Submitted by
Dirty_Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2009
Strengths: Amazing bump absorb, light yet strong, can lock out
Weaknesses: It's been returned under warranty 3 times so far - you run the risk of getting a lemon like mine
Bottom Line:
This fork is great when it's working, but it's very unrealiable. I would not purchase again - next time I'm buying a Fox fork.
I've had to return it three times now. The first was (apparently) a new cartridge (?), the third they (apparently) gutted it and put in all new parts. We will see how long it lasts this time - I only got in about 6 rides are rebuild 1 and 2. To put this in perspective, I purchased the fork thinking I would be doing a lot more free riding - 99% of my riding is now smooth cross country style, with the occasional small drop. I'd hate to think what would have happened if I had it at Whistler 2 years ago (when I was still running my 66).
Amazing when going though. It smoothly absorbs big hits and small bumps. I've had it easily ride over stuff that would have sent me over the bars on my Marzocchi 66 (one example was after I fell of a skinny and hit a railway sleepy on landing).
In summary: If it breaks again, I'm getting a Fox Talas 36.
Bike Setup: Cannondale Gemini 900, Fox DHX 4, set up heavy for free ride
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Submitted by
xmtlkidx
a Downhiller
from Spanish Fork
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2009
Strengths: Very adjustable with simple easy to feel detents. Lots of range which you'd expect at this price. Plush as all get out, I still feel like I am riding coils. This fork surprises me every time I ride it. I am a pretty big guy and have been riding double crowns for about 4 years now, I was scared to death to goto a single crown fork. I honestly feel like this fork is as stiff if not stiffer than my old MARZZ 888. Honestly, I am not trying to sell these things, I don't care if you buy it or not, but this fork flat out is amazing.
Weaknesses: Not really sure I need a 20mm quick release on a FR bike. It's easy to use and seems strong, but I could use some bolt action down there.
Bottom Line:
I read all the complaints and problems from previous listing and have a hard time believeing them all. I simple cannot see a single issue in over a year of riding mine. I weigh alot, I am hard on my stuff. I have had zero problems with this fork. It is easy to use/set-up. It feels as plush as coil(at least to me). It rides over, through, and around anything. The only thing I had to get used to was a single crown takes a little more muscle to ridethan the DH forks, But more strength was never a bad thing. This is without a doubt the best fork I have owned. At this price I would expect nothing less. Thanks to the fellas at the Ol' Rock shox, I was a hater, Now I don't think 'd ride a morzocchi again. Peace kids.
Similar Products Used: Marz 66, Marz 888, Old Monster T, Jr. T, And a Super T.
Bike Setup: Santa cruz bullit(new one)
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Submitted by
SantaCruzzer
a Downhiller
from Germany
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2008
Strengths: extremely stiff, very, very plush for an air fork, almost no play in the bushings, easy to adjust, good service manual online
Weaknesses: however the compression adjuster knobs are turned, I do not feel any difference
Bottom Line:
the play in the bushings of the 2007 forks is gone, with a working compression damping the fork would be perfect for me, anyway, there is nothing better out there (not in this price category)
Similar Products Used: Totem 2-Step Air, Marzocchi 66 ATA
Bike Setup: Demo 7 II 2008
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Submitted by
greginaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008
Strengths: Ultra stiff, super plush, nice adjustments, looks very beefy, light for its size, rips out of the box
Weaknesses: none found
Bottom Line:
just did my first ride, and all i can say is wow. this fork is awesome. i am just looking for rocks to ride over because it makes them dissapear. its super rigid compared to marzocchi, super plush, quiet, has tons of adjustments. i set up my air pressure to 50 psi, and was ripping right out of the box. i weigh 150 lbs. bike is aprox 35 lbs. i just ran it on a xc trail, and it likes to wheelie when i want it to, stays down when i want it to. i would higly recommend this fork thus far. but only used it for 4 miles. its expensive, but so far worth every penny!
Bike Setup: Brodie Zealot, rear pearl 3.3, syncros wheel set, Totem fork
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Submitted by
cato
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver, BC, canada
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Strengths: very plush feeling at first, stiff, looks sick
Weaknesses: unreliable, requires very regular maintenance
Bottom Line:
All the people that rate this fork so good probably have never ridden a real mountain bike trail! the rebound blew after 2 weeks, then the compression blew 2 weeks later. i weigh 140 pounds, and was riding higher Psi cuz i ride hard and still it blew twice! unreliable, underdeveloped, under tested. the fork either udjusts to mushy or too hard.
If you are a serious freerider this fork is going to drive you crazy.
Favorite Trail: A line whistler, CBC and boogiman seymour
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: 00-05 monster Ts, 888s, 66s
Bike Setup: 08 flatline 2, had an intense socom, and RM7
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Submitted by
redrider11
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008
Strengths: just as stiff as the many triple clamps ive tried (see similar products used). you can ride it like a set and forget fork or adjust it to the trail your riding.
Weaknesses: sorta expensive up front, even with the smokin ep deal...worth it if your aiming to keep your bike lightweight and able to shred it all
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks. hands down.
i dont know what the guy below was talking about by not working when he's 140 or whatever. im 135-ish fully kitted up. absolutely no issues. i have set it once, got the flood gate set up to blow off real easy, so on smoother trails i ride with that on and my tst two clicks on, thing pedals better than my 33 pound enduro (non sl) with dhx air and 36van. simply because of this fork im thinking of building a lighter set of wheels and using this as my all around bike! i would have never thought that possible with the boxxer i had before. dont get me wrong, thats a great fork, but the adjustability of the totem just blow it away. all in all i have absolutely no complaints with this fork and am 100% happy with my purchase, although i have been itching to try that white brothers groove race...i like to be different, who knows. maybe in a month or so curiousity will win over. until then im going to continue enjoying (IMOP) the greatest long travel single crown fork ever.
hope this helps somone make a decision.
Similar Products Used: 888's of all sort since about 2006 (even spent some time on one of those "works" custom tune versions)...66ata...Junior/Super T...Boxxer Team...Boxxer WC...Fox 40r/rc2...Fox 36rc2 (its marketed as FR)...older manitou POS...
Bike Setup: Morewood izimu, roco tstr, singletracks on abbah's, formula bianco 8/7, mrp guide, hussefelt cranks (losing these as soon as the bb blows up...soon), totem solo, shimano xt shifter/der/cassette, thomson stem/post, alias saddle, strip bar, wellgo mag pedals, 2.5" dh maxxis rubber/2.35" single ply maxxis rubber (either 39.1lb or 36.7 depending on tires, had her at 35.1 with dhx air and a lighter front wheel)
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Submitted by
Gruntled
a Downhiller
from Illawarra, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2008
Strengths: Stiff and light
Weaknesses: Unreliable and tuning them for one aspect of riding makes them perform poorly on another. Too much compromise.
Bottom Line:
Run them soft and they dive like crazy, run them hard and they are rough as guts. I don't like them.
My compression damping blew after a couple of weeks riding. Rockshox has no replacement parts in stock.
Submitted by
jcavfish
a Downhiller
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Strengths: Multiple settings for different terrains. Ease of use for dialing in the multiple settings; light weight for a 7" travel fork; design and finish.
Weaknesses: none that I'm aware of.
Bottom Line:
I had a 43lbs 2002 Santa Cruz Bullit. It was too heavy for my area of riding (SF Bay Area); I love to downhill, but, you gotta go up where I live. Anyway, I bought a new 08 Bullit and choosing the front fork was my biggest gamble. I wanted something light to get my new bike in the 37lb range; so, I chose the Solo. I was a bit skeptical of the single crown and air shock; however, now that I've ridden on it for about 15 rides, I love it! It's plushly and cool looking. I do 3 to 5/6ft drops w/ no bottoming out; jumps great; down technical stuff great. I'm the last person who should be dialing in a shock on a bike...but, I just fooled around with it a bit and followed the instructions and off I went w/ no issues. It's almost like the shock adapts to the terrain on itself. I'm 180lbs and I was putting in 65psi (which is what the manual says); however, I do agree w/ what one reviewer stated....putting in that much air made the shock not so plush; so, I droppped it down to 50psi and it's perfect! Just have to fiddle w/ it a bit, and then off you go. A great, lightweight, 7" travel fork...so far :-)
Similar Products Used: n/a - came from a dual crown fork.
Bike Setup: 2008 Santa Cruz Bullit
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Submitted by
sunshynjunky
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Texas
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008
Strengths: Extremely Stiff, amazing finish, super plush, easy to work on, effective ride tuning,runs quiet, looks Bad A$$!
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
So far this for is really amazing. It rides so well it is hard to believe the guy below has any idea of what he is talking about.
First, the finish on this fork is beautiful. they polished up the raw magnesium lower then clear coated it. it has a beautiful crystaline structure that really stands out.
Second, This fork is really easy to work on. At 7" it was too long for my RFX. I was easily ably to space it down to 160mm The serviceability is well thought out and easy to take apart And put back together. A fork service can be done in an hour. and that is with clean up.
Third, the fork is very easy to set up. back of the compression knobs, pump it up, re adjust the knobs and ride.
that guy is crazy below. my wife weighs 110lbs. she wanted to try it so I set it up for her and it performed flawlessly.
Sram customer service has been great as well.
Finally, the ride is stellar. plush yet firm when it doesn't need to be plush. The high low speed compression adjustments aren't easily felt standing in the parking lot. They are very noticeable on the trail.
The Flood gate is great for getting home or climbing that long fire road. The function is also very quiet. my Marz forks with the open bath were noisy to a point of distraction.
Get one, it is a great fork. it can be spaced to 5" very easily. I will be riding this fork long into the future.
Weaknesses: No small bump compliance
Not very adjustable
Bottom Line:
So far, I'm not that happy with the fork, but MAYBE (I hope) it just needs to be broken in more.
I wanted air for the the light weight and adjustability, but the adjustability isn't that great. I weigh 170 lbs, but I have to run the air pressure that RS recommends for someone who weighs 140 lbs or less in order to make the shock feel soft enough (and I still have almost no sag). I am also running high speed and low speed compression at 0 clicks and rebound at only 2 clicks from the slowest setting and it still feels very hard and jumpy on small bumps like roots or chatter in the trail (almost feels rigid and no I don't have the lock out turned on!). So much for "adjustablity" when an average size guy like me has to turn all settings to almost zero and run 40 psi (what psi is a 140 lbs guy going to run?)
So, the fork is terrible on small bumps and chatter (a Fox 40, 36, or Float would be better in this department) but despite the compression being turned down all the way and the low air pressure, it doesn't dive under braking and feels good on jumps, drops, and running over boulders. Very strange.
So, bad small bump compliance, but good on bigger stuff and very stiff. Maybe I'm just too used to coil forks, I don't know.
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Thirroul, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008
Strengths: Incredible
Weaknesses: Makes me want to sing while riding, and that makes it hard to breath properly, and I get all hypoxic and spin out, and then I feel my immaculate Totems, and start singing again.... it's a vicious circle.
Bottom Line:
I cannot believe how good these forks are. They do everything well and are not really fussy about how you adjust high and low speed compression etc, they just keep performing regardless, unlike most other forks I've had which require tweaking to perform reall well. I can't get them to bottom out, unlike any other fork I've used. They love to be abused, and at the same time work perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY, as a general riding shock, they're better on XC trails and uphills than the Talas. I'm really shocked at how good they are. Really shocked. And really happy. Thankyou Rockshox, I used used to think you sucked. I'm so sorry.
