Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Garson Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Orgasm In A Bottle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
The outside store
Strengths:
Incredible plushness
Weaknesses:
Even with the X-tra frim springs, it's still not quite stiff enough (I only weigh 160 lbs)
Similar Products Used:
Stock Marzocchi Springs Marzocchi Air Spring
Bike Setup:
2001 Kona Stinky Dee-Lux w/Mtnspeed speed springs frnt/back
Bottom Line:
These springs made a huge difference in the way my bike handles any size of hit. I dont have to worry about bottoming off of small drops anymore, though the shocks are still a little too soft for my taste (even witht he X-tra firm springs). I guess i'll just have to switch to a heavier (but slower rebound) oil.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raiyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The last one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
These springs kick a$$
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Stock elastomers on 99 RS Jett C
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS Avid Arch Rival 40's BG Sport Saddle DK Iron Cross platforms
Bottom Line:
HUGE improvemnet over the stock elastomers I used to blow through the travel in the stockers then I switched to the firm springs and have had no problems the do bottom out but not as hard and no where near as hard. I've had no rebound problems what-so-ever. For the record I'm 6'4" 235lbs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobby no home bobby riding
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley - For Proximity!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Direct From Manufacturer
Strengths:
Waaaayyyy better than the old rubber boingers!
Weaknesses:
Really none to date
Similar Products Used:
None other than OEM stuff
Bike Setup:
A well-ridden ProFlex 856 with some minor upgrades and tweaks.
Bottom Line:
Though it took a little prodding to get a response (quickly addressed with a good old fashioned phone call), once engaged, Mountain Speed stepped up and delivered promptly. They were also very friendly and knowledgable - quite unlike the bone-headed punks that seem to gravitate towards the local shops in my area.
If you have an older ProFlex bike and you're looking to extend it's life - ring the gang at Mountain Speed - they're great and their product is first rate (Eibach springs = GREAT QUALITY)
Also, if you don't want to subject yourself to the joys of K2's *customer service* (they are retarded - to put it nicely) this is a more enjoyable method of ridding oneself of those elastomers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester, PA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brandywine Creek State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Ease of installation, performance
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Original Manitou elastomers
Bike Setup:
Yeti Pro FRO with circa 1995 LX and XT components. Manitou 4 fork.
Bottom Line:
Before you give up on your old fork and spend $200+ on a new one, try these. They made my OLD Manitou 4 feel like a new fork, better than it ever was with the elastomers. The medium spring is perfect for me (180#), great for big hits.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, California Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
0007, Fresno Outlands
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Increases damped-fork performance many times over MCU
Weaknesses:
Weight, price
Similar Products Used:
stock MCU in my '96 Manitou EFC
Bike Setup:
1993 M2 Stump, '96 EFC, '96 XT
Bottom Line:
I got these springs in trade from a friend. At least, I think he gave them to me. Anyhow, I bought a '96 Manitou EFC when my stock Future Shock died (no warranty help from Specialized). I was really bummed at the transition: the MCU changed firmness with tempurature & became harsh at full compression. When I dropped in the Speed Springs, everything changed. Descending down rocky chutes, I could FEEL the springs fighting the good fight, not blowing through travel like my FS, and not losing "springiness" like the MCU. With Speed Springs, I feel my '96 EFC kept up with the times well into the 21st Century. I personally believe that they should not cost $50 or so retail. I'd love to see how much they cost to manufacture, and expose the truth. MTB mfr's sell products at exhorbitant prices, and people still buy them. I don't have a problem praising quality products, but I really want to shine the light on quality products that are sold for reasonable or even bargain prices. Thus the ratings...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Ponderosa NM Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Inexpensive, not weather-effected, easy to install.
Weaknesses:
For an Indy C - none.
Bike Setup:
'97 GT Ricochet
Bottom Line:
I tried to submit a review earlier, I guess I lost it. Much better than the elastomers they put in these cheap forks. Also alot cheaper than buying a "real" fork (ZOKES!) which I plan to do for my next bike.... For my situation, I give them 5 chiles on both scales. I recommend them for anybody with an Indy, can't comment on how they work for other makes/models.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Phila. PA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
A great replacement for elastomers. Easy to install and they're not affected by cold weather. I'm not really a suspension geek as far as the technical details. but travel seems smooth. I've got them in a 96 Judy XC, soft, that I've added a 3" cartridge from an old Judy DH. I get the full 3"
Weaknesses:
They're tougher than elastomers, so I've blown out the plastic top cap twice. Those things are freakin' expensive, like $20...they're also slightly heavier.
Bike Setup:
Aluminum hardtail, 3" travel Judy XC from 96.
Bottom Line:
Cheap, effective elastomer replacement
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alexandre Johnson-Chalifour
a Weekend Warrior
from Montréal,Canada Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bromont
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Cheap -Very Plush -Better than elastometers
Weaknesses:
-No negative travel -Kinda Heavy
Similar Products Used:
-Stock Elastometers -Manitou Elastometers
Bike Setup:
Mongoose NX 8.1 -LX Gruppo -RST MOZO XL 4.5 (The Best) -On the rear: Stratos AR-1
Bottom Line:
Get them if you still have the elastometers. They come cheap now and make your ride so damn plush...It will take the weight slightly up but it's truly worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jae Chi
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Stiffer spring than Manitou's firm spring kit
Weaknesses:
Does not work
Similar Products Used:
Manitou firm spring kit
Bike Setup:
Chuck CR-FS with 99 Manitou Xvert-R.
Bottom Line:
This spring is not a valid upgrade for Manitou forks. They are intended to be used with elastomer and spring combination. Marzocchis have negative spring. Manitous do not because they have elastomers. Your fork will top out abruptly. The forks also need significantly more rebound which the fork is not designed to provide. I ended up blowing the seals in the attempts to increase rebound and trashing the fork; added extra shims to the rebound stack and changed the oil to 10wt. I would warn against using the upgrade if you have Manitou forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Brown
a Racer
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Laguna Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Makes your fork more active. Smoother travel. Easy to install.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Stock Manitou spring and elastomers
Bike Setup:
98' FSR Elite w/ Manitou X-vert R fork. Mountain Speed bearing kit, full speed stopper kit, speed springs kit.
Bottom Line:
This is another great product from Mountain Speed. I'll buy anything the make for my bike because I know it will make my bike better. I was about to get new forks and decided to try their springs and now it is a new fork for about $45! The kit replaces the spring and the elastomers. NO MORE ELASTOMERS!!! My fork is smooth and active now with NO spongy feel what so ever. Buy it if you have X-vert R.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Much better ride. I weigh 210 and I put the yellow ones on. Easy to install. Cheap price ($60).
Weaknesses:
Not easy to find in stores, and I ended up buying mine off the Internet.
Similar Products Used:
Just the stock medium elastomer.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stump Jumper Comp
Bottom Line:
The speed springs changed my entire opinion of my front fork. Now, the Judy doesn't pogo on steep inclines. Bumps are smooth and the front end doesn't jump all over the place on the rough stuff. I don't think that the Judy is that great a fork, but with the speed springs its is much improved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtnbikej
a Cross Country Rider
from So. Cal. Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
That is my secret.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Low cost for quality upgrade Easy to install Greatly improves ride Weight is similar to stock setup
Weaknesses:
Need a few more spring rates
Similar Products Used:
Stock set up
Bike Setup:
Hardtail with JUDY SL Full Suspension with Judy XC LT
Bottom Line:
I have used these things in two of my shocks for over 3 years. What a difference they made in the way my Judys' handled. They seem to soak up the small hits as well as the larger hits. They are definately worth the low price for such a high quality upgrade.
The only downfall I see in them is 3 spring rates is not enough. I have used both Medium and Heavy springs. I am 215lbs. and the heavy were too stiff, yet the medium were right on the verge of being too soft.
If you are looking for a cheap upgrade on your Judy, buy them. You won't be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john baldridge
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary,alberta,canada Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
rossland
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I have a girvin triple crown with 6" travel it work alot better than stock.
Weaknesses:
I have med. springs I do alot of winter riding and when gets cold it is like riding with solid forks.
Similar Products Used:
stock
Bike Setup:
I have mongoose vrs5.0 full xtr. hayes frontbrakes.
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't use anyother.Calgary cycle was the ones that reconmended them to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Burbank, CA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cheesebro Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I have the Rox Shox XC Judy's, and I weigh about 210lbs. The Judy's are designed for 140-180lbs. I got the speed spring kit and the difference was amazing!! The biggest improvement was in climbing. Especially out of saddle grinds. My front end doesn't bounce up and down killing momentum any more.
Weaknesses:
Comes with the territory, but with a very stiff fork, I have to get used to my eyes bouncing up and down on bumpy downhills. I'll take the trade any day though.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Big Sir XL. XTR Shimano cranks and rear derail. Kore elite stem. Dean seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Best improvement for the $ I can imagine!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Memorial Park's Ho Chi Mihn Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
They look nice in the bag.
Weaknesses:
I bought the heaviest spring kit they offered. These springs weren't as firm as the standard elastomer/spring set up that came with the forks. They caused my forks to Top-out.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou/Answer elastomer upgrade kit (Firmest)
Bike Setup:
1998 Specialized FSR Elite Manitou X-Vert R
Bottom Line:
These are not a good product for Manitou X-Vert R's. I only put about 30 miles on the kit. They caused so much damage to my forks that I had to send them back to Manitou to be rebuilt. Afterwords, Mountain Speed wouldn't refund my money. I give them 1 star, because I can't give them 0.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
smith's knob accent
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
provided wider range of travel over stock elastomers...fairly plush.
Weaknesses:
Blew the oil cartriage in my Manitou Mach 5 SX
Similar Products Used:
rigid fork Mack 5 SX w/stock elastomers know with Manitou Ti upgrade spring
Bike Setup:
TREK Aluminum Hardtail A mix of STX,LX,XT and XTR...a real mutt.
Bottom Line:
i used these springs for about a year. Oil began leaking out of my fork and I found that it had blown the seal that kept the oil in. You see these springs have a linear rate which means it compresses at a constant rate. The rubber seal can't handle the strength of the spring. The Manitou springs I'm using currently are not of a linear rate. The rate of compression becomes less at the tip allowing for a softer rate that the seal can take. THis softer rate is also better for soaking up the little hits. BEWARE these springs if you have a Manitou or anyother oil dampened fork. I'll give them 2 flaming turds since they did their job and meant well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross-Country Rider
from montreal,canada Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
a hell of a diference from stupid elastomer!!
Weaknesses:
no negative travel!! so when your fork comes back up it makes your handle bar go down(like when your bunny hopin of a side walk)
Bike Setup:
trek y-3,LX,jett c
Bottom Line:
??
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Alaska Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bike Setup:
Trek Y-3 Indy C, Specialized FSR Judy XL
Bottom Line:
Speed springs are a good thing if you are replacing elastomers, if not I would not reccommend them. In my old Indy fork I was really surprised with the difference they made. They were way more responsive and active over the small stuff. The down side was the lack of bottoming resistance and no rebound dampening. Springs or Englund air cartridges are the only way to go if you live someplace where the temperature drops below freezing. Elastomers become rock hard in these temps which means your fork will not move up and down. In my Judy fork I had a hard time finding Rock Shox replacement Type 3 springs here in Alaska. I decided to order Speed Springs in the firm range to stiffen it up. My Rock Shox stock springs were Medium and the next stiffness up was Firm, unfortunitly the Firm rate in Speed Springs did not correspond with the Rock Shox rates. I ended up with springs that were way too stiff for my weight (190lbs) but couldn't be used with my stock springs due to different lengths and spacers. I tried all kinds of setups to make them work but it was useless. Finally I was able to order the firm Rock Shox springs and found that they were half the price as the Speed Springs! Wow, now I had a set up that could be mixed and matched with the original springs and it cost me less money. Live and learn. Basically if you cannot find springs anywhere else then get the Speed Springs but definitely try out the rate before you buy. Also keep in mind the springs will not interchange with your original equipment and if you have an elastomer fork you will lose any rebound dampening.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob
a Weekend Warrior
from honolulu, hawaii Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
easy to maintain EIBACH! very consistant not affected by weather lasts forever/will outlast my bike
Weaknesses:
XS not light enough for fly-weight riders like myself expensive for just springs ok,ok so they are heavier than elastomers
Similar Products Used:
stock elastomers and springs
Bike Setup:
Judy XC DHO
Bottom Line:
Every shock I've ever owned has somehow eventually gotten its' guts replaced by speedsprings. In my latest venture to make my DHO work better for my weight, I took out all the spacers in the Speed-O and replaced the black main spring with the XS 7 SpeedSprings I had in the Judy XC. WOW! I'm only 110 and I now get a full 5 travel out of a DHO! Probably just voided the warranty on both the springs and the shock by doing that though. The XS springs from the Judy are over 3 years old and they are still pumpin'! I just keep the WELL lubed with Judy Butter to keep them happy, happy, happy! BAM!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Memorial Park
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
More responsive than stock Type II springs. Very progressive spring rate
Weaknesses:
Too skinny to lock into preload caps, heavy, contact stanchions on compression, too progressive a spring rate, Red 7 Medium rate springs are too firm for my 195lbs
Similar Products Used:
RS Type II, Hardware store coil springs, Tange Pro-Struts with MCU's and sorbethane elastomers
Bike Setup:
'97 RS Judy DH on a '93 C'dale M400
Bottom Line:
If it were not for my rebound cartridge, I would have sent them back and gotten a set of blue Soft springs even though I am at the very top of the recommended weight range for the Red Mediums. They are too firm even with NO preload! Honestly, I got better performance from Hardware store springs. I like a soft, plush fork. After I adjusted my compression cartridge to full compression, performance was better. After only 1 ride they deserve a second chance...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
farm animal
a Cross-Country Rider
from kansas city, Mo Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
WHAT A BITCH...these work
Weaknesses:
???? haven't had a lot of time on them
Similar Products Used:
rock shock crap of various modes
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-7000 with crap rock shock thing
Bottom Line:
I rode across a street and could feel the difference, when I hit the trail I had a major chubby...the way i look at it is this simple upgrade SAVED me $$ b/c I didn't have to by new fork... I was really skeptical..Thanks Aaron at Waldo Bikes for forcing me to get these. Front end sucks up tree roots and rocks, doesn't nose dive in braking or act skittish in tight woods. put these in your cheap ass rock shock crap forks and you will be F&%king amazed they actually function half decent. WORTH EVERY PENNY I give many abused chilis and small woodland creatures to theses babys!! I actually like my bike again
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
lot less noise, better fit in the stanchions, way less tendency to bottom out
Weaknesses:
maybe underated on their weight chart
Bike Setup:
98 UZZI SL 99 Z-1 5
Bottom Line:
Bought the lighter weight (firm) progressive springs for the new 5 Z-1. At 180 lbs and a full Camelback, I was over the stock Zoke limit of 180 by a ways, and had alrady taken a couple endos on some drop offs, needed less bottoming out and a more rising rate at the shock compressed. Got that at the expense of that incredible plushness the Zokes are famous for. On the downhill off a trail here called the San Juan, my hands and wrists got beat up pretty good. Found when changing the springs, that the oil height was 70mm instead of 55 the factory specs. I'm going to put the old medium stock springs back in, overfill the oil 2mm like it mentions in the Zoke website and try it. I'll let you know. For the better noise and stiffer ride, 3 chilies, for the lack of sag and resulting loss of control 1 chile, averages to 2 I guess.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed
a Cross-Country Rider
from MIchigan Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
Okay,I got these because I went through a serious case of upgraditus a while ago. I put them in my Judy SL and I have to say, I didn't notice a damn difference. In fact, Although the springs say they were rated for riders over 190 lbs, I have yet to come even close to bottoming out my shock and I weigh 240lbs. As I'm sure you know, a properly adjusted shock should bottom out once in a while to assure that you are using all of the travel of the fork. Also, these things completly negated the ultralight aspect of my fork because they weigh considerably more than my stock internals. Perhaps they have a more profound effect on lower end forks, but they really don't do much for a Judy SL. As I understand, they are highy reccomended for Marzocchi's. But If you have a judy, I think you will be wasting your money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Diaz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brampton, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Dundas Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy to install Cheaper than upgrading entire fork Improved action, travel
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
stock Indy C
Bike Setup:
97 Rocky Mountain Soul RS Indy C
Bottom Line:
Puchased at Cyclepath Brampton at a reduced rate $75 Cdn after I told them it was cheaper @ Brant Cycle. They matched the price no problemo. Went home, popped out the purple jello and Type II, popped in the Speed Spring, and in 10 min I was ready to go. It would be faster if cutting the stock elastomer was not necessary, but it is. The packaged Speed grease is ok but why not use Honey or Butter. This upgrade, and it is definitly a true upgrade, will tide me over until I have enough money saved up for an Atom Bomb. See ya at Kelso.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
They work like they are supposed to.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Pretty much every stock fork
Bike Setup:
'96 Judy XC on a Breezer
Bottom Line:
I was going to buy a new fork last year, but got these instead. I have been really happy with them. They are great if you ride in cold weather since they aren't affected. All you need to know is this; they work.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tustin, CA Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Great response. Good on big hits and small hits.
Weaknesses:
tendancy to throw you back on rebound
Similar Products Used:
Speed Springs Medium rate Heavy rate
Bike Setup:
'98 Zaskar LE Judy XC LT
Bottom Line:
I have had these springs in all of my forks. I currently have heavy springs in my Judy. I am 200+ and the Heavy springs are too stiff. Going to go back to Medium springs. Regardless these are the cheapest and easiest shock upgrade you can make. I will definately put them in all the forks I buy in the future. As for them being heavier than the stock setup, it is not noticable unless you are gram counting techno geek.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
deadset
a Cross-Country Rider
from seattle, wa Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
skookum flats
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I need to know if these bad boys will be compatible with my vector stem/fork on my pro-flex 854. i have heard both ways, but nobody i have talked to has tried it. pogo? plushness? who knows? if you do, please e-mail me atdeadset@juno.comthanks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Stiffer ride No biopacing
Weaknesses:
Heavier than stock springs....
Similar Products Used:
I always use Speed Springs
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z1
Bottom Line:
I don't know, I love Speed Springs; however, they are just springs. The heavier springs keeps my Z1 from bobbing like crazy. I can stand up and crank without feeling like my bike is a pogo stick. I think the feel is a bit more progressive than stock springs. I put heavy spring in all my Bombers. I give them five stars, but remember, they are just springs. Don't screw with elastomers unless you want a fork that sucks! INMO
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KLAM
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Easy to setup and install. Gives a great feel to the fork, that I would otherwise would not have gotten from Rock Shox type II combo. Much more responsive than MCU and plush. Not a very expensive upgrade to improve fork performance.
Weaknesses:
A little costly for springs. Still no rebound damping.
Similar Products Used:
None yet.
Bike Setup:
98 Rock Shox Indy C
Bottom Line:
A reasonable upgrade that will improve fork performance, especially MCU/elastomer forks. However not the perfect absolute answer to your fork needs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Fahey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
front range colorado
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
feel
Weaknesses:
cost
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
98' beast, chubby
Bottom Line:
alot better than rubber, better cold preformance as well,
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zack
a racer
from Minneapolis MN Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
I installed the light (I weigh 145) springs into my 97 judy xc about a year and a half ago. They improved the quality of the fork so much it's not even funny. I 've kept them lubed up with englund's slick honey and have had no problems. Enyone with elastomers in their fork should pop a set of these in for a HUGE difference. Keep your old internals though if you have to get the fork warnteed sometime, becouse the Speed Springs void it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a racer
from Valdez, Alaska Date Reviewed: November 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just installed a set into the '98 Indy XC that's on my hardtail. I read in one of the reviews about the Indy fork that Speed Springs were not available for my model, I don't know if thats true or not. My set was an old set for the '97 Indy C model. I got them to work by eliminating the aluminum spacer and using the original Rock Shox plastic piece and spring. The Speed Springs work better now then when they were in the Indy C. I'm sure it has to do with the additional travel of the XC fork more than anything. These springs will make your fork work in cold temperatures and performance is far more supple compared to the original MCU's. This is a good set up but I'm going to upgrade to Englund Air Cartriges simply for better tunability. There simply isn't much more adjustment other than preload when it comes to Speed Springs in an Indy fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Bloe
a weekend warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I installed a Risse-jones kit in my Indy SL earlier this year. The kit consists of a pair of speedsprings and a single air/oil damper cartridge. What a difference! They'll also stay plush thru the cold winter instead of hardening up like those friggin' mcu elastomers. They never bottom out. $100 well-spent.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Springer
a cross-country rider
from Hawaii Date Reviewed: November 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just installed the Speedbomb kit in my Atom bomb and I did notice a slight in- crease in performance, but not in the claimed travel increase. I measured the travel with a zip tie around my santions and hit some heavy bumps and jumps. I didn't bottom out and I didn't get more than 65mm of travel. The Speedbomb springs seem a little stiffer so it helped decrease the excess bobbing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Brande
a cross-country rider
from Exile in Illinois Date Reviewed: November 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
Ditched the (new) MCU's in my 96 Judy SL for a pair of medium springs. (I weigh 175.) Jeeeeeezuz, what a difference. Might as well not have had suspension before. I might get a set of firm ones before I go home to where there are actual variations in topography. These things are so worth it. Cambria's got'em for I think $44.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob M.
a cross-country rider
from Upstate New York Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
*WANT TO TRADE FOR MEDIUM SPRING RATE?* Just installed 7 firm springs in my 97 Manitou SX. Used one ride. Have receipt. Like 'em a lot but they are a little too firm for me. I would like to trade for 6 or 7 mediums for these, if anyone has mediums in excellent condition and is interested respond here or Email me at: bob_newkirk@yahoo.com
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Woolever
a cross-country rider
from LaCrosse, WI Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've got a 97 Judy XC annd weight about 200lbs. I installed a set of heavy (yellow) 6 inch speed springs at the beginning of the summer last year. I went with the 6 inch springs because the 7 inch wouldn't fit like the manufacturer's recommendations. They were about 1/2 inch too long. I just chopped a 1/2 chonck off of the stock elastomers form the Judy and put them under the 6 inch springs. Everything is working great! Even with the preload cranked up to set the appropriate sag for my weight, I still get the 2 inches of plush travel. Speed Springs are a great upgrade especially for Clydesdales like myself.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Vinson
a cross-country rider
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I replaced the stock front fork (elastomer) on my Pacific 8000yx with a Rock Shox Indy C. Before I even rode with the new fork, I replaced the stock elastomer with a set of Speed Springs. I commute part way to work in Minneapolis, and do some light - to - medium off road riding, and so far, these springs are excellent! Whereas the original elastomer was always harsh, the springs are super comfy. After riding a trail with them, I thought to myself, Ah, that trail wasn't rough at all. So, I went back for another try, this time paying attention to the terrain. No major jumps, but enough 4-7 rocks and roots that should have sent me stuttering down the hill. Instead, it was a smooth ride with total control. Very nice. Now I just have to order a replacement for the rear shock, and I'm all set. For the record, I'm 6'2 195lbs, and I got the medium springs. No bottoming out, for the type of riding I do. If I were bombing hills, I'de go with the firms.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent Christensen
a cross-country rider
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
If you are considering ways of breathing some new excitement into your old ride, and don't want to break the bank to do it, THIS IS THE TICKET! For about $40 from bikeworld.com, my bike feels and handles totally differently. The MCU's in my '96 Judy were originals, and to replace them would have cost more than these springs. I weigh about 155 and am using the 7 blue springs (soft). They have added about 1/2 of *useable* travel to the shock (the geometry changed slightly 'cause the front end sits up more now), and they are SO MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE THAN THE MCU's! I immediately rode one of my favorite, super technical, rocky, rutty trails, and I found my self cleaning sections I had been unable to before (mostly downhill stuff where my shock would pack up and bottom out before).The 7 springs do seem to put a lot of pressure on the top caps (I had to use pliers to screw them back down), and I can imagine that the threads will blow out before too long, but then I'll spend another $40 for the aluminum top caps... Very easy to install - just make sure you have plenty of Judy butter or whatever on hand to lube 'em up real good. For price/performance and meeting/exceeding my expectations, I rate 'em 5 flamers...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
2
a cross-country rider
from SF,CA Date Reviewed: October 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have a set of Mtn. Speed Hi-Speed Dual Stage Coil Springs in my 97' Girvin Pipeline Chubby. Sweetly plush, responsive, and eats up anything. Doesn't stiffen up when the temperature gets cold like the stock MCU/Spring. One thing is, if your fork doesn't have dampening, don't buy them unless they're really cheap and the current setup in your fork isn't right. The Chubby is Twin Air Dampened and controls the suspension really smoothly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Park
a cross-country rider
from Costa Mesa, California Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I weight 155 and have been riding on the red (medium) springs in my Judy XC for about six months now. What a difference it makes! The fork is much more active and plush than with the stock mini-coil with sponge. Also, the coils are unaffected by cold or moisture, and they won't wear out in three months!!!! Definitely worth the extra weight and cost!!! Additionally, I've replaced the piece o' crap OEM damper (which blew in a month) with a RISSE GEM cartridge, which I highly recommend. Aggressive riders or racers in my weight range may want to consider the firmer springs (yellow, I think). Five chilis for the Speed Springs!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JAJI
a cross-country rider
from fremont, ca Date Reviewed: September 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
if its anything you need for your suspension its this!!! spend a wee 60 bucks for this upgrade and try it before going out to spend 500 on a new fork... especially if you have a JUDY. the best thing to come to JUDY since JUDY herself. I LOVE SPEED SPRINGS. i have 96 JUDY SL's and the elastomers in there suck like a champ. once i put my speed springs in, the performance went thru the roof. i felt lik ei had a new fork. the compression was much more constant and the spring rate was so much more plush. the blue springs (135-175 lbs) are WAY PLUSH. very very smooth ride. if you have a JUDY, GET THIS, you will thank me!!! oh and get the RISSE RACING GEM CARTRIDGE LONG TRAVEL KIT. it replaces the judy oil cartridge and gives you three inches of real plush travel. it feels like a brand new fork, its not even a rock shox any more! i dont see why Risse doesnt just make a XC fork with their gem cartridge and the speed springs. the perfect setup for a good price!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I installed the yellow (firm) speedsprings in my 95 Judy xc (I weigh 190 lbs.). What an amazing difference over the elastomers. Much more uniform response over small and medium hits. I still bottom out on bigger hits though, so I'd suggest buying one level stiffer than the chart recommends. The install was easy and their web site is great. They actually responded to my e-mail question within 24 hrs! (I have found that e-mail is usually ignored by the big companies). Worth the money if you can't buy a new (better) fork. Rock Shox should learn how to design a dampening cartridge.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Benda
a racer
from valdez, alaska Date Reviewed: September 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have found speed springs to be a good set up for cold weather riding. I installed a set last year into the Indy C on my old Y-3. The springs really brought the fork to life. At 30 degrees and lower the stock elastomer stopped working while the speed springs perfomed well. In warmer temps rebound control is lost but the fork is much more plush and active over the small stuff. Its a give and take thing. Its too bad the price isn't lower.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul W
a weekend warrior
from England Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
Somebody told me to get the next strenght up if you are close to the upper boundary of the springs. I ended up with the hard springs and could hardly get any travel! These where replaced with mediums. Then the damper was messed up ( clunking on the return stroke, anyone else had this problem?) The travel is smooth and stiction free. I like the plushness of the fork now. It should be even better with the Ballistic damper....I hope!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently put a pair of these into my '97 Judy XC's, and the improvement in performance has been amazing. The fork is more progressive, and absorbs both big hits and small bumps far better than before. I will not hesitate to put Speed Springs into every fork I ever own. I reccommend these to anyone who has a SpeedSprings compatible fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a cross-country rider
from Sheboygan, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
After riding a rigid Klein Attitude for a couple years, I decided to investigate this fad called suspension.. so I traded up to a Breezer with a '97 Judy XC.. for a year I rode with the stock elastamers.. didn't quite understand what all the fuss was about.. granted, I'm a lightweight at only 130 lbs, but I never got more than a half inch of play out of the fork at it's best setup.. so I thought I should check into an upgrade.. I wanted something easy to swap out so the SpeedSprings seemed like the best choice.. well, I'd say I done good.. I went with the softest springs and they seem just about right.. I've never bottomed the fork out but it gives me at least an extra inch of play, which is all I wanted.. and the installation was a no-brainer.. took me 5 minutes
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carol the Quacker Queen
a cross-country rider
from Truckee, Calif. Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just put these puppies in my 96 Judy XC and what a difference!!! I ride a lot of rocky terrain. In fact, I'm finally getting to ride my regular habitat and a lot of the trails have been rocky creek beds this year thanks to El Nino. These springs make a significant difference. Whoever thought up elastomers in the first place wasted their time: We've gone full circle back to springs. Love springs internal!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lyle Beidler
a weekend warrior
from State College, PA Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
Excellent! I put a set in my 97 Indy SL. I thought the fork was plush before, but, boy, was I wrong! No comparison. The smooth supple feel of coil springs can't be matched by elastomers or air springs. Simple as that (or is it just coincidence that both Manitou and Rock Shox have now abandoned elastomers?). The only bummer is that my fork doesn't have damping, but that's not their fault
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom Lazzaretto
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Tried to save the cheapo Quadra 5 that came with my bike by installing these springs ($50). Did wonders for travel and absorbing little bumps. It was a lot like riding a pogo stick and bottoming out became a routine occurence. Had to keep my weight way off the front of the bike to avoid the dreaded slamming sound. Buy these springs one level stiffer than the weight limits on the package (i.e. 170# riders buy the 200+ springs) and they may work splendidly. One last thing, the design of the spring forced the dapening adjusters outward and ended up stripping out the threads. Tapering at top of springs should be greater. Good idea, but need to be refined...go back to the drawing board, mountainsprings, and bring the price down. They are just springs, afterall.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walt
a cross-country rider
from Palmer, Alaska Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I replaced my Type II elastomer and spring system that came stock in my 1997 Indy XC's with the Speed Springs. I choose the extra firm springs ( the yellow colored ones ) since I do alot of technical cross country riding and what a difference they made, I would highly recommend this upgrade kit to anyone who has an elastomer suspended fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clarke Clingenpeel
a racer
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
These are one of the best improvements I've made to my bike. I weigh 125lbs. and ride technical eastern singlletrack. I have always had problems getting my forks to move over little bumps given my weight. I put the springs into a 96' Judy SL (the one with the elastomers). It made such a big difference. My suspension is always active. The only comments I would make is to not use them in a fork without rebound damping and if you live in the mountains and climb hills, you will experience a little fork bob if you crank on them. Around the east they are perfect, but during my last two trips to Colorado, I noticed a little bob going up hills. But that little bit of bob was well worth the plush ride I got coming down the other side. Just watch out if you are a heavy rider who climbs alot of mountains (if there is such a rider)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Peters
a cross-country rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I put a set of these in my wife's fork... now she has a RST 381L - I'll tell you its not the greatest thing in the world - but she doesn't really care - she's glad to have suspension. The difference is UNBELIEVABLE! This fork is so plush feeling on the compression its not even the same fork. She noticed a difference in the set up and thats saying something!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
An Nguyen
a weekend warrior
from Union City,CA Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I had the opportunity to read many reviews of different upgraded suspesion kits. I suggest to all the warrior out there to consider the following factors before buying an upgraded suspension kit. I am an engineer and specialized in shock and vibration controls and I would like to share some of my knowledge to mountain bikers. I look for the following factors: 1)Performance 2)Reliability 3)Product Safety 4)Price 5)How easy installing 6)maintenance cost. Performance: Bare Coil spring in any shape and size is an energy storage system with little to no damping. It means the more energy you put in then the harder it will rebound and the result is the energy stored transmitting to your arms and you will feel big shock with washboard and tiring with long distance ride. Coil spring is reliable product but it will rough on your fork and reduce the wall thickness of your fork and later it will create safety concern on the fork's strength. It 's better to wrap your coil spring with some elastomer product.An Oil Damper by itself is a useless mechanism because it has no muscle to return to its original position after being compressed that is why it has to be connected to coil spring. The performance of oil damper and coil spring connected can create a good damping system that can absorb a big hit but it will bottom out after a series of big hits due to slowly response of oil flowing throught valves.Oil damper is not a reliable product caused by explose of oil seal. You imagine dropping down your bike from 4 to 5 feet height and your seal bursted due to extremly high pressure exerted on the seal then the damping of your fork is gone then safety becomes an important factor. I suggest that with oil damper or air damper/air spring combination you should avoid hard hits and washboard. Super Strut shows good performance, respond quickly to big hits and small hits and showed no bottom out, reliable product because no leaking oil or air. It is simple design and required almost no maintenance and it is a safe product. The high damping polymer bonded very well to the coil spring and control both up and down motions. I enjoy the performance of Super Strut and the reliability plus free maintenance and the safety of product but I do not like the price $119.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOSE DELGADO
a racer
from Caguas, PR Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
After almost going crazy with the pogo-like action of my stock Manitou Pro on my 97 Mongoose Rockadile (maybe because I only weight 125 pounds!) I installed the blue 6 soft Speed Springs (cool web page...check it out for info): PRESTO! It feels like a new fork....just tuned to my weight! I raced it last week and I LOVE IT! Go and get em! (Funny thing...one of friends who works for a LBS tested my bike and hated them...maybe it was his 175 pounds body....but for me they are PERRRFECT!!!)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Waialua,HI Date Reviewed: May 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I put these things in my 97 judy xc and it turned my shock into pogo stick!! I even used the higher weight range. If you like to channel at least 50% of your energy to your front shock and not your bottom bracket, by all means buy this product. For me, I put the elastomers back in..
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Maeder
a cross-country rider
from UCLA Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've got a 96 Quadra 21r on my schwinn a96.1 (hard tail), and the elastomers that come with it begin to suck after time... doesn't suck up small stuff at all, and is unresponsive to ruts (iee!). Popped 7 Medium speedsprings in, and the ride was immediately improved. I weigh 175, so supposedly, according to the website, I should be using Firm (170+), but I heard that firm is pretty stiff... I haven't bottomed-out, and it doesn't feel like it would. Great rebound, and simple as cake installation.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Got a new Judy XC with new bike last summer. Loved the bike, not the fork. Swapped out the guts for speed springs, and loved them. Got more travel, better action with little weight increase. The spring weights are off, and you should definately go up one size if you are anywhere close to the limit. I'm 165, and went with the mediums. Needed the hards, and still tighten them down nearly all the way to keep them from bottoming out when hopping logs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crunching
a downhiller
from jumpland Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
SPEED SPRINGS RULE. Simple as that. Turns lame forks into great forks. Use lots of good grease.(bull shot, phil wood, superlube grease etc.)watch the preload adjusters on your fork(not to strip them out) speed springs saved my lame-#@$%$#@ forks, and made my good forks perform much nicer. Go one size up on springs to ensure proper ratio for your weight. Check out speed springs on the web! cool site
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duke Robillard
a weekend warrior
from Bound Brook, NJ Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
I put a pair of these in my old Rock Shox Quadra5. They increased the travel over the elastomers, and they work in the cold (unlike the elastomers). They're bouncy though, and they bottomed on big hits, even after I went up a level of stiffness. I guess there's only so much you can do with a Quadra5.They were relatively cheap (about $40 mailorder; certainly a lot cheaper than a new fork), and they improved my front end. I was pleased.Incidentally, I've since bought a new bike with a Marzocchi Bomber Z2. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a fork, don't ride a bike with one of these on it...you'll have to order one immediately. It's astounding.Incidentally, Mountain Spring rates the springs as stiffer than they really are. I weight 150, so I got the soft ones, which bottomed out riding over curbs. I swapped them for the medium ones, which were a better match. You should probably buy up one level, if you're near the top of the range.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Gross
a weekend warrior
from Cambs, UK Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have some 97 Judy XC's on a Lava Dome, and I found the standard forks too stiff and unresponsive. Knowing I hadn't the cash for a full upgrade including new cartridge, I got some soft Speed Springs (which if I installed both would be too soft) and installed just one. This lets the forks rebound in a controlled manner, but with a really plush compression. (This isn't just my view, but also that of all my friends who tried them.) If you don't want to go the whole hog, just spring one side. It avoids pogo, and gives a good overall feel with no what can I upgrade next problems. 5 stars (one-sided...)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Punter
a weekend warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: March 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Mush to magic, sticky to smoothe. Judy T2 to still a Judy T2, but with crisp clean progressive travel and heaps more confidence for my Wife. Flex is something that a good LBS cannot always solve (sure there are a few tricks), but the guts of a shock can be revamped to a state where you just wouldn't know it - for the better!!!I don't know what they feed these speed springs, it must be good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from San Jose Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I own a 97 Judy SL with a 3 inches of travel. I could never match the forks feel to the rear shock on my Santa Cruz Tazmon. I tried all the different RS springs available - what a waste of money! The fork was always too stiff once you got past the first inch of travel. I put in speed springs and finally was able to achieve a plush feel, however I was pogoing all over the trail. I installed a Risse damper and now have a GREAT fork. I don't think that the RS damper ever worked. The Risse damper is so adjustable that it will go from being virtually locked out with a feel like pulling a boot out of thick mud to no damping at all. The combination of Speed Springs and the Risse damper is great.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Cuylle
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Very plush. You get smooth travel even in the cold weather when elastomers tend to harden up into something like a rock. (It does get cold here in the winter time!) The speedsprings were also very simple to install in my 96 Judy XC's (They are a special edition with 3 inches of travel)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maro
a cross-country rider
from Japan Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have installed Speed-springs to my RST Mozo XL 4.5 and the performance has increased, on travel and plushness. The original MCU's were just like pieces of plastic. Then I installed Manitou's soft MCU's I had before. The fork worked better than original setting but not enough. Then I decided to buy Speed-springs and that was good choice. I installed 7 xs springs and original short springs and took off one of air dampener(I weigh around 145 lb). I get about 1/2 of 1G sag and a bit less than 4 travel( I haven't had die-hard ride yet). If anyone with RST forks with original MCU's, get Speed-springs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill S.
a weekend warrior
from San Diego, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
Couldn't stand piece of crap Manitou Mach 5's one more second. Stopped in a shop on way to ride and had red Speed Springs installed (less than $60.00 out door) -- and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Now I actually have a front shock that doesn't enter a rut and stay there until I fly over it upside down saying ^$#&@*(#$! So far so good -- best 60 buck upgrade imaginable!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Godsey
a racer
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
These springs made my '97 JUDY XC work like a champ. It didn't feel this good, when I bought it. They really ought to be used only for forks with dampening, like a Judy. Otherwise the fork might get a little bouncy. If you don't have the flow for a SID, the Mountain Speed, speed springs are the next best thing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flyfisher
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC, West Coast Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I am a fairly hefty fellow, at 215lbs. I first bought the medium springs, as they were rated for up to 200lbs and I wwas planning on losing some weight. Well, I didn't lose any weight, so the springs proved too soft for me. I have a '95 Judy XC, and those red springs made it more plush and supple than I could have imagined. However, in order to avoid harsh bottoming in the technical areas I really had to baby the fork, but as soon as I started to push it .... WHAM!!! So, I traded the springs away with a bundle of cash on another frame. So I put the stock elastomers back in. I found them as appetizing as a 3-day-old Big Mac. It was at this time that the original plastic damping cartridge farted oil all over my floor :-( . I went out yesterday and picked up the yellow springs for the more elephantine riders. I found them to be kind of stiff, but when I took all of the spacers out, they really turn my bike into a responsive and plush ride. I give them 5 mouthburners for the effect on the quality of the ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jarrod Bartlett
a cross-country rider
from Ipswich, MA Date Reviewed: February 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
Has anyone installed these in an Indy XC? Do they improve performance enough to kill all the thoughts in my head about upgrading to a Judy? I want to get rid of the elastomers because it gets cold here in winter, and it makes my shocks feel stiff as a rock. Your reply's will be appreciated. Oh yeah, this reveiw thingie is pissing me off, this has to be the hundredth time I've rewritten my question because I forgot to do something, the star rating is for the Reveiw program.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zack Minick
a racer
from Stillwater MN Date Reviewed: February 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
I put these into my 97 judy xc, and they really improved the feel of my fork. I was about 30 pounds below the rating for the stock mcu stack in the judy, and I bought the light speed springs. They are very responsive and lively, though rebound is a little harsh. I wouldn't recommend using them in a fork with no damping. Would be 5 chillies, except for the harsh rebound.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Totaro
a downhiller
from East Aurora, NY Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
These springs work magic in your fork. The compression and rebound ratios are perfectly tuned for optimal performance. The construction of the springs will not damage your fork. I highly recommend buying these for a fork upgrade, however, make sure your fork is compatible. You must also ensure that you obtain proper tension on the springs, otherwise they will cause the fork to bottom out.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a racer
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have heard great reviews of the mountain speed springs and was wondering if they worked with RS Indy SL's? If they do could someone email me back or respond to this review. Thanks and I love these Speed Springs. I used to have them for my Judy's but i now need them for my friends bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a cross-country rider
from London Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
Beware! If you service your own forks and have speed-springs make sure to use a really thick metal on metal grease. Judy butter is good stuff, and plenty of it too. Not enough and you might find that the coating comes off the springs and starts scratching up the inside of the fork stanchions. If well maintained they are a marked improvement on the stock elastomers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
colin
a downhiller
from ireland Date Reviewed: January 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
Does anyone have them in RST MOZO 3.5 if so please E-mail me. I want o know if they work well with these forks. I heard they are NOT plush! Is this true? Please E-mail me at ' 101nnq@iol.ie ' and help me decide weather to buy them or not! Thanks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
massimo cavalli
a racer
from miami,fl usa Date Reviewed: December 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
finally my judy xc can be called suspension fork,very nice upgrade,go for the strong springs.The riding is much more easy and the control in all the different situation is now a joke. The new judy 98 has copied the same idea,patetic.Forgive my english and Forza Italia. We are the best in the world.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D. Marzani
a cross-country rider
from NYC Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
These are da bomb!!!! I just installed blue (soft) 6 springs in my Manitou97FS, with red MCU's on top (1 on left, 1/2 on right) for the remaining length. The action is much better, and travel is about 2-3/4 with 1/2-3/4 sag. These are especially useful in colder climates (Like NYC in winter), where MCU's harden up and leave your arms in pain. I need to reduce my damping further to increase the speed of compression/rebound (lighter wt oil/changing shims). I put in the 6 instead on 7 because I heard rumors that rebounding full coil springs release a lot of energy real quick and can overstress the damper. The MCU should help absorb some of this energy. So I played it safe and went with the 6. Added bonuses: No worry of harsh bottoming and increased tunability-I can change the short MCU's on top to firmer or softer ones.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren T.
a cross-country rider
from Providence, RI Date Reviewed: November 29, 1997
Bottom Line:
I bought these for $60 at LBS for my 1997 Judy XC. You can purchase them for about 1/2 of that through mail order. Set up was very easy and shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. Just be sure you identify the tapered end correctly or it just won't work. Very responsive, and it lets you use virtually all 65 mm of travel. More tunable than stock elastomers. Travel is linear, so make sure your cartridge is filled and working properly. Otherwise you will find yourself bottoming out and pogoing all over the trail. Get some, a superb upgrade.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Boniface
a cross-country rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA Date Reviewed: October 28, 1997
Bottom Line:
These springs made my '97 Judys work like they should. I weigh 145 lbs, and use the blue springs. They make my Judys more active over small stuff than the stock spring, and turning the adjuster knobs actually makes a difference. The only reason I didn't buy these sooner was the price. But they make such a difference that I only wish I had bought them sooner.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hedgehog
a cross-country rider
from Woodland Hills CA Date Reviewed: October 24, 1997
Bottom Line:
I weigh 195 and have yellow (firmest) speed springs in my Judy SL with the 3 inch cartridge and dummy leg. This setup ROCKS! I thought the Judy was cool with the elastimer stack until I got the springs. What a difference. It soaks up the little bumps and still never bottoms out, two problems I had with the elastimers. If you have not done this with your Judy yet, get goin. You will thank me later.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bad Chad
a downhiller
from top of the mountain Date Reviewed: October 17, 1997
Bottom Line:
These things are all good. They give straight compression throughout the whole travel, no getting tighter as you go down. Buy them now, I go faster than you so listen to me. All you with blown dampers, these have nothing to do with the damper, dampers just suck, take them out and put in a longer travel dummy block.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel M.
a
from cross-country rider Date Reviewed: October 16, 1997
Bottom Line:
SPEED SPRING ALERT!!! SPEED SPRING ALERT!!!I called Answer tech support to find out their opinion on installing Speed Springs in my 1997 ManitouFS (I weigh 163lbs). They said they can overstress the damping cartridge (they said they have received many complaints of blown dampers from those using full coil springs). They have a spring ugrade kit with 4.5 inch springs with a short MCU-they cost $50 from Answer 800-670-7446 (I think bikeworld also has em for $40. Also Speed Springs void their warranty. Has anyone out there a experienced leaky/blown damping cartridge since installing these? I would really like to know. A word to the wise: If you installed aftermarket springs and blew a damping cartridge-don't tell Answer-it will void your warranty. Just tell em it blew with the stock spring stacks. Yes it's a little dishonest, but their damper should be designed to handle full springs!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl C
a weekend warrior
from Western Maryland Date Reviewed: October 13, 1997
Bottom Line:
Price was great, installation a snap. I absolutely love the ride they give, I'm much more aggresive than before, but more in control. The downside-I blew my stock Judy XC (95) cartridge within a few weeks. It was exchanged for the aluminum one (the original was plastic) and that one is now leaking after several months. I'll probably go to the White Bros. hard body. If I were to start all over, I'd probably go w/ all White or Englunds.
Overall Rating:
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LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
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