Submitted by
Pete
a Downhiller
from socal Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
stratos
Strengths:
Stiffness, Tire clearance, forward crowns for steering tight corners, lockdown for short climbs
Weaknesses:
not really a weakness since the price is great, but lack of preload or compression
Similar Products Used:
Z1 qr20, S7
Bottom Line:
STIFF. Most forks 6", 7" are 32mm stanchions, the LR1 (like all Stratos Forks) are 35mm. I got the 6" fork with 20mm thru, tracking is pertfect. The only flex I really get is in my hadlebars/stem.
The LOCKDOWN (not really a true lockout) will work at full extension, pressed down some, or all the way, but slides down more when you put weight on it....
The Compression of the fork is pretty smooth and near Marz fork action. You can't really complain about no preload/compression adjustment at this price. Its **very important** to get the oil level and spring stack rates proper for your weight/ riding style.
I must say that I have had no problems with the SEALS even with a slightly scraped stanchion.
I think the 2003 has internal preload adj. and a different Brake arch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest/Mill D
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
GO-RIDE
Strengths:
Very Stiff
Weaknesses:
Lock-down did not work
Similar Products Used:
Jr. T
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
A vast improvement over the Jr. T. It is amazingly stiff even with Std. QR. The lockdown worked at first, but leaked very quickly. Stratos replaced it, but took a while to send the new one. We'll see how the new one holds up. GO-RIDE actually did the work replacing it. I can't enough good things about Scott, Chris, James, and all the other guys at GO-RIDE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gmac GMac
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
quiet ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Go Ride
Strengths:
Construction: all bolts no lame m arch & true axle. Appearence: super beefy. Ride: vy smooth and adjustable. Weight: didn't feel any heavier than a Super T
Weaknesses:
Would like to see a better looking brake arch. Would also like lock out to allow some travel 25-50mm maybe.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi only
Bike Setup:
Bullit w/ LR1 6" 20mm
Bottom Line:
Very pleased. Fork is super smooth. So far reliable. Looks killer. Has improved my riding after new setup was dialed in over a few rides. Confidence is greater w/ DCs. Also Go-Ride was vy good. Email if you want more. LATA
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Buck
a
from Provo, UT, USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything that goes down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Aardvark Cycles
Strengths:
STIFF, HUGE stanchions! Steering is so precise. More KNEE friendly than most dual crowns, and awesome turing radius for tight technical sections...the REBOUND LOCKOUT is a very nice feature; truly helps with the climbs; heavier than most forks but still easy to lift up pretty high
Sucks up the big hits VERY nicely. My rear shock (Fox RC)doesn't even do half as good a job.
Weaknesses:
Takes awhile to break in. Unknown reliability (hasn't been out too long), possible problems w/ Customer Service, no compression or preload adjustment?
Bike Setup:
2001 Bullit; Fox RC; yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
This seems to be a VERY promising fork. A perfect balance between full-blown DH and epic trail riding application. I've only had it for a short time so I can't say it's the best, but so far I'm very pleased with its performance and improvement over my older setup.
STIFF, STIFF, STIFF! Of course this is my impression because the fork I had before was a Marzocchi Z5 single crown, so I can't say I can compare it to similar DC forks, but it sure steers a LOT better and holds a line like no other. The Rebound lockout is indeed a nice feature. Haven't taken it up a long trail climb yet, but on short steep hills it definitely helped.
It does seem very "sticky" out of the box. I've heard Stratos's shocks take longer than most to break in the seals/sliders/stanchions. In the short time I've ridden it it does seem to be getting smoother, though, so I'll give it more time. There doesn't seem to be any compression damping adjuster, except for changing oil heights, so far it seems ok stock, getting about 5.25" travel but haven't dropped anything big yet. No preload adjustment either. Luckily I'm in the weight range for the stock springs
Reliability can't be commented on at this time, but will in the future
For the price, I think you get a lot of features and great performance, so I'll give it 5 for that.
Only 4 overall, just because I don't know if this thing will crap out on me in the long run. Otherwise, this fork seems great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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