Strengths: Very durable, Good for XM/AM use, Very smooth ride
Weaknesses: Heavy, Leaks Hydraulic fluid after a while of use, price.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is its a good fork if you dont over use it. I just sent my bike to the shop to get the fork replaced after it leaked all over the floor. It is a great fork if only Rockshox had put a little more effort into them
Submitted by
hillbillyreject
a Weekend Warrior
from redding, ca, psro (formerly USA)
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2010
Strengths: i'm a big guy (230lbs) and have only found the bottom of these things on the biggest drop of my life and only once. found out that had to do with the next item (product weaknesses) and as soon as it was resolved, no more issue.
Weaknesses: had to add oil to the fork much sooner than i think i should have.
Bottom Line:
good forks for the money, dont remember how much i payed cuz they swapped them on for me as a pre-purchase upgrade and adjusted the price minus the stock forks
Favorite Trail: escalator if i have to pick a legal one
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$12345.00
Purchased At: sports ltd. redding
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: p-1 am (every hater's favorite bike to pick on) tora's, sram x-9, mrp bash ring, lizard skin grips, distortion pedals, soon to be swapped s.t. cranks
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
geezracer
a Weekend Warrior
from UT/ID
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Strengths: Solid Design, Lock-Out feature, great response
Bike Setup: 2008 DB Recoil, 2009 RS Tora 318 SE, 2009 Monarch 4.2, 2009 Race Face Dues XC, 2009 Race Face Atlas Stem, Shimano Deore XL 9spd/SLX RD-M662 Rear Derailleur, Forte Shovel Pedals, Maxxis Ardent/Hutchinson Barracuda Tires, Redline Alex DM24 Wheelset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
wickerman1
a Weekend Warrior
from richmond
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Strengths: Great looking fork, no flex,good amount of travel
Weaknesses: Would be nice to have a 20mm axle version.
Bottom Line:
I bought this fork for my hardtail xc bike, but then got the coiler frame which is recommended a 6 inch travel fork. I measured the axle to crown length, and it is about 1/2" longer on the Tora then it was on the 6 inch fork that came with the frame. I put this fork on the bike, and ride really rough rooty rocky trails with constant drops. This fork has not let me down, and is still performing like new.
I am however upgrading to the stiffer spring, but the stock spring is just fine for 200 lbs riders or less. Buy it, you wont regret it
Submitted by
scottzg
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, ca
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2009
Strengths: very stiff fork for the category. Very plush or very responsive. Good spring rate selection and sturdy. The best option for clydes on a budget. Easy to service. Simple sturdy internal construction. Cheap for what you get!
Weaknesses: Can't tune out brake dive and still be as plush as higher end trail fork offerings. Heavy.
Bottom Line:
This is the best for on the market from a $/value perspective. The coil is the better choice, solo air and no floodgate adjust makes for a very mushy 1st half of travel.
I weigh in at 240 and I love this fork. I usually ride trails with 3-4 inch rocks and roots with speeds ranging from 15-30 mph, I don't jump, do big drops, etc. It supports me, it's stiff and holds a good line, unlike my Duke fork. I run 180 psi (the specified psi for my weight) and I love this fork almost as much as my Judys with the old Englund air shock mod.
Bike Setup: specialized rock hopper crane creek headset mavic wheels mountain king tires 2008 BB7 disc brakes richey handle bar and stem and jagwire brake cables
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
shrike
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO.
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2009
Strengths: Price, stiff, good features.
Weaknesses: The spring isn't firm enough.
Bottom Line:
It's a good looking fork, stiff, but......I'm a 230lb rider and I did put the extra firm spring on the fork(for an additional 40 bucks), but it's still very soft. The sag was more like 30 to 40 percent, and I'm afraid I'll bottom this fork out bad. I wouldn't buy this product again, and I don't recommend it for anyone over 200lbs.
Weaknesses: Not a fox shock,a bit heavy,wondering how long the chrome sliders will last.
Bottom Line:
Best RS fork i've owned. Lots of travel and smoother and much stiffer than any RS i've owned.Would love one of the upper level forks but for the money this one rocks! I've got the red one they sell at performance and it goes with my bike nicely.I probably overdid the travel(130mm)for my bike but i'm diggin it and adjust my riding style accordingly
It does not look like rockshox still makes the tora 318solo air. What current shock that they are making would be its equivalent in quality? Read More »
I had the Tora 318s in the closet waiting for a rainy day project. It appears that the travel came pre-set from the factory at 130mm. After reading through the tech manual, I see Read More »
I have an issue with my fork. After two seasons of riding with no leaks or problems whatsoever it has suddenly become nearly useless.
While riding my normal trails I noticed that Read More »
So, I've got a Tora 318 solo air that has been on the bike for several years and never been serviced. Haven't ridden much lately, but want to get back with it . . . ordered the sea Read More »
Looking to upgrade my fork.. Its the last thing left I have to upgrade on my Kona Dawgma.. Its a full suspension rig and I ride alot of rooty, rocky trails with drops up to 4 ft an Read More »
