psylo SL. I guess I should have listened to them when they told me to get the Marzocchi instead. I guess next time I'll choose reliability over innovation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any one with Dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$309.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Looks great in Black, plush and works great when it does work. Adjustabililty of the U-Turn. I can freeride on weekend and next weekend set it up for 80mm for XC.
Weaknesses:
I'm not sure where to start. I've used many rock shox products in the past but I must say that I'm very dissappointed by this shock. I only had it for two weeks and it started leaking oil. I called Rock Shox customer service and they asked me to send it back. It's been a month and a half and I still haven't gotten my shock back. After checking with my local bike shop, they informed me that they had many returns and the problems with the psylo 02 SL although the bike shop owner did mention that he had one and didn't have any issues with it.
Bike Setup:
Turner
Bottom Line:
I'm very dissappointed with the shock. It's 50 50 if you get this shock, either you'll be very happy or you'll want to throw out the window. Do yourself a favor and go with a marzocchi instead.
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Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, Ca Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything left in Palos Verdes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Supergo-Fountain Valley
Strengths:
Travel Adjustability, plushness
Weaknesses:
LOTS OF THEM!--Weak plastic U-turn Knob, Bushing Play, Rebound knob would not turn, Blem Nameplate, The folks at Burger King give better customer service that those at RS!
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Mag 21, Indy, Marzocchi Z.5
Bottom Line:
DONT BUY THIS SHOCK!!! Lets start w/ the simple ones. Why would RS saturate Supergo or any other dealership w/ BLEMS??? Doesn't RS have any quality control? It seems to me that anything that ends up in a box is good enough for sales to you, the public. (1) The u-turn knob developed a crack at the allen bolt after one month and finally broke through. Come on, didn't they test these parts before mass manufacture? (2) I didn't understand what everyone was talking about when they said there was Bushing Play. Mine has Bushing Play. I can look at the quick release while I'm riding and actually se it moving back and forth on small bumps. Again, poor quality before mass amnufacture. (3) The rebound adjuster knob at the bottom of the fork leg would not turn and felt like it was stripping. I had to pull it out and stick in an allen wrench to loosen it and adjust the rebound. It's works fine now. (4) I know this is petty ... but...my nameplat says my shock is an XC. It's just the wrong nameplate, but it still goes to show the POOR QUALITY CONTROL. The good parts are that the fork handles the toughest terrain w/ great damping and plushness, the lockout works and doesn't leak (yet), and the travel adjustment is great (I need a knob, though.) BOTTOM LINE: Its falling apart bit by bit. Needs quality control and better parts. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY A MARZOCCHI of comparable performance!!!
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
All the advertised features and very plush
Weaknesses:
Quality control, warranty turn around time, plastic parts and the lable plate on the right leg
Similar Products Used:
Rock shock, Manitou, Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Fork came on 2.0 GT Idrive I added disc brakes
Bottom Line:
The fork adjust very well for my 180 pounds and handles great... But stop right there!
First fork started leaking after 2 months. Took it back to Supergo, they questions me like I'm stupid (no I didn't spill oil on it repeatedly) and agreeded to send it in. Said I would have it back Friday (it's Sunday now) never having sent a fork back for warranty I believed them. When I called Friday they laughed and said it takes3 to 4 weeks and the guy that told me Friday wasent even there. I winned a little and talked to a manager, he said he would call Rock Shock on Monday and find out how long. I called him Tuesday, he told me RS had not looked at it yet so he would take a fork off the shelf and fix my bike (very cool) Rode the new fork 2 weeks, rides every bit as good as the original, buts starts to make noise over small bumps. I take it back to Supergo and the tech (real sharp guy but can't remember his name used to work for Marzocchi I think)tells me this fork has to go back to RS and now I know how long it really takes. So I tell him about the first fork they sent in and ask if it has come back yet. He finds it in the back and it has been fixed so he puts it on right now (no down time this guy rocks). So I've been riding this fork since and its been perfect. If the fork hold together it will make for a great fork but the first 6 months have been tough and I don't look forward to dealing with the excessive turn around time from Rock Shock. Do they have the worst customer care...I wonder
$
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