Submitted by
Jon
a
from Chattanooga, TN USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bennet Gap
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Is pretty smooth. and it's light.
Weaknesses:
Is not that strong. What I mean is it is not as stiff as I would like.
Similar Products Used:
mozo(not good); Rst; Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Fuji sunfire
Bottom Line:
I have basically trashed the bike, but the fork's still good. I have taken drops on this fork and abused it a lot. I don't weigh very much, only about 145 or so. It can take drops up to 3 feet no problem. Right about 4 feet it starts bottoming though. Overall it's a great fork.
By the way, I'm pretty sure the fork wasn't made to endure all that I put it through. I still haven't had any problems!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Inexpensive, simple design.
Weaknesses:
Limited adjustability and travel.
Similar Products Used:
None yet.
Bike Setup:
Mid-level mountain bike (2004 Gary Fisher Marlin)
Bottom Line:
This fork has a suspicious sticker that reads "For recreational off-road use only. No jumping". That made me worry a bit. Also, I've been trying to adjust it and having a lot of difficulty. I can't reduce the amount of sag no matter how much I turn the dial. Oh well. It was cheap and it came with the bike. Serious riders will probably want to pass on this one, but for beginners or easy riders it will probably do okay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Reliable, got the job done
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
2003 Manitou Skareb Super
Bike Setup:
2002 heavily modified Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
This fork came stock on my 2002 Specialized Rockhopper. It was a decent fork. It never broke down, never gave me any problems, stood up to a lot of abuse.
The only downside to it is that it's heavy. Other than that, a very good, entry-level fork.
I've replaced it with a 2003 Skareb super, and I'm having issues with that one. Coil forks seem to be more dependable that air/oil forks in general.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G.K.
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good performance for its price.
Weaknesses:
Pedaling induced bob.
Bike Setup:
'02 Marin East Peak
Bottom Line:
This fork is great for the rider that is not SERIOUS about mountain biking. It soaks up the bumps well, has smooth action, and is more than reasonably priced (in aftermarket). But if you are really into building a efficient XC bike that will soak up the bumps and not rob you of power while climbing, look into upgrading to a Manitou Black or Fox Float.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Webster Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Great feel, soaks up the bumps real well
Weaknesses:
Ugly rubber boots
Similar Products Used:
RST 381 CL
Bottom Line:
The Six Super is an excellent fork, I've put about 80 miles on so far,about half has been hard off road riding and the unit has done nothing but do an awesome job of soaking up the bumps. I had my bike up to Killington Ski Resort and rode some pretty knarly single track, and just in general gave the fork a beating and it hasn't given me any trouble at all. A GREAT fork for an even better price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Firth
a Cross Country Rider
from Truro/Cornwall/UK Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Uuhhh. Pass.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
See other reviews.... Then: I fell onto them, face-plant, two foot, ish. Crunch. Bent legs[?], loads of stiction, loss of feel etc. Feel like rubber now. It's all a bit academic as you can't buy these Sixes anymore, but still nice, just don't crash. S
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Firth
a Cross Country Rider
from Truro/Cornwall/UK Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Currently: NorthCoast Paths
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS [Clive Mitchell Cycles, Truro]
Bike Setup:
Oh, it's gonna' have changed... believe me!
Bottom Line:
Right, in addition to the previous review: The oil malarky turned-out to be serious, the damping unit is connected to the outside world via a hollow steel [?] tube. I blew a seal *INSIDE* the unit, *INSIDE* the forks. Oil ran down from inside and showed-up at the bottom of the leg, by the rebound knob. It was *not* the seal 'round the outside of the tube/leg outer. Needed total rebuild of that side. Afterwards they work fine again, infact I noticed that rebound adjuster ACTUALLY WORKS!!! If yours doesn't work, ask for something to be done about it. Heh. BTW, whilst they were away, i got the workshop to fit mini-wiper boots, from the higher-end Manitou forks. They will fit, and they make the fork look pretty trick. Oh, and they actually are easier to clean-out, and keep the dirt out a bit better. However, you still need to keep them greased. Ask the shop to grease them, and after you'll then know when they need it again. So -- Still lovely forks, but be a little careful of huge crunching blows, etc. Ride - Sam
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tage
a Cross Country Rider
from Vashon, WA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Buck Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
SIX SUPER 100 DISC (black color)
Jenson claims lightweight, I have read conflicting specs. Good progression in shock stroke, tight steering. JENSON has good Costumer service.
I did not dirt jump, fr, or DH. The gnarliest thing I did on this bike was ride down a flight of stairs. I did not jump the stairs either, just ride down them. The largest jump I did was less than a foot and a half off the ground. I was riding across my friends (flat) orchard, and it suddenly fell thru half it's travel. It seriously punished my wrists (to the point of lying on the ground). It completely lost half of it's travel. It has an inch of undamped vertical play. The things are piles of feces. If you ever buy one, only ride on the road. I only rode this fork about 100 miles on the road except for about 20 of it.
PEICE OF dook!
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE
NEVER BUY!!!!
UNSAFE FOR XC USE!!!
I am 125lbs, ride xc, and have a 32 lb fs bike!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Cisek
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rock-it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
stiffness, plushness, suspension, design, etc.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
2001 Manitou SX
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Moab Disc w/ Egg Beaters
Bottom Line:
Great fork for a great price! Feels very nice and plush!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Forrest
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wood Canyon Wilderness Park and surronding South Orange County Areas
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great Entry level shocks, Adjustability, really starts to sock up shock after 10 or so hours are put on the fork.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjust does hardly anything. Stupid boot looks ugly, but the manual says it is necessary....who knows why.
Similar Products Used:
Suntour (CRAP), RockShox
Bottom Line:
Great shock for entry to mid level riding, as long as it is used how it's meant to be used. For example don't jump eight stairs onto concrete with it like the other moron who review them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Forrest
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wood Canyon Wilderness Park and surronding South Orange County Areas
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great Entry level shocks, Adjustability, really starts to sock up shock after 10 or so hours are put on the fork.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjust does hardly anything. Stupid boot looks ugly, but the manual says it is necessary....who knows why.
Similar Products Used:
Suntour (CRAP), RockShox
Bottom Line:
Great shock for entry to mid level riding, as long as it is used how it's meant to be used. For example don't jump eight stairs onto concrete with it like the other moron who review them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX 77840 Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Texas A&M Campus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
BIG NONE
Weaknesses:
I went to jump up a curb and all the sudden I heard a gunshot. The dampening cap shot up and bounced of my shoulder and flew about 30 feet. Fluid sprayed up in my face and my eyes.
Bottom Line:
This fork blows (literally) and is very dangerous. I read reviews about this sort of thing happening before, but didnt really believe it. If you like your face dont by this fork. Fortunatly I just got a welp on my shoulder. YOu may not be so lucky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Firth
a Cross Country Rider
from Truro/Cornwall/UK Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere interesting
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS [Clive Mitchell Cycles, Truro]
Strengths:
*Nice Feel *Quite Stiff *Very smooth in compression/return *Work well with undulating terrain *Seals [boots are OK too-[shock!]] *Steer reasonably *Preload adjuster works well *Well-specced for price
Weaknesses:
*Have had some problems [see below] *Not that stiff - some brake rub [HS33s don't retract that much though - so not all forks' fault] *Rebound adjuster don't do much! *Do 'spike' if you hit a sharp change in terrain, not that good with loose stones/step-ups *Do they need boots? They'd look better without them! [LBS said DO NOT remove them, BTW] *Keep them seals greased regularly [but don't overdo it!]and they'll feel even plusher. [Where does it go!?]
Similar Products Used:
Jett XC ['00 two spring version] Marzocchi '01 [?] Z3 FlyLight Air
Bike Setup:
Tough, good quality bits for reasonable money [if you care look at my other reviews, say for the Specialized Stout Front Hub]
Bottom Line:
Well, i've used these for 11 Months, and in that time i've found these forks to be pretty good! They feel great, especially after having been run it and re-greased. The steering is OK, the flex is within reasonable bounds [at the price especially] the seals keep most of the rubbish out, they haven't died yet, and the preload adjuster works to keep the fork responcive in differeing conditions. However after doing a bit of light [really lame actually!] trick riding they developed a nasty notch in the travel, and a worrying 'Clunk' to go with it. Terrified i'd broke a bushing:- of to LBS i went...stripped and rebuilt... problem went away! No damage done. It did return a week or so later, but went again within an hour. WEIRD.
That was months ago, since then i rode-into a hump too hard and bottomed them out badly. Seemed fine but later i noticed some oil dripping from the rebound adjuster. Cleaned everything up and left to stand...no more oil. Hopped around a bit...still no more. Guess i just forced some through the seals at the bottom of the leg. They still feel/sound fine.
The bottom line is: they work well. Better 'feel' than other forks near the price range [say up to £250], but they 'aint that tough. Buy if you like to ride around in the rough, but not if you want to use them to land-on all the time. 3-star build, 4-star ride, 4-star value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack mcrack
a Downhiller
from sydney australia Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
um ya bum
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
$240
Strengths:
nice shock hehehehe i love it i love it i love it
Weaknesses:
it broke
Similar Products Used:
sr suntour
Bike Setup:
dunlop fully suspended
Bottom Line:
well they broke so i wasn't very happy now i am scrapping the dunlop and shocks and getting a norco vps atomik yehaa i reckon that wil be the op off all tops my cousin has a specialized fsr bighit dh and it is the nicest bike to ride and norco vps atomik is basically the same so i am getting it you should buy these forks if u are a little person lokin to go for a little bit of lite downhilling oh and they broke cause i did a 2 1/2 meter dropoff bent them then hit a tree as a result.you shouldnot buy these if to r going hardcore otherwise they are all right untill u hit a tree
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton,alberta,canada Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
none that i can say
Bike Setup:
A specialized A1 comp FS
Bottom Line:
Ok here's what happened about the second day i had owned the bike i thought i'd take it out for a spin and i wen to the nearest school to find some stairs to jump. It was about 8 stairs once i jumped off and landed i heard this loud gunshot and my helmet blew off my head. i didn't fall and looked back and my helmet was lying on the ground and the visor was completly shattered. What happened was the spring had shot out of the left fork and hit me in the head and helmet i had about 5 stitches to fix it up and had completly shot my shocks and only on the second day i had owned the bike. Don't buy this shock unless it's all you can afford!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Summit Cycles in LG, CA
Strengths:
Fairly smooth (once broken in), adjustability not too bad.
Weaknesses:
Squishy, can't dial in enough preload for my tastes, noisy.
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 ('02), new pedals, all else stock (for now. Not real happy with the LX on the rear).
Bottom Line:
I don't much of a frame of reference, but I can't squawk too loud. Make sure you break it in properly before you make any judgments, it really smoothes out.
Kinda squishy, I'm thinking of putting heavier springs in. (Or a lockout if I could find one).
WATCH OUT FOR THE FORK RETAINING BOLT ON THE BOTTOM. Mine was loose from the factory and I lost it on a trail. Most bike shops don't stock them because it's an odd size, so if you lose it, you're SOL. (The Guys at Summit, who kick ass I might add, took one of a Trek on the showroom floor and gave it to me.)
Overall? Can't whine, but I don't really have much to compare it to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haro Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
price in uk stirling
Strengths:
Adjustability, price, ease of adjustment, its so smooth!
Weaknesses:
colour (red yuk!!!)
Similar Products Used:
my last fork was a RST 261 (no I didnt buy it, it came with the bike i bought)
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape. All components changed to 9sp Shimano LX
Bottom Line:
Great fork. Havent used it for long but I cant fault it. Apparently it gets better once "run in" Driving it home on the day of purchase I was day dreaming and drove it square into a Kerb. Did I fall off? Nope, the shock just absorbed it and rode up it. Remarkable! The price is good especially compared to a Judy XC, but this fork gives you full pre load and rebound without having to get you shock pump out. If your low on cash and dont "have" to have Rockshox then buy this. Its great (except the colour (red yuk!))
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from VA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Element Sports
Strengths:
100 mm travel,
Weaknesses:
a little squishy but that doesnt bother me
Similar Products Used:
rock shox judy
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana
Bottom Line:
Very nice shocks. I think that they are much better than my old Rock Shox by far. much better travel even though i am light (120) it does a great job and is fairly cheap. Probably the best shock you cna get in this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross
a
from Boulder, Colorado USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 standard setup
Bottom Line:
Today this fork broke on me. I'm a fairly heavy guy (about 210), and I like to play around a bit, jumping over stuff and the like. Anyway, there are two plastic shafts in the fork that hold it together, and today they snapped. And I was only hopping off a street curb! (they were probably weak from something else) So if you're into agressive riding, beware this fork, it's not built for heavy use. It looks like I'm going to replace it with something like a Rock Shox Duke.
Besides the unfortunate events of today, I was pretty happy with the fork, although it does make like a puffing sound when it compresses. If you're into light riding, maybe it will be alright...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything that will scare your pants off!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice looks, sturdy. Once broken in, it is very smooth.
Weaknesses:
It's a little on the heavy side for racing.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500
Bottom Line:
It is a very nice fork. Like everyone else has said, it get very very smooth once broken in. So much better than the low end Rock Shox I used to have. This is my 2nd fork and since I've never been on a Marzochhi(or however you spell it) and the high end Rock Shox, I really love this fork. So if this is your first or second fork, I think you'll really dig it and won't regret getting it. I'm going to rate it the highest marks since I haven't ridden a fork this good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Morris, New Jersey Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything dirt and rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Marty's
Strengths:
Sturdy,cool looks, easy adjusting.
Weaknesses:
None so far. May be a little heavy.(by race standards)
Similar Products Used:
Phsylo
Bike Setup:
Stock equipment on a 2002 Trek 6500
Bottom Line:
Fork performs very well in all terrain/road conditions. YOU MUST PUT AT LEAST 40 HARD MILES ON IT BEFORE YOU CAN APPRECIATE HOW WELL IT WORKS. I'm 170 pounds and can ride it pretty hard on just about it's lightest setting without coming close to bottoming out. Once broken in, you'll be amazed on how smooth and buttery it is compared to when new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Engand Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Mud Dock Cycleworks
Strengths:
soaks up some bumps, and after about 15 hours it is starting to become more responsive to small bumps.
Weaknesses:
On the damping leg, at the bottom I can hear air hissing out-should this be happening? I dont Know so if it still occurs I will have it checked out. It is also flexy and the spring is to soft for my 12.5 stone.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 2002 with Bontrager bits LX and Deore and last years Alpha SLR frame found on the 8000
Bottom Line:
If it had not come with the bike i would not have got it. I would have saved some more for a Duke xc or Marzocchi, but saying that once it is properly broken in it might improve.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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