Stiff 32mm tapered wall steel upper tubes mated to U-Turn or Solo Air make Tora the perfect choice for today’s high value All Mountain bikes.
Key Features:
-Stout new chassis design, travel up to 130mm
-Weight saving tapered wall 4130 steel upper tubes
-Disc specific or bossed lower leg options
-Forged 6061 hollow aluminum crown
-Solo Air and U-Turn coil spring options
-Motion Control Damping (318)
-Compatible with all PopLocs
-External rebound adjustment
Submitted by
cornt1989
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: October 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Asbury Woods Erie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Travel. Rebound speed.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Bike Setup:
KHS Tucson 29er
Bottom Line:
This is my first shock and I've but it through some abuse in the since day one. I have to say that I had to send my shock to SRAM to get all the innerds replaced because the rebound nob was leaking like crazy. I think this is related to an issue posted by an earlier reviewer, but no matter, it was under warranty. I'm running mine at 160psi and love it! It absorbs everything just great, is quiet, and gives me no concerns. After getting it back from SRAM, it's been perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumperd789hiller
a Weekend Warrior
from vic Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
none selected
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
soft and reacts to small bumps. change 85-130mm travel.
Weaknesses:
i have a had these produdcts for around a year and they just keep bottoming out on me and yes i have adjusted it but its either to soft or to hard. i went down a jump with 130 travel and they blow out so now i havnt ridden my bike for two months.
Similar Products Used:
? dont really know
Bike Setup:
giant talon modified
Bottom Line:
yes they are good but you really have to fiddle arund with them. if you dont have them to the correct setting your stuffed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iforgotmename
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: March 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
I know that I have only used the fork for a short time....but Iam liking it so far. My model has compression adjust pre load and rebound. The adjustments arenice just wish I had u turn...but what do you want for 65 shipped. This is my first nice fork and is leaps and bounds above my last one.
Bike Setup:
Hard tail 9 speed frankenstein. Shimano tiagra drivetrain XT shifters LX derailleurs with mavic hoops and hubs
Bottom Line:
If you don't have a lot of extra cash this seems to be a great value and nice fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonnyl
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good placement of lockout control; low maintenance. Takes a beating and performs well.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, noisy - doesn't instill sense of high quality build. Something or things inside the fork jiggle around making it sound cheap.
Similar Products Used:
Z-Pro Hair Dryer with Titanium Ion Cool Breeze Max Button
Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized XC Comp
Bottom Line:
I was informed by my bike dealer that Rock Shox got a bad batch of Toras from wherever they're made (China, Taiwan?) Apparently their oil supplier started using a different type of oil in the shocks and didn't tell Rock Shox. The oil isn't compatible with the O-rings and eventually causes the rebound knob to leak, and the lockout to fail. This happened to my Toras. My dealer re-built the shock with new O-rings and the right type of oil - problem solved.
This shock is a great value. It will do the job, it's just not as light as a more expensive shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jackooro
a Downhiller
from devon Date Reviewed: February 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
my downhill track in garden
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
merlin cycles
Strengths:
great looking(mine are white) cheap and very good i use mine for downhill and they are awesome but because i do it on hardtail they also dj and xc excellent bang for the buck cant fault them really
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
my old forks xcm suntours which are crap
Bike Setup:
dh hardtail wich i a working progress
Bottom Line:
buy if your strapped for cash like me and most other people and if you want an excellent fork that can go on all day and still take more and that130mm of travel will just bounce over tings set up correctly so get and buy them and if you dont your dumb
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blameitonus
a Racer
from Middleton WI USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Quarry Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Bike and Spor
Strengths:
Adjusability, motion control, travel, Stanchions and price.
Weaknesses:
Weight.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Dart Series
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90 '04
Bottom Line:
Handels 95% of what i throw at it. is 500$ more really worth that extra 5%?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Confused_Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset, UK Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008
Stunning forks, they are an amazing upgrade on top of the old "insync" forks i had previouslly.
I just love the travel adjustment and the lockout is so helpful for hillclimbing or on the road.
The only thing i can think lets them down is the v-brake mounts which if your using disk brakes they're useless and just look ugly.
BUY BUY BUY, Bargin forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
GC - North Rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
K2 Lithium Package
Strengths:
Comfortable ride and all the necessary adjustments to tune it in.
Weaknesses:
Forks separated after ~10 rides. Top section blew (literally) apart while riding. SRAM honored the warranty via the retailer and rebuilt the shocks. Looks like the only reused section was the lowers. The upper, stem and guts were replaced. Good thing as I was nervous about them rebuilding such an unusual failure. Purchased the bike from REI and they did a GREAT job handling the warranty and the installation.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Lithium 4.0 - From REI
Bottom Line:
I can't find any other history or incidents of this fork failing like it did. I fact I couldn't find any failures noted on MTBR or through friends & shops. I'm sure there are better forks out there but this seems to get a lot of cudo's. This failure seems to be a fluke. I'll follow up if I have any more issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Dial
a Racer
from B'Ville, WV Date Reviewed: December 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
B'Ville Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
John's Cyclery
Strengths:
Stiff, soaks up just about anything once you get it tuned to your liking, which doesn't take but a few rides. Excellent price for a quality air fork with lots of adjustability. Dampening works great.
Weaknesses:
DO NOT SPRAY with water hose. It washes any lube off and you will blow a seal. I would say that all these people with this problem have done so. Although, Rockshox will fix it at no cost. I don't guess that's a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Comparable to any mid grade Fox fork.
Bike Setup:
Fuji, Mt. Fuji SL, BB7 brakes, Deore XT wheelset
Bottom Line:
This is a great for if you know how to take care of a fork. Do you powerspray your other forks? You shouldn't. Don't do that to this one. Keep it lubed and it will treat you wonderfully. I love it. I have no complaints at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach Whitmore
a Weekend Warrior
from Lutz, Fl, Hillsborough Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, NC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Olivers cycle Sports
Strengths:
This fork is sweet, I have banged on it in every kinda way and it keeps riding like brand new. It is stiff, Plush, and smooth. All functions work as new despite the miles and abuse it has taken.
Weaknesses:
cant find any
Similar Products Used:
Bomber, many other rock shox, cannondale headshox, lefty
Bike Setup:
Cannondale hardtail
Bottom Line:
This fork is great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Riley
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Nobel Canyon Loop Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
California Bicycles
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
I had same exact experience as posted by the rider in his October 2007 comments.....no dampening even when adjustment knob was set all the way to tortoise=rebound like a trampoline. Did not hold air very well. I just ride this to my middle schooll each day and do jumps off of curbs and that is it. After 11-months on my G/Fisher HKEK, I hopped a 6" bump on a downhill section of an asphalt bike path and the whole lower part of the fork BLEW OUT of the upper part--the fork was in 2 pieces. I was going fairly fast and "supermanned" the asphalt pretty hard leaving deep gashes & blood on both wrists, both elbows, both knees, shoulder and my stomach. I should not have to even worry that these could EVEN come apart.
Bike Setup:
2006 Gary Fisher HooKooEeeKoo
Bottom Line:
I should not have to even worry that these could EVEN come apart. My bike store took care of everything without question and RockShox replaced it with an upgraded shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
eBay (Bob's Bikes)
Strengths:
Affordable, big stanchions, classy looks, strength & durability, lightweight
Weaknesses:
Flat black finish sure to look terrible in a few weeks, solo air
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy J1, Manitou Answer
Bike Setup:
2006 Iron Horse Maverick Team
Bottom Line:
The Tora 318 is a solid upgrade for a weekend rider. If you rider recreationally or just some light XC, the Tora 318 is a smart choice.
It is relatively light but still beefy, meaning you won't tire yourself from a bulky fork. It has up to 130mm of travel, so if you are out on a punishing trail it can take it.
The fork looks nice too, but I'm fairly certain the flat-black finish will scuff up quickly.
Overall, the Tora 318 is an affordable fork for light riding. I certainly wouldn't use this for any sort of crazy downhill stuff, but it is a good blend of durability, light weight, and performance. They're on eBay for about $250 brand new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott costello
a
from esussex england Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007
07 GIANT rincon upgraded the J1 to the tora 318 u-turn
Bottom Line:
cheap, I have had no problems using it for: downhilling, XC, allmountain, dirt jumps, and drops
the fork does not bounce around when you ride but is so nice on drops(especially!!) and rooty sections.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neville Cragg
a Downhiller
from Cape Town Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
neville.cragg@telkomsa.net
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on new Bike
Strengths:
Fairly plush, Poploc, Adjusters work well. Holds air.
Weaknesses:
None for the use it was meant for...
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi 66VF, Rock Shox Judy, Rock Shox Reba.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign,Stock.
Bottom Line:
This fork was worked well from day one, it didn't really handle drops and jumps the way I needed it to, I kept bottoming it out, and for that I've upgraded to the 66 when I DH,But this fork wasn't meant to be jumped. I mostly ride single track with loads of rocks and roots, and the Tora coped better than expected, Holds air, I can set and forget. I've since put is on my wife's bike and run it really low pressure. It's really helped her riding and tracks well over the singletrack, giving her way more confidence. I haven't had a days trouble with this fork in a year's riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Walton on Thames, UK Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks nice and appears to have lots of adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Mine failed after only 9 months and 90% light trail/road riding 10% singletrack/mild downhill.
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant XTC Lx
Bottom Line:
Look good, but I have serious doubts about reliability having the forks blow a seal recently for no apparent reason.
If I was a proper weekend warrior and giving the forks a hammering every weekend for the last 9 months, I'd expect to need to service them. However, I dont' ride that regularly, and when I do it's not usually hardcore stuff - occasionally do the odd biking weekend with some friends, but that's about it.
Not all that cheap at £189 - there are plenty of other options available from other manufacturers such as Marzocchi & Manitou.......which I am seriously considering if the new set I'll hopefully get under warranty go the same way.
Think you are paying for the name to be honest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton, GA US and A Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OutSpokin Bikes
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
Everything else
Similar Products Used:
Fox
Bottom Line:
Used the shock two months and the dampening blows out, nothing but a spring. I finish the ride and the lockout, which does not really lock out, breaks inside.
May be good for first timers, but I would never specifically purchase this shock. It came on my Specialized.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastern WA, US Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
stiff, reasonably plush, handles a heavy rider fine
Weaknesses:
Heavy, relatively limited adjustability
Bike Setup:
Fisher Cobia
Bottom Line:
This is a much better fork than I expected to find on a $900 bike. It tracks as accurately as a rigid fork and soaks up big (by my standards) and small hits well. Contrary to what others have said, my lockout works fine. Either these forks really do need break-in, or the quality is inconsistent.
Buy this fork if you want a good cheapish 29er fork and don't care too much about weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diogo Magalhães
a Cross Country Rider
from Lisboa Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Arrábida
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Very good overall, its maintence its really easy and takes a hell of a punch every once in a while whithout ending up with jiggly pieces inside the tubes hehe.
Weaknesses:
The only 2 defects i could find were both located at the spring, first of all on the middle of the spring there is this cheap ugly piece of plastic used to prevent the spring from bouncing against the tube but that plastic thing keeps sliding down whenever you make a more intensive bumpie ride, second,the pressure you have to put on the spring through the preload "buton" (dont know what to call it)must be applyed very offen, may be even in the middle of the ride, wich may come as an ugly surprise while coming down a roots full downhill path.
Bottom Line:
I love the Shocks great price for this, the problems i refered can be solved easly but its a bit anoying. If you want some exelent shocks for some heavy rides for a low cost, take it.If you are just starting out you may find it expensive but believe me it will be a solid investment cause you wont find as better for as low price. If you only take a few bumpie roads and get a bit of mud this is a bit 2 much since you will pass just fine with a J2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark pent
a Cross Country Rider
from bonita, CA usa Date Reviewed: February 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Laguna
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
On 2006 K2 Lithium
Strengths:
nada
Weaknesses:
air seals blow out with any pressure over 90 lbs. SRAM is impossible to contact for warranty. Sure they give you a 2 year warranty...try to use it!!!
Similar Products Used:
Marzzocchi
Bike Setup:
Replaced hydrologies with BB7s. Replaced whatever shifters that came with XTR
Bottom Line:
OK, I ride easy, often and long. RocK shock rear shock losing air prevented me from using bike for two months. Got that fixed at REI. Good thing I held onto my Bianchi. So I've used the bike maybe five times. No falls. No jumps. No bumps over 3 inches. Now the worthless Tora front shocks won't keep the air in. Why does everything that SRAM touches turn to crapola?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, UK Date Reviewed: February 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
(price in gbp)
Strengths:
Near enough everything
Weaknesses:
nothing major
Similar Products Used:
Really old marzocchi bombers
Bike Setup:
Solo Air, Remote Lockout
Bottom Line:
Excellent forks, i tried a few others in the shop that were around my price range where i was instantly drawn to this particular fork, and walked home with a rockshox box about half an hour later. i would definately recommend them to anyone looking to upgrade their bike around this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Irwan -
a Cross Country Rider
from Jakarta, Indonesia Date Reviewed: January 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
West Java, Indonesia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Indonesia
Strengths:
It looks good and very comfort for your elbow
Weaknesses:
Heavier?
Similar Products Used:
RST Gila
Bike Setup:
Amoeba Hussar
Bottom Line:
It is a great shock for XC Rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ton
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
it looks good and is great value for an all air fork. You'll probably need the guarantee.
Weaknesses:
it's seems fragile. During an average xc-ride the left air chamber exploded! No one got hurt but the fork needed to be fixed.
Bike Setup:
Cube LTD team (check out www.bike2build.com)
Bottom Line:
if you don't mind being careful (meaning using your breaks more than necessary) or going to the repair shop this is an excellent fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a
from auburn Me/plymouth NH Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
rainbow bicycle
Strengths:
warrantee
Weaknesses:
no dampening even when adjustment knob was set all the way to tortoise=rebound like a trampoline. on 3rd ride i blew out most of the air on a ~1 foot drop. after i put more air in no new issues came up, but it still felt crappy and didn't perform consistantly. on maybe my 8th ride on the hoo koo e koo, i got up on the back wheel to hop a water bar while descending an easy section of trail, and the whole lower part of the fork BLEW OUT of the upper part--the fork was in 2 pieces. i was going fairly fast and ate it pretty hard ( stretched ligaments in left thumb & sprained wrist, did something bad to shoulder) a frind helped me bash the lower part of the fork back into the upper so that i could roll the bike back to the trailhead.
Bike Setup:
came stock on an 06 hoo koo e koo
Bottom Line:
this fork tried to kill me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Dever
a Racer
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush, relatively light, can be changed from 100 to 130mm travel, motion control, price
Weaknesses:
None really
Bike Setup:
banshee scirocco
Bottom Line:
We you really have to compare this product to other products in the same price range. If you do that you will realise that it is the best, no questions asked. I have used this fork in xc races at 100mm and have done a few downhill runs with it at 130mm. It is fantastic! The feel is great giving you a great range of travel without bottoming out. Very plush for an air fork. The motion control is also great but i dont really use it. But on the road it is a great help and is basically locked out. I dont know how much abuse it could take, but it has taken 3 months from me! I am now upgrading to a lighter and stronger fork, fox vanilla, however they are nearly double the price, probably not twice as goo though!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Man Rom
a Weekend Warrior
from UKR Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Its great for extreme XS and light freeride ( äóæå êëàñíî ï³äõîäèòü äëÿ åêñòðåìàëüíîãî êàòàííÿ ïî ë³ñó, ãîðàì ³ò.ï.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorian ruiz
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
timberline, brianhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
the bike shop, nv
Strengths:
very dependable, took a great beatin, never bottomed out and the remote lockout works great, now I'm spoiled
Weaknesses:
none so far, the only prob I've had was it takes about 3 miles of riding before the remote lockout works
Similar Products Used:
manitou, judy,
Bike Setup:
trek fuel 70 , with toura 318, and pearl 3.1 rear shock
Bottom Line:
The front fork handles everything I've thrown at it so far, from big boulders to nasty roots, the lockout is awesome when I need to climb and pedal , for the price it is so worth it , I would recommend this front fork to anyone who does hard riding or just goes out for a cruise, it's also stiff enough so It handles real well around those technical rides, definitely a good buy..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whaka forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
on line auction
Strengths:
sturdy, well made, lockout, adjstable. Easy to work on.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjustor nob fell off.Lucky to find it.Now ride with it in a bag. Need care setting up poploc.
Similar Products Used:
Just older shocks. Judy TT, manitou magnum. No fair comparison
Bike Setup:
Old 99 FSR comp. Pretty stock. just hydro disks added and decent rims.
Bottom Line:
Nice shock. Very adjustable. As a basic XC rider and some jumps (small) and lots of technical up/downhill its a perfect compromise. Probably a bit heavy for purist but with lockout it climbs well. Only issue is the incorporated rebound adjustor tool (which is a nob with attached allen key fitting into the actual adjustor) falls out. Suggest taking if off and store separately. ALso, the poploc at first wasnt great. Reason was the remote does not have enough pull to fully lockout so you need to advance the blue nob a bit while tightening the cable into it. A bit tricky but once set up the remote will fully advance the compression adjuster and the lockout works really well. Value rating is for $140 US 2 rides old so not really relevant for buying new
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mervs
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Banos, Laguna, RP Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
los banos and bataan trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$202.00
Purchased At:
king's bike shop
Strengths:
This is for the Tora 318 U-Turn. Product strength lies mainly on the fork's chockful of features including adjustable travel,compression, rebound plus remote lockout (poplock)which comes in handy for extended climbs and flat land riding. Versatile, robust, plush and sturdy. The Motion Control thingy seems to actually work. Truly an excellent trail worthy fork that comes at a bargain price.
Weaknesses:
The definition of all mountain nowadays (more on moderate drops and other aggressive antics) will limit the capabilities of this fork.It is mainly an all around trail fork but may not be suited for big hit stuff (leave it to the Pike?)or racing (you got the Reba for that)
One glaring weakness is the rebound adjustment design which consist of a removable knob which falls off easily (twas a good thing i was able to haggle for a replacement)
No travel gradients unlike the higher end Recons/Revelations etc. but not too big a deal since i rarely find reasons to use the U-turn.
Too soft for small/moderate drops ( i feel i might bottom out the thing; but then it's not designed for this)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Drop-Off, MZ-Comp,
Bike Setup:
Giant Warp all mountain/aggressive trail bike set-up
Bottom Line:
As tired and cliched as it sounds i'd have to say that this fork fully illustrates and actualizes the "best bang for the buck" pitch. The Tora 318 is perhaps the best fork in its class and price range. Its closest competitors from Fox, Zokes and Manitou are much more expensive, not to mention less features/adjustability to offer.
It is a true trail fork though it may not measure up to the rigors of the "all-mountain" forks brandished nowadays which are bordering on the extreme end of the spectrum.
Riding technical trails have never been this sweet and on climbs i have truly experienced the benefits of the remote lock out. i found little need to use the adjustable travel.
In spite of its minor weaknesses (poor rebound adjustment design, a bit heavy, no frills looks) i would dare say that the Tora is one of the best mountain bike forks on the market today (regardless of its price and lower class pedigree)
I love this fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
This fork is good. This fork is great. This fork is a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BLOPA
a Weekend Warrior
from BUENOS AIRES Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
robust. poploc remote works.works well at any condition
Weaknesses:
heavier?
Similar Products Used:
suntour, spiner talon
Bottom Line:
very very good fork. quality, design and very easy to set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick clayton
a Weekend Warrior
from london, united kingdom Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
merlin cycles
Strengths:
travel adjustability (internal though) remote poploc general adjustability/tuning capabilities
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
psylo xc u-turn, magura vidar, zocchi zi drop off
Bike Setup:
custom specc'd rock lobster hardtail
Bottom Line:
very good so far, general tune-ability great, smooth once worn in, travel easily adjusted, poploc superb for climbing and road/street use. these are a definate improvement on my first experience of rockshox (psylo u-turns), and excellent for price range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail, Snowdonia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Excellent value for money
Weaknesses:
I felt RockShox were slightly dishonest in their Service Guide as there is a small plastic sleeve which fails easily and is unreplacable but they don't warn you of this!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Six (2004)
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 3 (2004)
Bottom Line:
This was my first modification to my bike and made massive amounts of difference. The forks are simply excellent value for money and work extremely well. They are an inexpensive way to get up to 130mm of plush travel on any bike. Whilst riding I accidently left the pop lock on and hit a big bump, breaking the locking mechanism. I took them apart and they broke further, despite me following the service guide to the letter! This I felt was dishonest on the part of Rock Shox but the lesson learnt is that if they ever go wrong then GET A DEALER TO SERVICE THEM!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I have this fork broken in and I really know the limits. The fork never seems to disappoint me. Never jams up and has a good feel for it. I tend to put more air in it then needed, but I like the feel better. This fork is good, but might want a full lock out and more travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter tan
a Cross Country Rider
from phillipines Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mt.maraat trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
my supplier
Strengths:
its a very robust fork but its light enough for all around use unlike the marzocchis(heavy)very good adjustability,good for the budget doesnt rob the bank
Weaknesses:
none for now, i think the plastic u-turn knob would be its weakness in the future
Similar Products Used:
suntour xcr,rs revelation,rs j2, marz dirt jam.
Bike Setup:
05 moongoose fireball, custom all-mountain setup
Bottom Line:
buy this fork if ur budgeted and doesnt care about weight, there are better forks out there but there none better in its category and price range, its a very versatile fork, buy it, you wont regret it, its very plush and hardly any trace of brake dive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Tofani
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: May 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fort Henry
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Path
Strengths:
adjustable travel and damping, lock out (when u turn of the damping setting)
Weaknesses:
none so far, price is not that cheap, weight factor if u are shaving grams
Similar Products Used:
Insync Grind 323, Rockshox Jett
Bike Setup:
For fun XC, see my other review please
Bottom Line:
well...a notch better than the J series which is baasically the Judy series. I think this repalce the pilot series. everything is nice and plush (ofcourse, it's new) :P I pick this one since for a little more money I have a way much better fork than J series. I don't pick the solo air one since it's more expensive and air forks requires more maintenance and more complicated. pretty light compare to J series but it'll be heavy compare to race forks. It's not comparable to any fork that is over $500. I think I'll got a good value out of this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Silver Spring, Md Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Looks great, sturdily built, lots of adjustability for the price (compression & rebound damping, U-Turn travel adjustment)
Weaknesses:
318 U-Turn version has sticker graphics. Solo Air, which my buddy has on his new GF, are integrated. Travel adjust knob stuck the first time I tried it, but it was an easy fix with a screwdriver.
Bike Setup:
2005 Trek 4500 with some upgrades.
Bottom Line:
This is a great sturdy fork. They mechanics at the LBS definetly said it was a great fork for the price when I had them put it on. I've used this on light trails and street riding mostly. Definetly more plush than the Judy TT that came stock on the bike, but rigid when it needs to be. I definetly see a difference in my climbing performance. Has already taken some rough urban terrain, and my endless bunny hop attempts like a champ. For less than $250, you're not going to find a better fork with these features for the money. A few places on the 'net have it at the ebay price I paid, and the Solo Air version will cost you about $70 more. Go get this fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benny
a
from California Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Great fork, works fantastic! Lockout and motion control are amazing.
Weaknesses:
None so far. It takes a while to wear in.
Similar Products Used:
Judy
Bottom Line:
This fork is great and is worth the money!
Re post below:
The lockout does work, it just needs a wear in period. You will need to ride the fork for about 1 - 2hours offroad. Everything will loosen up and start working.
I had that 'lockout not working' problem aswell. I had to 'warm' the fork up a bit , then i set it on 5min later and its working and its been working ever since. Keep in mind that the lockout still has up to 20mm travel when lockouted out, that is the design it is not supposed to lockout fully.
Great fork, never had a problem at all with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Oakland, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Bay Area Bikes, Oakland, CA
Weaknesses:
Lock-out not working so far (first ride).
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Cobia 29"
Bottom Line:
This is my first experience owning a bike with a front shock. I was excited at the prospect of owning one with a "lock-out" option, so that I may have the freedom to ride it like a rigid, as I have for so many years. Only problem is that it doesn't lock-out. I noticed it as soon as the bike was handed to me at the bike shop. The staff said that it needed to move a little so that the bearings won't blow out. OK. During a steep climb on the first (and only thus far) ride, I noticed the compression/lock-out dial was not being effective at all. So I returned the bike to have the "lock-out" repaired. The shop called about 3 weeks later stating that they returned it to have it replaced and the next one they were sent had the same problem. So now we're waiting for the next (3rd one). I hope RockShox/Gary Fisher works out this kink so that I may eventually be able to positively review this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, NC, US of A Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This shock on my new Fisher HKEK handled great. I say 'handled' because now its broke and I'm having to wait for Rock Shox to warranty replace it. For the first 2 months I really enjoyed the control it gave me on bumpy decents and overall absortion on rocky, rooty sections.
Weaknesses:
Blew out something in the motion control valve section (?) landing off of a small huck, nothing like big freeride jumps. After several trips to the LBS it still locks up on anything bigger than a pebble and rides rigid when you expect cushion. I've tried different rebound settings, more air, less air - all the same. :-(
Similar Products Used:
Judy
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
LBS said this shock is going through some deffects but I've only seen one other review with any problems. I guess mine would still be working great if I hadn't gone off the 1 foot jump.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronnie
a
from Lisbon Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lockout, easy adjustment, shock absorption
Weaknesses:
Broke only after 80 kms
Bottom Line:
I can´t really say good things about this shock since it lasted only 80 km. I seemed like a nice shock but I'm not sure about it lasting too long!!
I'll probably change my opinion once I get a new one, but for now...
Also, rock shock in Portugal is taking too long to fix or replance the shock. Not sure they work too well...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lachlan
a Cross Country Rider
from Melboure, OZ Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock OEM on bike
Strengths:
-Awesome, one word! -Pump up to your prefered PSI! -Lockout! -Motion control is ABsolutley fabulous!
Weaknesses:
Will need about 4-5hours of wear in time, but thats not even a weakness so i guess non so far!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC3 Stock.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line....well. This fork is great value for its money! You will fall in love with lockout/motion control. You can adjust it on the fly, you can also adjust how fast the rebound of the fork is before you ride by just turning the rebound knob! The fork has a floodgate in lockout, so if you do hit a big bump you will receive full travel...this is designed to protect the fork. It looks great, it feels great. It will take a few rides to wear in, and you will need to pump it up 2 - 3 times to begin with, but once it's good, you'll love it!
Great new addition to the RockShox family, much better then the Pilot series it replaced and well worth the ride/money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from SHREVEPORT, LA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM on Fisher Cobia
Strengths:
Absorbs bumps great, no harsh bottoming out. Lots of adjustments and they are easy to use. Lockout works great.
Weaknesses:
Only thing that comes to mind, noisy. But this is my first air shock.
Similar Products Used:
Marzoocchi MZ comp
Bike Setup:
Stock Fisher Cobia
Bottom Line:
This fork is loaded with features found on more expensive forks. It holds my 220 lbs great. The lockout is nice for long climbs or cruising on the street. I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damo
a Weekend Warrior
from Chch. New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Port Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Trade Me for 300NZD
Strengths:
Motion Control. Adjustability. Remote Loc.
Weaknesses:
Nil so far
Similar Products Used:
Spinner Edge, Rock Shox J2
Bottom Line:
Traded in my J2's for these & they made a huge transformation to my bike, especially climbing, before I would try at all costs to stay away from steep climbs, now I welcome them with open arms, just flick the remote & the bike climbs like a mountain goat!! Anyone who has Judy or similar on there bike get rid of them & get these, there cheap enough (like I said I got mine for $180 US on Ebay equivalent) So for value my babies will be gettin 5 Chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lumpy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, WA, US Date Reviewed: October 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good adjustability, smooth ride
Weaknesses:
None at this price point
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Splice, older rock shox Judys
Bike Setup:
06' Rockhopper comp disc. Stock
Bottom Line:
Product reviewed is a Rock Shox Tora 318 solo air. This fork seems much better than other forks in this price range. Fork offers a good deal of adjustibility and some rebound controls that actually work. The motion control is really nice and helps with climbing. Since this is a new model, the durability has to be in question, but the fork seems to be well built. Fork also seems a bit more sturdy than other comparable forks. I think this fork is going to be hard to beat this fork at this price point. Will post in the future on the durability of the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo Carvalho
a Weekend Warrior
from Lisbon, Portugal Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Melides, Portugal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Lucky Bikes
Strengths:
Pop Lock
Weaknesses:
Solo Air
Bottom Line:
So far so good, excellent performance. The Pop Locker is a great tool to climb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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