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Submitted by
Tym Tucker
a Cross Country Rider
from arlington, tx
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | big cedar | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light, stiff, no oil. | | Weaknesses: | air valve strips, leaks. (fixable) compression daming would be nice | | Similar Products Used: | too many | | Bike Setup: | ellsworth sub 22 | | Bottom Line: | YOU CAN REBUILD THIS FORK!!!!!
If you had to abandon your mega air, read this:
First, I bought mine used years ago with a stripped schraeder valve in the top cap. I took it out, reinstalled it with a liberal coating of expoxy glue, and it hasn't leaked in years.
I have rebuilt the innards with new o-rings twice. IT DOES NOT LEAK AIR.
I thought it was a goner recently when the bearings started to go. It got loose and rattled and was driving me crazy. I searched online - with little hope - for a rebuild kit, and found it on ebay.
Here's what you need to replace the bearings and slider seals:
Slider bearing kit, part no. RK016
Slider seal kit, part no RK015
Here's how you do it:
Remove the two 5mm bolts at the bottom of the sliders. Pull the sliders off. Unless you need to replace the innards with new O-rings, leave them alone.
Both kits come with instructions and grease. The seals are straightforward, although hard to pry out. The bearings say you need a special tool, which you probably won't find.
Here's what I did:
The bearings are split. Do the upper first. Carefully tap a small flat screwdriver between the bearing and the slider wall near the split. The bearings are soft and will bend with ease. Bend the bearing in and then pull it out. Repeat for the lower. Only do one side at a time so you can compare the new bearings placement to the old!
Clean the slider well.
Lightly grease the slider wall and slide in the lower bearing. (they are 1mm smaller than the top bearing.) Use a wooden dowel rod or something similar in plastic and a hammer to tap it into place. There is a line on the slider wall to stop the bearing. I used a caliper to compare to the old bearings in the other side.
Repeat for the upper bearing. Do not install the seal yet.
A KEY FACTOR IS GETTING THE BEARINGS SEATED PROPERLY. THE SLIDER WILL BIND LIKE CRAZY IF THEY'RE NOT IN RIGHT. So, take the slider and test fit it. If it binds, get your hammer and dowel out and fix it. It will be very tight, after all it's new bearings. But it should move pretty easily.
Repeat for the other leg, tap in the seals with a wood block like the instructions say, reinstall the sliders, and enjoy a few more years with your mega air.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Alp UT USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air - once they go, can't fix them, rebuild kit not available | | Bottom Line: | Stay away! Once they start leaking, you're done. Can't be rebuilt, seen 2 of them die | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | unpopulated ones | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Came stock on my K2 Attack 4.0 | | Strengths: | Super light and rigid. Inexpensive and simple to maintain and rebuild. Spring rate is easily adjusted with air pressure. | | Weaknesses: | Leaked steadily over the years until they were so bad that I couldn't finish a ride before they were out of air. Hell, I couldn't even GET the bike to the trailhead with presure in the forks! No damping as set from factory. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Jett XC | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ frame. Noleen Mega Air Forks. SRAM Powerlink Chain, Cassette, and X-Gen Front Derailleur. Avid BB7 Disc Brakes. Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur. WTB MP250 Stealth Pedals, Speed V seat, Dual Duty XC Wheelsets. | | Bottom Line: | I ended up with the leaky ones and decided to try rebuilding them after their demise. After taking them apart, I noticed that the top-out springs on both sides had been totally trashed and were broken into three sharp pieces each. One of the pieces had been driven about 1/8" into the outside edge of the plastic plunger on the spring side (found...the reason for the bad leak!). Raymond-Associated Spring has replacements (p/n C0600-072-0620-M) for about $32.00 each, but I bought cheapo similar looking springs from the hardware store instead. Warning: don't do this! The spring wire ends will start shaving the center plastic shaft on the spring side of the fork. The ends of the top-out springs must be squared and ground. I noticed this after the first test ride and disassembly inspection, so after some head scratching, I decided to try replacing the springs with 1/2" thick Rubber Grommets from the local hardware store. The damping side required that one of the grommet flanges be cut off and generous chamfers cut all around inside and out, with a small slot cut between them so's it can breathe. The spring side grommet went on "as-is." Adjusted the set screw on the damper bypass valve until the spring lightly seated the ball (Noleen failed to do this at the factory, hence no damping), smoothed out the damage on the spring side plunger, replaced the o-rings and lubed the stanchion tubes and o-rings. Since there are two o-ring grooves on the spring side plunger, I added a backup o-ring just for grins. Got the forks assembled and...presto-chango, they hold air just fine and I also have nice, adjustable damping instead of pogo sticks for forks! To the best of my recollection, below is a parts list of the O-rings required to rebuild a Mega Air Fork (excluding the schrader valve o-rings):
1 each .070 ID X .070 W (Parker 2-004)
3 each .987 ID X .103 W (Parker 2-120)
5 each .924 ID X .103 W (Parker 2-119)
2 each .362 ID X .103 W (Parker 2-110)
5 flamin' Chiles for value because you can buy these forks cheap and end up with an AWESOME fork after an inexpensive rebuild. 4 flamers overall because they are soooo plush now after the above repairs, and I anticipate many years of enjoyable riding on them. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Novak
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindaigin Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Super beefy stanchions (32mm); can be pumped up to good psi for my weight (250# w/ gear); zero fork flex | | Weaknesses: | limited tuneability meaning air pressure and damping screw adjustment only | | Similar Products Used: | bottom to top-RST Capa, Manitou Spyder, Manitou Axel Comp+Elite, Manitou Black Super Air | | Bike Setup: | '04 Komodo FX 19", Avid Levers, Hayes MX2 Mechanicals, Rocket V saddle, Ritchey 6" stem, Kenda Kinetics 2.1s, Deore Derailleurs, stock hubs and rims | | Bottom Line: | I was skeptical about getting the fork especially after having read all of the reviews detailling how much it leaks. But mine doesn't, and I've never been happier with a fork. It's light but beefy and soaks up anything I throw at it. I've landed 3'+ drops on it and it hasn't shown any signs of weakness. This is an older fork, but I have a feeling that it will last me for years to come. Buy this fork if you're a clyde looking for a fork that can be jacked up to support you. It has great travel for XC, but a little on the low side for freeride. I'm definitely going to enjoy racing on this fork. Too bad they don't make 'em anymore; Noleen had a good thing going. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Mayer
a Cross Country Rider
from Winchester,KY
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Capitol Veiw park,Frankfort,KY | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Light weight,Very rigid,Easy to work on | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air badly on the damper side [left].Very harsh ride right out of the box. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shox SID. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Mongoose pro sommet.Too many upgrades to list.Set up for cross country riding. | | Bottom Line: | Bought this fork because it is one of the lightest fork you can buy and you can pick one up new for $100.00 or less.The first month I rode it,it was terrible!Very harsh and was beating me to death.Plus I had to carry an air pump with me because it leaked so badly.I was about to give up on it when I decided to take it apart and try to fix the problems.First I filled it with air and submerged it in a tube of water and found that it was leaking air around the top fork cap on the left side and at the o-ring seal where the damper rod goes though the left bottom seal cap.When I toke the internal apart,I also found that thec compression bypass check valve spring was not even tight enough to seal the check valve for rebound damping.It has a set screw to set the preload on the check ball so I tightened it down to seal it on the rebound stroke.I toke all the o-rings in the fork down to the local hardware store and matched them up with new o-rings.After I put it back together and rode it I was amazed at the difference!It works great!!And it holds air! I haven't had to add air yet and this was months ago.And since I fixed the compression bypass check valve it is soooo plush.After the fixes I would very much recomend this fork.It was easy to fix and didn't need any part except new o-rings.I also coverted it to 100mm travel when I had it apart.To convert it you just have to take out a spacer.If you have one of these forks and are having problems like I had,which I have found out is common,don't give up.Its easly fixed.If you have any questions about it you can e-mail me and I will try to help you with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light
works well
easy to service | | Weaknesses: | Initial leaking
No compression dampenign adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Judy SL
Indy SL | | Bike Setup: | Razorback team | | Bottom Line: | Most people who are having problmes with this shock are probably not very mechanically oriented. Mine as leaking originally as well. I pulled it off the bike and submersed it to locate the leak. It was coming from the left top cap. I simply tightened the cap and it has held pressure for three months. As for performance, it works flawlessly. I wish the compression dampening were adjustable but the factory setting seems okay. You can get this shock on e-bay for about $130 right now. There is nothing close to it in that price range. Its also as light as the lightest $600 race forks. Stiffness is very good. Much less flexy than my Judy SL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | stiffness (32mm alloy stanchions), superlight, easy adjustment, plushness (very linear spring curve), bargain price since k2 is clearing them out. | | Weaknesses: | None so far on the five I own. | | Similar Products Used: | If its a suspension fork made in the past 12 years, i've likely used it. | | Bike Setup: | I got these forks on multiple hardtails and full suspensions, both XC and All-Mountain setups. | | Bottom Line: | While some report leaking issues, the fork design is simplistic and the actual air seals are nothing more complicated that regular, available at any autoparts store, black butile rubber O-rings !!! If people are having leakage issues, maybe they should try to RTFM, take the fork apart, and replace the O-rings. There are no hydraulics to spill or reasons not to dismantle the fork, nor any special tools needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | ediscount | | Strengths: | light and stiff with good damping characteristics | | Weaknesses: | no parts available | | Similar Products Used: | noleen elite, marazocci z2 atom 80 and fox vanilla | | Bike Setup: | racer x | | Bottom Line: | this fork works better than the fox vanilla i replaced. i bought it as an experiment and a cheap way to shed a full pound. it turned out to work better at bump absorbtion and handling also...all for 129 bucks. i just wish i could get parts for it when i need them in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harry Browne
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Oshman's | | Strengths: | Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | Mine leaked. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Mag 21 | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed Team ('01) | | Bottom Line: | The shock felt very light on the bike. However, as reported by many others mine leaked from the start. Fortunately K2 customer service was FLAWLESS. After getting the shock returned through Oshman's they FedEx'ed a replacement (Rock Shox Duke XC) and it works great.
1 chili for value and overall - unit apparently has a flawed design. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance Loethen
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pocahontas state park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodley bikes | | Strengths: | stiff suspension that only works when it needs to, light and strong, handles heavy abuse | | Weaknesses: | I haven't had any problems with this fork after a year of heavy riding (I'm 6'6", 200 lbs.) on XC and downhill descents in the blue ridge mountains | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2001 K2 Zed 5 with random upgrades (the noleen came with the bike) | | Bottom Line: | Despite everyone else's problems, I really like this fork and it's held up well. Although, if it hadn't come with the bike I would probably avoid it based on other experiences. I couldn't refuse the deal I got on my K2, bad fork or not (only paid $700 for everything, including free service for a year). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from McKinney
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Erwin State park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Started with nice plush ride. Light. | | Weaknesses: | Leaked air from second week. Totally blew out after 8 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy TT. | | Bike Setup: | 01 K2 Zed team. Thompson elite post, otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | I was very excited when I hopped on this bike for the 1st time. The shocks were great, sailed over bumps, rocks, roots, It was just a sweet ride. On the 2nd week, they started leaking air, so I pumped it up before a good ride. After owning the shoxx for 2 months, they completely blew out. 1/2 way through a 15 mile XC ride, I start bouncing around like a rubber ball. The shocks completely decompressed, no air what so ever. I had to ride the last 8 miles old school. When I pumped them up at home...swooooooshhhh, air flooding out. I sent them off to be warrantied that day, and am praying that they just give me something else.
My advise...dont buy these shocks. If you have these shocks, try to get them changed before the warranty expires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | It's in the french Alps... | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Not too flexy, rather light but for XC use only | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air. No parts available to fix it | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox, Marzocchi | | Bike Setup: | This fork came with my K2 Evo 3.0... I mean what kind of medication would you have to be on to buy such a piece of crap as an aftermarket fork?!? | | Bottom Line: |
This fork leaked air from the start till I had to pump it up before every ride. Nice when you know that a Marzocchi holds air for an average 6 to 8 months...
Tried to order parts through several dealers. They were nice but none of them could get the parts from K2. I contacted K2 and they told me they would contact my dealer directly... nothing happened... contacted them again... and again... and I got fed up
This fork is an average XC fork but it leaks air real bad. Customer service stinks even more than the fork itself, so much that K2 IS REPLACING THE ONES STILL UNDER WARRANTY BY NON NOLEEN FORKS... Need I say more?
Don't buy anything from K2/Noleen unless you are planning to junk it after 12 months. You won't be able to get any spare parts form them once the legal warranty is over.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one ahead | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Berlin Bicycle, Berlin, CT | | Strengths: | Stiff, light, durable | | Weaknesses: | Preload and dampening stiffen as air expands on long rides, paint job is brittle, lack of support from bike shop | | Similar Products Used: | This was my first air fork | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Pro HT | | Bottom Line: | I got this fork when I first bought my bike because it looked a lot beefier than the stock SID for an extra $100. I was satisfied with the performance except for the weaknesses I mentioned above. I never had any major problems with it except that I've had to ghetto-service it myself. The wiper seals are pretty shot and the shop I bought it from won't seem to order a rebuild kit for it. Considering the lack of support and that it is a discontinued model I may be forced to replace it soon. I will ride on it as long as I can, though. So far this season it has performed well under my 200-lb frame. It's pretty dinged up, but it's on a mountain bike! What do you expect? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Owens
a Racer
from Whitby,Ont.,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | THE NEXT ONE I RIDE! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | The Motorcycle Shop, Anchorage,Alaska | | Strengths: | Stiff,Plush and Light ! Oversize Stanchions track very predictably. Very easy to clean/maintain. I ride all year from 90 above thru 20 below and this Fork is awesome .Great for XC and reliable for racing ! | | Weaknesses: | had a stanchion push thru the crown on the '00 fork, K2 replaced and no problem since.Not making them anymore . | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Razorback Team,XTR,RaceFace,MonkeyLite,Thompson,Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | I like this fork so much that at the Bike Show in Toronto this past week I scored a whole New Razorback frame WITH FORK and Shock for Cdn $ 450.00 tax in ,just so I can ride this fork till it calfs, and then I will have a new one for years to come ! But this is 2 full years on this one so who knows how long I will be riding it ? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geremy
a
from Atlanta & Denver
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything besides going to work | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Stiff, light, plush, my fork weighs 3lbs exactly! | | Weaknesses: | None so far, but hey it has only been 3 hard years | | Similar Products Used: | SID, Mars. | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose Team Titanium hardtail handmade by Sandvik. Yep that is right, a Mongoose! XT and Crossmax, and of course the Noleen Mega Air. | | Bottom Line: | I have used this fork for 3 years, no problems to date. I ride at least 2 x a week, and occasionally race. The fork is smooth, stiff, and plush. Very nice ride, although I have little to compare it to. I have tried others, but this has been with me for the last 3 years. I HAVE HAD ZERO PROBLEMS with this fork. The secret is to get the non VTO model. 3" travel non adjustable model is an amazing fork. I wish they were still made, I would buy another one today. For the bargain hunters out there, I have seen the 2000 model of this fork sell for $50 on ebay (10 Flammin Chilis for value). I would argue that this is no other fork made that is substantially better than the 2000 model Noleen Mega Air. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Downhiller
from Engerland
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort William DH course in scotland | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | If anyone could please supply me with any information on the Girvin Crosslinks eg.what thier made of, materials etc.Please could you email them to littleman_2058@hotmail.com i am doing a project for my A level course at collage and am trying to find out as much about them as i can. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
G
ps. it says that i ahev to check my spelling, and im not too good at it(it doesnt have a spell check button) so excuse the mistakes if there is any. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Webster, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hidden | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Light, USA color scheme, ease of adjustment, easy maintenance, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Little flexy | | Similar Products Used: | Noleen Crosslink, Girvin Carbon, 98 July SL, 2001 Judy SL | | Bike Setup: | 2001 K2 Razorback Team. Upgrades: Race Face Low-rise bars, WTB Laser V Stealth saddle, Mavic 517/ Hope Ti-Glide rear hub rear wheel. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 215 (with equipment) and ride XC with no major drops. Dont buy if your a free-rider/extreme downhiller. I have not had a problem with this air fork. No leaks. I must be a lucky one. This of course is the 2001 model.
It soaks up everything I can throw at her. It is starting to get a little flexy. I have a seal and wiper kit which I will replace soon.
I will not buy another even if used, due to the discontinuance of the shock. I would like to buy a fork that is familiar to my local bike shop to have ease of service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Sprague
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, PA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Originally purchased at Fat Tire Cycles, Albuquerque, NM | | Strengths: | stiff, light, adjustable, plush, active forks when they are working well | | Weaknesses: | stanchion tube pushes through crown, compression side leaks air | | Similar Products Used: | this was my first air fork, but I've ridden a lot of other coil/oil models | | Bike Setup: | 2000 K2 Brass Monkey, 545 SPDs, bash guard instead of big ring, ODI Lock On Grips, Azonic Shorty Stem, soon to have Chris King Headset and Rock Shox Duke XC. | | Bottom Line: | I should start by saying that I just sent in my FOURTH (and hopefully final) Noleen Mega-Air fork to be warrantied. The first three times, the stanchion tube on the right side pushed through the crown (I believe these were the 2000 model). The one I just sent in (2001 model)would not hold sufficient air, and it seemed to develop some bushing slop that felt similar to a loose headset, similar to what a lot of the other reviewers have been saying. It's a shame, because these are plush forks when they are working well, but that is rarely the case. I'm going to to give one chili for value because a fork that is this problem ridden is never a good value, and due to the sloppy construction, 3-4 months of lost riding time due to warranties, and overall maintenance headaches they get one measly chili. Do not buy these used, because the warranty will not apply and you will be up the creek without a working fork. I believe at this point Noleen is replacing these forks outright with the Rock Shox Duke XC, hopefully this will not be replacing one disposable fork with another. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Tarnoff
a Downhiller
from Weston Ma Us
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything thats downhill and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great air fork, works great on jumps ect. and works very well under speed | | Weaknesses: | My fork has never leaked but it sounds as if a lot of other people's do, also I think I could be a bit more adjustible | | Similar Products Used: | lots of spring/oil forks | | Bike Setup: | Zed X 2001, with Mavic DH rims,XT derialers, | | Bottom Line: | It has worked GREAT for me I like a lot, althought I have never owned any other air fork, it is REALLY smooth if you take care of it. In other words, if you dont take care of it, it will be TERRIBLE, however if you do take care of it, it will perform EXTREMLY well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cris
a Racer
from Lecco, Italy
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Very light fork, good colors | | Weaknesses: | LEAKS AIR, EVERYTIME, EVERYDAY, EVERYTRAIL, EVERYRACE... What else I've to say??? In 6 months I've brought the fork in assistance 6 times. Sa bagassa... | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy TT, Manitou Mars Elite | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed Team (year 2001) | | Bottom Line: | DON'T BUY ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See ya
PS: I give 1 flamin' chili 'cause is the lower allowed!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kedrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Easy to adjust, light weight, strong tubes | | Weaknesses: | Leaked air first few weeks. O-ring kit fixed problem. No issues since. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shock, Manitou | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback Team, various upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I really like this fork. It originally came on a ZedX which I rode for about 1.5 years. I recently bought a Razorback frame and am now using it on that frame.
When I first bought the bike/fork there was a leak after about 2 weeks. Took it back to the shop and they rebuilt with a warranty O-ring kit from K2. No problems since. Never leaked air since. I can go a month or two, and then only have to add one or two pounds.
This is a strong fork also. I pulled the old drive into the garage with the bike still on top of the car bit a few weeks back. Tore the bike and rack completely off the car. Did about $2000 in damage to the car, bent the rack a little, smashed a brake lever and shifter, and that is it. The fork really took the brunt of the hit. I was impressed and so was the LBS. Based on that, not worried about any problems with crashes or jumps.
Great fork. Would I buy another, not sure. Only reason I wouldn't is the fact I don't see very many at shops. From that perspective, I think it would be easier to stay with a name brand. However, only based on performance, I think it works as well if not better than other similar forks I have tried.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jed Jones
a
from Tupper Lake, NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | High Peaks Cyclery Lake Placid | | Strengths: | takes hard riding well | | Weaknesses: | leaks air like mad not a whole lot to it hard to adjust | | Similar Products Used: | Judy SL | | Bike Setup: | 2000 k2 zedx new xt drive train avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | its a good fork but a judy, duke, or psylo would be much better | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stube E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Myllypuro | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Freeheels | | Strengths: | Adjustable air pressure, you can get it work in allmost every condition. Doesn't leak any air (2001 model). Works great on big bumbs. | | Weaknesses: | Not the most sensitive action on small bumbs. Looks like the american flag :( | | Similar Products Used: | Sid xc | | Bike Setup: | K2 zed team | | Bottom Line: | Good fork, but you can get a better one on the same prise. My fork came with the bike, and i have no reason to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop in Mammoth when my Judy XC blew | | Strengths: | LIGHT!LIGHT!LIGHT! Stiff too! Plush | | Weaknesses: | leaks a bit of air now and then | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy XC, Manitou six | | Bike Setup: | Old: GT XCR 1000 all XT, Current: K2 Razorback Team FS, Race Face Prodigy, XT Disc, Rolf Domilite, Bombshell proshift rear derailliur, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Extremely light fork, around 3lbs! It's super plush and able to take a beating. I do mostly trail riding but try to do at least 3 downhill trips a year. (Mammoth, Snow Summit)Anyway, last year i distroyed my Judy XC while in Mammoth. I was a litlle short on cash so i bought my Noleen from the local shop used. Wow! what a difference! I really like the feel and control. For the money, you wont find another fork as light. 5 flamin' chillies! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shane's Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | - Light
- responsive
- adjustable (via air pressure) | | Weaknesses: | none that I know of | | Bike Setup: | 2000 K2 EVO 3.0 bone stock | | Bottom Line: | Please note that I have the 2000 model. If you read down thru the reviews you will see that the '00 reviews are very good and the '01 reviews are really bad.
Basically, this fork rocks! It's light, adjustable for many weight ranges, good-looking and soaks up the bumps.
I do have a slight air-leak now after over 2 years of use, but up until now it's been perfect.
After a $35 rebuild I figger this guy will be as good as new. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toni Laitinen
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Deltaskate (witha complete) | | Strengths: | Light, smooth, plush, beefy | | Weaknesses: | Looks, crappy-ass plastic parts (why plastic???) | | Similar Products Used: | First air fork | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback 4.0 | | Bottom Line: | The fork works well when not wasted. It´s very beefy for the weight. Looks horrible (but that shouldn´t matter, right?). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Area, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis River, Rollercoaster | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | $400 is for the bike and the shock together. | | Strengths: | Well, i got the bike for $400, with the Mega Air. (normally $1250) so i cant complain there. This fork is fairly light.. | | Weaknesses: | This for isnt super attractive. I usually set it at about 50 Psi, and its always gone by the end of the day. Right side is fine. Not very adjustable. Feels like a loose headset when u rock it back and forth. This fork doesnt soak up stutter bumps at all. | | Similar Products Used: | I havent been riding a super long time, and im kinda limited on money. im only 14 =p. But i do trailride seriously and enter races. so dont judge. | | Bike Setup: | K2 ZED Team Prototype. Selle Italia MAX Flite saddle. Avid CPS Disc Brakes, XT/LX. Panaracer FireXC Pro's 2.1. (great tire on dry stuff, not good in mud) and soon to get a Marzocchi X-FLY 80, ive heard great things about it. (= | | Bottom Line: | This fork no one should ever buy. Typically people have it because K2 is to cheap to get a good fork on thier bikes. Buy a Marzocchi, or possible Manitou or Rock Shox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dex
a Cross Country Rider
from escondido
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | daley ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | with bike | | Strengths: | good feel. no defects 00 model no leaks | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | sant cruz bullet, ellsworth id | | Bike Setup: | arch rival 50's, deore xt mix | | Bottom Line: | good strong fork, no repair bills | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Ambrose
a Cross Country Rider
from Castro Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | As long as it's dirt, it's all good. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with bike. | | Strengths: | Light forks with great sus when not leaking air. | | Weaknesses: | Always leaked air (heh). Rebuilt twice. Bought RockShox Duke XC to replace. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback RSX, mostly as from manufacturer but for repair/replacements/upgrades here and there. | | Bottom Line: | If I knew now what I knew when I purchased these forks, I would have gone a different route. Always leaked from day 1, rebuilt twice, replaced seals, stripped valve threads, bottomed out constantly (and sticks there) even with 75+ PSI in both legs. I somehow managed to suffer through it for over a year before finally replacing.
The first few months they seemed really nice despite the air leak (slow at the time), but then they just kept getting worse.
The rest of the bike is great. Still riding strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
easy-rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Seabrook, Texas
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | rockyhillranch.com | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | K2 will credit you so you can get a shock that works. | | Weaknesses: | Would never hold air. EVER. Rebuilt twice. Once by me and once by the factory. Can't afford to send the shock of to be rebuilt every 3 to 4 months. It would be more frequently, but I had to do with out a bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Name your poison.. | | Bike Setup: | all good stuff, xt/xtr, velocity wheels, time, monkey, thompson, even a 2001 frame...cause the other razorback broke. | | Bottom Line: | Save your self some headaches and some grief from your friends cause you have to stop and put air in your shock. Just by a marzocchi from the get go and you will be much happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Monticelli
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,VA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Douthat | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Goodly's - Richmond | | Strengths: | Very stiff. Very light. I cannot overstate the performance | | Weaknesses: | Well, this is a follow up from an earlier post. Bushings are all but gone. Feels like a loose headset. Left side grease port is gone. Left side chamber had to be replaced. I am going back for a warranty soon. Must be a 01 model. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou, Rock shox | | Bike Setup: | K2 (fork came with it) | | Bottom Line: | I really like to fork alot. I do not mind putting air into every week. However, it has some durability issues. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Mentz
a Cross Country Rider
from Appleton, WI
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Escanaba Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | Campus Cycle Stevens Point | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, easily adjustable. Low maintenance. Super smooth!
| | Weaknesses: | Paint chips off easy. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC. | | Bike Setup: | GT Backwoods, heavily modified. | | Bottom Line: | Not sure what all the fuss is about. Maybe it is because mine is the '00 year model. I've been riding this fork for a year now and it has never leaked air at all. I've ridden in the rain and mud and never had a problem. I haven't even put new grease in yet. So far this fork has required absolutely zero maintenance since I bought it. I weigh 215 lbs. and this fork has never let me down. By the sound of it though, stay away from the '01 model. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Lewisburg, PA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ladies Only | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Campus Cycle and Flyfishing | | Strengths: | Light, takes big hits really well, and it feels smooth as silk when you have it working right. Maintenance is a breeze! | | Weaknesses: | The air piston (plastic) has a metal rod screwed into it (shaft) in the left leg of the fork. WHY!!!! Have stripped 2 air pistons so far, and love the fork enough to get yet another one. Just make the threads of metal, for christ sake. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Z1, Judy Xc | | Bike Setup: | K2 Brass Monkey with RF NS bottom bracket, Magura Gustav rear hub, Mavic D321 rim, front is a 521. XTR short cage reverse ride. Now riding a steel ridgid fork :-( | | Bottom Line: | Love the fork, and will try again with one more damn air piston. Would love to get this off of my hands and get a hold of a Z1 though. Oh well, we can't all have what we truly desire. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mick
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Rides great if you ignor the owners manual. I run the left leg at 75 psi and the right leg at 50 psi. This slows the rebound down and feels much better. | | Weaknesses: | Could be stiffer! I read a lot of reviews claiming this is really stiff fork. I don't think so.... | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Sid, Answer, White Bros., Girvin Vector 2 with Noleen NR2 shock. The Girvin is without a doubt the siffest XC fork ever built! | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback Team, Grip Shift Betsy 9.0 SL, Raceface cranks and rings, Mavic CrossMax tubeless wheels, Old but very cool Avid CNC levers | | Bottom Line: | OK fork - Not sure I would run out and buy one. Would rather have a White Bros. AT4 or XC4 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Braden
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS (came with K2 bike) | | Strengths: | light, stiff, smooth | | Weaknesses: | leaks air | | Bike Setup: | k2 zed x | | Bottom Line: | the compression side leaks air. the schrader valve threads into a plastic piece on top of the stanchion. i don't know why they used plastic but my threads are junk now and i have to replace the piece. overall, i love the shock. i would recommend this shock, and bike, to anyone. the shock is super adjustable for really light riders to really heavy ones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CMC
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Marketplace | | Strengths: | Crazy light, super stiff, works good | | Weaknesses: | spring side is leaking air, stanchion backing out of the crown, thick paint job and ugly graphics | | Similar Products Used: | White Bros SC92UL, X-Vert Super, and got a Psylo to try out while sending this one in for warranty | | Bike Setup: | First on a Superlight and now a Titus Switchblade with 8 speed XTR, Monkey Lite lo rise, Thomson, King, etc... | | Bottom Line: | At 3.1 lbs (for real!), this is the absolute lightest 100mm fork, it's super stiff, and it's resonably priced. It's super plush. It does a great job of soaking up the bumps big and small. It's cerainly not a big hit freeride fork but for serious XC it's been great. The damper isn't that great but it didn't bother me much so I never messed with it much. I have had some problems with the spring side leaking air after big hits. The major issue I have with this fork is the stachion is backing out of the crown. I'm sending it in for warranty so hopefully they have addressed these issues and it will be good as new. If they get all that fixed up with the newer forks, I would certainly bump up the rating to 5 flamin' chilis. All in all, the weight and stiffness make this fork a keeper for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CMC
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Marketplace | | Strengths: | Crazy light, super stiff, works good | | Weaknesses: | spring side is leaking air, stanchion backing out of the crown, thick paint job and ugly graphics | | Similar Products Used: | White Bros SC92UL, X-Vert Super, and got a Psylo to try out while sending this one in for warranty | | Bike Setup: | First on a Superlight and now a Titus Switchblade with 8 speed XTR, Monkey Lite lo rise, Thomson, King, etc... | | Bottom Line: | At 3.1 lbs (for real!), this is the absolute lightest 100mm fork, it's super stiff, and it's resonably priced. It's super plush. It does a great job of soaking up the bumps big and small. The damper isn't that great but it didn't bother me much so I never messed with it much. I have had some problems with the spring side leaking air after big hits. The major issue I have with this fork is the stachion is backing out of the crown. I'm sending it in for warranty so hopefully they have addressed these issues and it will be good as new. All in all, the weight and stiffness make this fork a keeper for me. It's cerainly not a big hit freeride fork but for serious XC it's been great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kak
a Cross Country Rider
from escondido, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one that ends in the lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | stock on 1999 kr razorback rs | | Strengths: | sweet looks, disc brake ready, great adjustibility | | Weaknesses: | ummmm, possibly getting them serviced? dunno no probs yet | | Similar Products Used: | rst 281, by far the best shock ever made, lol | | Bike Setup: | expensive | | Bottom Line: | if ya can get one do, it'll make you a better rider, or atleast make you look better as you're falling down that mountain your friends dared u to go down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curt
a Racer
from Meridian, MS
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Came stock on 2000 K2 RSL | | Strengths: | Light.
Stiff.
Extremely Adjustable.
MINE doesn't leak air. | | Weaknesses: | None with mine, thank goodness (and a knock on wood, too, for good measure). Say, wait a minute, I don't like the crappy plastic top caps that cover the air valves. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 K2 RSL, pretty much stock, with a few xtra goodies here and there. | | Bottom Line: | Well, I had to write this and boost the fork's rating, because I LOVE this fork! It is super stiff and strong and plush too, especially for a fully air-sprung fork, and it doesn't seem to be leaking any air. HOWEVER, I have the 2000 year model fork (for which I am EXTREMELY thankful), and I seem to be avoiding the hell that many others have written about here thus far. So, if you were thinking about getting this fork, my advice would be to wait until next year to get one, judging from what others have said about the '01 model, but if you can get your hands on a 2000 or earlier model, BUY BUY BUY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nasal Drip
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe City , California
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | three arrows | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | light , stiff | | Weaknesses: | poor selection of crucial parts | | Similar Products Used: | poped an inner tube on the truckee river once. sank there too. | | Bike Setup: | k2 razorback team - lots of cool light stuff that is all slowly breaking | | Bottom Line: | The thing never held air very well. I added some teflon tape to the threads on the shrader valves. It helped somewhat, but not a total fix. K2 is sending a seal kit. Now the air leak is the least of my worries. Bushings have worn in such a way that it sounds as if it could selfdestruct at any moment. It leaves the bike with the distinctive feel of a loose headset. The vibration is unreal. Baby food and smoothies are the only thing I can gum down these days. It started off as a great fork. The usual air schpeel, not so good on small stuff but Handled mediun to large hits perfect. This is fine by me, but it's got to stand up to it stronger than this. I have friends that race on this same fork with slightly better results, but freeriding is not for this fork. look for my next review under marzocchi. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a
from Littleton, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Plymouth | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Won't hold air for more than 30 minutes. When they send you a replacement, its usually a rebuild (I've been through three). | | Similar Products Used: | Marz., Manitou, ect | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback Team | | Bottom Line: | These forks are awful. I'd rather take a rigid fork than one of these. The longest I ever got one of these forks to hold air in was about 45 minutes, then all the air magically disappeared (could have something to do with the valve being screwed into plastic).
After three bad forks from Noleen, I gave my bike back to the shop where I purchased it at. Don't buy a bike that's equipped with one of these forks, unless, of course, you want to buy a different fork for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Brines
a Racer
from Littleton/Steamboat CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Employ | | Strengths: | I am sorry but I cant say there are any at this point, not after what I have been through | | Weaknesses: | where to begin...
-Quality of fork...good quality materials, sloppy contruction
-design errors, biggest is the metal being screwed into the plastic
-CUSTOMER SERVICE
-QUALITY CONTROL
| | Similar Products Used: | SID SL, JUDY XC, MANITOU MARS ELITE, SX-R, SX, SUPER...etc | | Bike Setup: | Razorback team...stock except CT2 Riser and SID SL | | Bottom Line: | Dont bother at the moment. They had a REALLY bad batch come off the line. Not to mention there are some serious design errors. Obviously I am not alone here. (Yes this is a follow up post though) I have had 3 of them, all broken. I got a SID SL finally but had to pay for it. Now the bike kicks ass...knock on wood. Anyway, if it were me I would wait this one out till next year...cause if you get a bad one...God help you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a
from MA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | best cross-country fork made, no doubt. i have never riden such a plush, smooth fork. a must buy if it fits your needs... | | Weaknesses: | none so far...(except price) | | Similar Products Used: | you name it, ive ridden it...(especially crosslinks and let me tell you they suck compared to this) | | Bike Setup: | k2 | | Bottom Line: | amazing fork, it rides like a pillow. what else is there to say? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Read this for a true review
a Racer
from Clinton Connecticut
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarke Cycles | | Strengths: | the only fork that is light and stiff. It's plush and smooth and THAT' IT | | Weaknesses: | I have gone through over 6 of these! K2 keeps sending me replacements. I pushed the stanchions through the crown. I ride XC, and i weigh 140 pounds. I rode off of a curb and pow! big shiny gold thing sticking through my fork crown. If you weigh 5 pounds and only ride on plywood then buy this otherwise don't! it will break! | | Similar Products Used: | RS Sid (super flexy) RS Judy, Manitou Mars, Sid Race, Nolleen Smart Fork (electrics and water don't mix) and Marzochii Z.4 | | Bike Setup: | K2 1000 evo | | Bottom Line: | I am really mad at K2. This is my eighth fork from them! AHH!!! these forks are cursed!!! don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!don't buy! dont buy! dont buy!these forks are cursed!!! these forks are cursed!!! these forks are cursed!!! these forks are cursed!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Brines
a Racer
from Littleton CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Reach The Peak (on a K2 Razorback Team) | | Strengths: | -umm...I guess it feels nice | | Weaknesses: | -quality control
-so far we have had 4 of these come into the shop I work at...3 have been sent back for warrentee and still I have no fork on my bike. Either the dampener is out or they wont hold air | | Similar Products Used: | SID XC, Judy XC, Marz. Bomber Z3 light and Z2 BAM, Manitou Mars Elite, Manitou SX, Manitou SX-R | | Bike Setup: | Stock Razorback...w/o one mile on it. | | Bottom Line: | I guess if you can get one of these forks that didn't have the string of bad luck I did go for it. I do think this is a rare incident but it has still been a two month ordeal with K2 as my friend and I recieved the same bike at the same time, both forks were bad and now the forks they sent us as a replacement are bad. Luckly I have a LeMond road bike I can train on while this get figured out but I love dirt a heck of a lot more than road. I am going to try one more time with them, I assume they wont screw up being we are this close to dropping them if they can't get it right.(I am a shop mechanic) Anyway, I hate to be throwing off the rating of this fork so bad but I have no options here. The fork hasn't performed, it has kept me off my bike worst of all...thus 1 flaming chili...K2/Noleen...GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KEVIN W
a Weekend Warrior
from CHARLOTTE,NC,USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | STILL LOOKING | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ULTIMATE BIKE | | Strengths: | Super stiff, easy to maintain. Light weight and strong. '01 models have external lube port. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | First air fork. | | Bike Setup: | K2 still has my frame, so i'm not sure what i'm getting back. Evo frame pivot woudn't stay together. I hear great things about K2's customer service, I guess we'll see how true it is. | | Bottom Line: | This fork is awesome! I've been riding the first one (I have two of them) for almost a year and I've had no problems with it. There is some stiction until it's broken in, but it's minor. It hasn't leaked down at all. The thing is super stiff, and doesn't bob around when pumped way up (85+ psi). Taking the slider off to clean it can be tricky, and the online manual procedure is more of a pain than it should be. Just let the air out of it, compress the slider all the way down, and the right side retainer screw comes right out. Just be careful not to crush the wipers when you put the thing back together, and you're in business.
Go get this fork, you won't be disappointed. I weigh 200 lbs, and i can't tear it up. too bad I can't say the same for my frame! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob
a Downhiller
from Rockford,IL
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Aldeen | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Incredibly stiff, and very light. 100mm of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Its an air fork. Rebound damping aint that great. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox judy,xlc,rsts, other crappy stuff | | Bike Setup: | y2k DiscoMonkey, rhynolites, fox rc vanilla rear shock, xt components | | Bottom Line: | Here it is. This fork is great, no the BEST for anything crosscountry. If you're going to race, buy this fork. It is way stiff and light, and it is also very easy to maintain, especially with the grease ports on the 01 model. Anyway, it's not that great for freeriding. 100mm of travel is ok, and its great to have a stiff fork when going down a really steep section where i dont want the head angle to change, but the rebound damping is insufficient. Lastly, the K2 warranty department rocks. Twice the right stanchion pushed thru the crown, and they finally just replaced it the second time. So, in closing, its the greatest fork for all xc. (And its so cool because nobody else has one :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D.M. Monticelli
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Douthat/Dragon's Back | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | This site! | | Strengths: | Very light. Very stiff. Well machined. Tuneable compression | | Weaknesses: | Being that I came from Rock Shox MAG 21 TL's I think these are great. However, it could use fork boots. The more rebound I give it the more noise it makes. Does anybody else have this problem? In no way does it affect performance, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Original Manitou, Scott (disaster), Mag 21, Mag 21 TL. | | Bike Setup: | My bike is DOA at this time | | Bottom Line: | A very, very good fork. It is amazingly light for its size and this fact is matched by its stiffness. It steers very well. It is simple to change air pressure and the plastic caps do not bother me. Also, it is not mainstream in the least bit. I think Marzzochi is probably the best fork out there but this fork competes well against Rock Shox and I think it beats any Manitou. Its construction is quite durable. Buy it used, they are pricey for $499.00. I got mine for $250.00 and that makes them worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
----------
a Weekend Warrior
from washington
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Saint Ed's state park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | plusher than any air fork i've ever ridden, reasonably long travel, dosent bottom out | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox sid 100 | | Bike Setup: | K2 Attack 4.0 | | Bottom Line: | good fork to freeride, dosen't bottom out on the landing, even on fair sized table tops and five foot gaps. a lot plusher than sid 100. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl Roberts
a Racer
from Webster, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Lajitas, TX | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Borrowed | | Strengths: | Huge stanchions. Lite-weight. Air fork. Great ride. | | Weaknesses: | No fork-boots. Only in white. Needs lockout. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy C, Manitou Mars 1 w/lockout | | Bike Setup: | DEAN Jester Softtail w/lockout. Full XTR. King Headset. Hutchinson Python Air-lites. Mavic Cross-max (tube version). Thomson Elite Stem/Seatpost. Easton CT-2 Bar. Titec bar-ends. Perf. Pro SL saddle. Avid Cables. Slime-Lite tubes. | | Bottom Line: | This fork has exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the Mars 1 until it decided to take a dump on me. I used my Mars for about 7 months with 2 XC races and one 24 Hour race, then I had to send it back for warranty work. I borrowed this fork to use while the Mars gets fixed. I really think that I would rather ride this fork.
The handling for racing is great. It is plenty rigid, enough so that your sprints are more powerful. The bump absorbing is not exactly like a coil fork, but it really is smooth. It is not a freeride fork by any means, but racing is where this fork plays itself at home.
Overall, this one handles great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | chollo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay (new) | | Strengths: | LIGHT WEIGHT, EASY SETUP, STRONG AND RIGID FEEL. FIRM!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | SID, JUDY | | Bike Setup: | K2 4000, MANGURA, SYNCROS, XTR | | Bottom Line: | THIS FORK IS GREAT. THEY HAVE EASY SET UP FOR ANYBODY. IT MAY NOT HAVE AS MUCH TRAVEL AS THE DOWNHILLERS BUT WORKS PERFECT. HAS A VERY FIRM FEEL. THE BEST LIGHT FORK I'VE SEEN WITH A GOOD COMPANY TO BACK IT UP. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian I.
a Racer
from Vail, CO
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Sports Outlet | | Strengths: | Stiff and Light. Plush, fully adjustable, suspension action. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Atom Bomb, Anti Gravity, Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight. | | Bottom Line: | I swaped out a SID 80 mm XC for this fork. Thank god! The Rock Shox SID is a noodle. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone over 135 lbs.
This fork has treated me very well. It just as stiff as a bomber and much, much lighter. It's also a lot easier to rebuild. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jussi Lehtinen
a Cross Country Rider
from Lahti, Finland
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Alexin pyora | | Strengths: | Stiff and strong, very easy to do a full service. I have been riding very hard and the fork hasn't let me down once! | | Weaknesses: | Sticks if you haven't serviced in a while... It's easy so don't hesitate to do it yourself! | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox, Manitou | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback HT 2000 | | Bottom Line: | Best there is if you want a fork that is easy to service and you want to do it yourself, also very stiff and light. In Finland this fork is quite expensive (about $600) but definately worth every penny! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail Boss
a Racer
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Crestline Cycle | | Strengths: | Lateral Stiffness, Plush, adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Change the grease inside to "Slick Honey" | | Similar Products Used: | Sid XC, Marzocchi Z2 Xfly, Noleen Crosslink Elite | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback with all the upgraded trimmings | | Bottom Line: | Stiffer than a Sid with minimal weight compromise. No stiction if you change the grease to Slick Honey. Who wants to always be so main stream anyway??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from St Louis and Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the mtn bike kind | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | way better than my old manatou spyder, plush and stiff, and, good in all the ways it should be, no stick. | | Weaknesses: | well, i was pumping it up the other day and when i unscrewed the pump, i didnt hear the normal tst, instead i heard a tssssssssssss and the fork had no more air. me thinks my seals are fried, hopefully waranty issue, harded than hell to find a k2 dealer in st louis | | Similar Products Used: | sid SL, rigid (on my old Hardrock) | | Bike Setup: | Razorback RSX | | Bottom Line: | pretty neat shock, i may change my tune when i pick it up from the shop and get my bill though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Homeslice Rude
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, Cally
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Show me one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Simple and light! | | Weaknesses: | Rebound adjustability | | Similar Products Used: | Most | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback | | Bottom Line: | The shock is definitely very stiff and well built. The stiction has been present on mine, but I am sure that will go away with time. I would like more adjustability on the rebound, but with the factory setup, it works fine. It is plush, but not a Marzo....
Fair shock, came with my bike, not a deterent, but not the best bang for the buck if you wanted to purchase one. I would have bought a Z2 atom 80 for the same price.
I will keep it on my bike for as long as it works. Which could be the entire life of my bike.
I give it 5's because it is a great spec'd fork, and it is NOT mainstream. Noleen has been around, and these will only get better...currently, they are just as good as any, totally air sprung/damped setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay landsby
a Weekend Warrior
from miami, fl
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | crandon park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | everything about it....best shock on the market...light, stictionless...nice and hard | | Weaknesses: | simple color | | Similar Products Used: | rock shocks | | Bike Setup: | k2 zed x | | Bottom Line: | the best shock i have ever seen...this has revolutionized florida biking..boooyahhhh!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Domenic Irslinger
a Racer
from Norway
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tecnical stuff | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This fork is great. It is super plush and takes the small bubps very well aswell as the big ones. Very stiff and light! Great rebound! A fork for the serious mountainbikerracer. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | RS indy c, Marzocchi Z3 long travel. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback rsx | | Bottom Line: | K2 Razorback RSX. Noleen suspension, xt and lx Eqipment, titec,race face cranks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a Cross Country Rider
from Northfield, MA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bouncer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I just dont hurt anymore, its amazing; one hell of an uprade from most everything i've tried; light as hell for a quality fork | | Weaknesses: | still feel some small stuff, but its a racing fork and thats to be expected | | Similar Products Used: | Noleen cross-link, K2 smart fork, Marzocchi xc-r, rockshox judy SL, Rockshox quadra 5, atomic, | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed X 2000, stock except for new brakes, tires, and GS 9.0 setup | | Bottom Line: | One awesome shock, i had some air leakage with my first fork, but i give the dealers credit for fixing me up without any trouble. buy this fork, its not even funny. buy the pump for ti as well ($40)-so you can do your own presure adjustments | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hell track | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | plushness, great rebound, huge legs= no flex
light wieght, great support from k2 | | Weaknesses: | none other than plastic caps | | Similar Products Used: | sid 100, sid xc, z.1, judy race, judy 100 k2 smart fork | | Bike Setup: | brass monkey | | Bottom Line: | this fork is great. i work at a bike shop and i always play around with new products. its very plush and if you want a light and flex free fork this is one for you. great price too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Racer
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Morena, Los Robles | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This fork smokes. It tracks straight, flex free, great in the rocks, excellant on drop offs. This fork exceeds my expectations. I put it on my K2 RazorBack (with dual suspension) after using a 1998 Manitou SX TI. No Comparison. The SX is a joke compared to the Mega air. The mega air is silent and smooth and very easy to set up. The RazorBack rides like it should now. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 SX TI, RST Mozo Pro W, Manitou Mach 5 | | Bike Setup: | K2 RazorBack with RPM Wheels, Mythos XC tires, SRAM, grip shift, Easton Carbon bars and setpost, Precision Billet ProShift brakes | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a light (3 lb), flex free fork with a robust and simple design, look no further. The suspension designers at Noleen are right on the mark with this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nacho
a Racer
from Gainesville, Florida
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything out of Florida... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Beefy and light! super plush, and smooth...absolutely no stiction! Very simple design, easy to maintain and adjust | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Z.2 Superfly | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback race bike | | Bottom Line: | Love it! I put this fork on, went for a ride, and it hit me instantly, "This is what a suspension fork should feel like!" I never knew air could be so plush, so stictionless, so strong, and so light. This fork tracks great, and is built simple and durable. Love it...now trying to decide if I want to try it with the long travel kit...oh baby.
Great fork for racing, cake to set up, and a snap to maintain, let me repeat...this is what suspension should be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHip
a Racer
from Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood, Cannon Ball | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great fork, easy to adjust espcailly for someone of my very very low wieght. not complicated to work,ownerns manual sums it up nice and easy. | | Weaknesses: | Seems to loose air quick. not that progressive and had some stichen in the begining | | Similar Products Used: | Sid 100, Bomber Z1 | | Bike Setup: | K2 Disco Monkey, XT/manual disc | | Bottom Line: | When i first orderd this bike from the shop that i worked at i thought that i was goining to have to change the fork rite away because i was under the impresssion that it wasn't goinin to work that good. BOy was i wrong. this fork has over exceeded my expectations of it. for a rider on a budget its great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Norman, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson @ 149th & Anderson rd. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | really strong fork. Does not have the flex of a Sid. It weighs in at 3 pounds. It is fully adjust able all you need is air and a 2.5 mm allen to fully tune and hot rod this shock. It is very responsive and accurate in steering and control. | | Weaknesses: | still only comes in white. Just have to buy Troy Lee sticker kit to dress it up I guess. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy Air, Sid Dual air, and sid hydra air. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed M. Medium all stock except for... XT rear cassette,Xt
bottom Bracket, Onza Stogie bar ends, Ouri grips, Full Carbon fibre seat, Mavic 517's, DT dbl. btd. spokes, DT alloy nipples, and Panaracer fire XC pro's 2.1 in front and 1.8 in rear. Now my bike is weighing in at 24 1/4 Lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from the posting I did in Noleen Air fork.
The fork is still working great. I am totally satisfied with this fork. You can see it on my bike at:
http://home.mmcable.com/ovals/
this is proof that I am not some web surfer who doesn't even own a bike and or posts reviews on products they don't even own.
This is a great shock for the serious enthusiasts to the hard core racers who want light and strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Weekend Warrior
from kansas
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dirty litle secret | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
it likes to see my wels | | Weaknesses: |
it wling aroud good | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shoks indy xc 99 | | Bike Setup: |
GT pantera 98 | | Bottom Line: | good and bad!! ive never tryed them never seen them and never herd of them..... but they got a review of 0 so i had to change that... | | Overall Rating: |
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