Submitted by
Alain
a Racer
from Muenchen, Germany Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Garmish
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Reliable, damping control
Weaknesses:
Weight...
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
Cube Acid, all XT, Magura HS 33 hydraulic brakes.
Bottom Line:
This fork is very reliable under any situation. It never put me in any bad situation although I used it in MTB races (Marathons) accross the Alps in Germany and Austria. Good painting quality. Seals are also perfect and it does not require any maintenance other than normal (cleaning, bit of oil)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
max
a Cross Country Rider
from knoxvegas tn Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
haw ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
cheap light and looks awsome worked great for about 1 year and 1/2
Weaknesses:
flexy after a year of hard riding i noticed the xxx seals had come loose i decided to give it a over haul. i bought a revive kit from rs and added 10 weight oil it worked great for a while. a few months later a blew a cartridge and about the same time the rebound knob started to give out and the top caps seperated from the part that screws in to the top tube!
Similar Products Used:
sx sx-r z-3 z-4
Bike Setup:
P.O.S
Bottom Line:
this fork is awsome....... for about 1 year after that it is a time bomb
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sdf sdf
a Cross Country Rider
from sdfs Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$175.00
Strengths:
Feel and easy of use.
Weaknesses:
none at this time
Similar Products Used:
bomber
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Awsome fork I weigh 200 pounds and have fully tested this thing to what I thought would be the the limit and then beyond that. I have it set to 100mm with 15 weight oil and it works perfect. I decided to test it riding at a 8 inch porch edge. I rode straight at the thing a full speed and without pulling the front off at all. I new that if it didn't work it would throw me off onto my head, but it took the bump right out and didn't bottom hard at all. The bottom line is this is just a stimulating fork and for $149 you would be insane to pass it up. The still have the red ones with alloy steerer at supergo. Buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
rösch
Strengths:
Stiffness, function.
Weaknesses:
Weight.
Similar Products Used:
RS SID98, RSJudy100, RSXL, Marzocchi Atom 80'00 and Race'01, Manitou SX Carbon, Manitou X-Vert Super '01
Bike Setup:
Hot Chili Hardtail, Magura Quick Silver, GripShift, else ShimXT, Mavic 521Ceramic, Thompson seat post, Race Face Stem, Kore Low Riser
Bottom Line:
An update. I 've used it now the last eight month with 80mm travel and w15 oil setup. The Risse Catridge I had intermittently put in flew out againg. This Judy SL is certainly no conspicious fork like the Marzocchi Atom 80. It is rather heavy when compared to the Manitou SX Carbon. But it works well now, it is still in very good condition. The price compares well with the top class forks of Manitou, Marzocchi and Rock Shox itself. So this fork is o.k., then.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dustin
a Racer
from charlottesville, va, us Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
Stock
Strengths:
this is an update to my previous review... pretty long lasting when you abuse it
Weaknesses:
after a year of intense riding, this forks performance has started to decline drastically, see bottom line
Similar Products Used:
judy c, race, marzocchi x-fly, manitou mars
Bike Setup:
trek 8000, xt drive-t w/ lx crank, time pedals, other xt parts, panaracer tires
Bottom Line:
this fork, after about 10 months of use, has started to falter in performance. the bushings are wearing fast, it makes strange noises now. my main problem is that the right cap's adjuster stopped working. i took it off to fix it, and the part that is fitted for the socket wrench separated from the threaded shaft. now i fear that my rebound spring may come flying out of the leg on a right, so i must soon upgrade to a duke sl or a mars comp. 3 chilis overall, as this fork does not last very long
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Submitted by
dustin
a Cross Country Rider
from charlottesville, va, us Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
technical stuff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Factory
Strengths:
its a pretty plush ride, responsive, easily maintained and adjusted
Weaknesses:
dont know- mines springs seem to get out of whack every once in a while, other than that, the weight is the only thing but that doesnt bother too much
this is a really good all around fork. if you like something to abuse and not have to baby, this is your mid-grade fork right here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Ab, Can Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Landslide Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simple Spring/Oil Bath Design, Lots of smooth travel with the proper spring/oil weight set-up
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side with the steel steerer
Similar Products Used:
Manitous, other RS Products
Bike Setup:
2000 Vertex
Bottom Line:
I wish smart-@#$#24 downhillers would stop submitting reviews for XC forks. No Sh@#$t XC forks aren't going to take 5' plunges. Wah Wah Wah, " the damn thing bottomed out when I hucked a 10' set of stairs" Wah Wah Wah. This fork is sweet when set up PROPERLY for the riders weight. Nice travel options, smooth rebound (adjustable) and solid design. No fork covers a rider from 125lbs to 250lbs right out of the box. Give your head a shake. Pick this up, tune it to your ability and weight and you've got yourself a good, responsive shock. For all those other dumb $@$&^*: If you can't afford a DH fork for a DH bike then shut up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Maddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wahkiacus Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Plush, stiff and takes big hits without so much as a wimper
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Mesa, Shimano XT rear der., rock shox judy SL
Bottom Line:
Awsome fork I weigh 200 pounds and have fully tested this thing to what I thought would be the the limit and then beyond that. I have it set to 100mm with 15 weight oil and it works perfect. I decided to test it riding at a 8 inch porch edge. I rode straight at the thing a full speed and without pulling the front off at all. I new that if it didn't work it would throw me off onto my head, but it took the bump right out and didn't bottom hard at all. The bottom line is this is just a stimulating fork and for $149 you would be insane to pass it up. The still have the red ones with alloy steerer at supergo. Buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
I 'ver experimented quite a lot now with different forks and different fork set-ups with the RS Judy SL (see below). The Judy really IS a good fork for the money, but as a rather heavy guy I always had a problem with the poor dampening even with a w15 oil. Both Manitou and Marzocchi are a lot more effective with this respect. Stiff coils are of course mandatory, but the effective dampening is, with my experience, even more important. So I disassembled the thing again, changed the travel on the right side back to 63mm and put a Risse Cattrige and a Coil from an old Judy into the left side. Now the Judy works like it should. I'll put it into my Hot Chili hard tail now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Woody
a Racer
from Clarksville Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.bikesandmoore.com
Strengths:
Good all around fork. Easy to maintain. Responsiveness, stiffness. Easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, RS Mag 21
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Came OEM with my bike. I weigh 185 lbs. and have not had any problems. I bottom out once or twice a ride but have not broken anything. The bike handles well, no complaints, just point and shoot. I have ridden technical single track and XC raced this fork and can't say anything bad about it except I wish it were lighter. May upgrade to a Sid to shave some grams. 4 flamin's due to the 3.9 lb wt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from South Wales, UK Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction (UK)
Strengths:
Looks good, strong, plush, lots of tyre clearence
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Jnr T's, RST 281, Pace R36
Bike Setup:
Yes.
Bottom Line:
An excellent long travel fork at a very good price. Perfect for street, light downhill, duel, jumping. Plenty of clearence for large tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurens
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Cheap -Keeps the front wheel on the ground well -Rather plush
Weaknesses:
-Inconsistent performance -Cheap construction -Useless instructions
Similar Products Used:
Headshocks, Marazochi Bombers, other Rock Shox crap
Bike Setup:
Cube Reaction, Shiamano XT, Magura Louise, Black Spire Chainrings
Bottom Line:
This shock has really failed me. I have been riding with the Judy SL for a mere three months, preforming proper mainteniance and the because of weak construction I have bent the fork so that the wheel is misalligned meaning my front disk brake is useless. Often the shock rides well enough, but other times it really feels as though its only got 30 mm of travel. Basically a peice of crap, buy something better, and with the Judy SL's hefty weight it shouldn't be hard to find something that preforms better and is more durable and is lighter. No more Rock Shox for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ray ebc
a
from berkeley, ca Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
michaels bicycles
Strengths:
rebound, sealing, soft
Weaknesses:
weight, looks
Similar Products Used:
White bros dh4, jett xc, z1 alloy,
Bike Setup:
rocky mtn hammer race
Bottom Line:
this fork is great. I like it alot because it is really soft and dirt has to try really hard to get in. I set it up so its just plush enough to take the wicked stuff, but doesnt bottom out like bombers. It's a little portly (4 lbs) but that's ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville,TN,USA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
From friend
Strengths:
Plush and dependable ... once modified.
Weaknesses:
Flexy, not terribly good stock.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX, 3 generations of Judys, AMP F3 XC
Bike Setup:
99 Jamis Dragon
Bottom Line:
These forks are defenitely not worth the money retail out of the box, but once modified, they start to become excellent forks. I am currently running a hydracoil damper in the left leg, 80 mm dummy rod in the right, Eibach springs, Mountainspeed speedseals (great!) and have oilbathed the dry leg. All that and liberal amounts of Englund slick honey have made this mediocre fork perfect for me. It is very plush and other than regular maint. , it has been worry free. Sure, it isn't terribly light, but I dont want to fuss with air sprung forks, and oil/spring is always far superior in performance. I suggest this fork to anyone who finds a great deal on one, as retail is far too pricey. You can eventually make a wonderfully plush, responsive fork. The array of aftermarket parts for these is mind boggling. Those obsessed with weight, or those who need insane amounts of travel look elsewhere, as this fork is too heavy for gram counters, and too flexy for serious DH/jumping type riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fat and 40
a Weekend Warrior
from Herndon, VA USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Difficult Run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Plush, adjustable travel, boots and wipers actually keep dirt out. Low maintenance, just oil the wipers every couple of rides.
Weaknesses:
Springs were making a clanging sound against the inside of the stantions. Yellowish orange color took getting used to. Rebound adjuster doesn't do much.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX, 98 Rockshox Indy XC
Bike Setup:
98 Hoo Koo Ekoo, XT derailleurs, hubs and cassette, Ritchey Rock Pro rims, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, Hell Bent riser bar. WTB saddle with Ti rails. Rockshox seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, to remove that clanging noise, I wrapped the springs with Saran wrap, this was a suggestion by Rockshox tech support. I think the springs should of had rubber sleeves in the middle, like some of their springs do. A lot nicer than a MCU spring combo, especially in winter time. I don't have to mess with it much. I reduced the travel to 80 mm, 100 mm was a little tall for uphill. Since I weigh 193 lbs, the original setup was a little soft. So, I changed the oil to 10 weight and now it's perfect, no need for stiffer springs (no it doesn't bottom out). In combination with the Rockshox seatpost,my back and wrists no longer get tired. I think this fork was a good choice; not as much maintenance as air forks and once you feel the ride improvement, you don't mind the weight. I give it a rating of four for the Saran wrap issue, but still give it a 5 for overall rating. By the way, Supergo tech support never did return my email about the clanging noise (ya get what you pay for).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milan
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very plush. Soaks up a lot. Great price! I also think it looks pretty cool too!
Weaknesses:
I think they could have made it even lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Jett C and Jett T2 and Judy C
Bike Setup:
1999 Raleigh M-80 with nothing stock but rims and derailleurs.
Bottom Line:
This fork is GREAT! I got it for $179 at Supergo and I think its well worth the money. I was originally going to get the XC but when I found this on supergo and saw it was .5 pounds lighter I ordered myself one right away. This thing is great for jumping or street riding. This shock soaks up almost everything and even makes riding on the sidewalk more confortable. I would give it 6 falming piles of crap if I could!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
klauser andreas
a Cross Country Rider
from munich Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff, plush, adjustable travel and dampending
Weaknesses:
for xc, rather heavy
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bomter Atom 80
Bike Setup:
Hot Chili Zymotic II Hard Tail, XT/XTR, Mavic 521 Ceramic
Bottom Line:
At first, stiffer coils were not available here in Germany. The standard setup was definitely too soft for my weight (220lbs). So I changed the fork to 100mm travel and used the siff coils from a 99 Judy 100. Now I 've got the stiff coils for the Judy SL 2000. The set-up now is 80mm travel with the heavy coils. I ' ve filled in a more viscous dampening oil, too. The function is now perfect. It is soft enough for the smaller bumps, and strong enough to allow hard riding; it never bottoms out now. You pay with 400g of extra weight in comparison with an air fork, though. The price is o.k.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Shullo
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bull Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Well made, very plush. Easy to adjust. looks great.
Weaknesses:
not stiff enough for a heavy rider (230). "pumps" when I am out of the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mach V. Was great until the local bike shop"mechanic" serviced it with oil and ruined it.
Bike Setup:
Trek 930. Upgraded everthing.
Bottom Line:
Good value from SuperGo at $179.The stock SL it is not stiff enough for a big rider. I plan to either add stiffer springs or heavier oil to correct the "pumping problem". All of the external adjustments are not adequate to correct the problem. With these changes it should be great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike B
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Feels great. Plush.
Weaknesses:
Orange/Yellow colour is hideous. Steerer tube makes it heavy.
Bike Setup:
'99 Haro Escape 7.2 SPD pedals. modified handle bar.
Bottom Line:
The Judy SL is awesome. I had a Rock Shok Jett C which I hated and now with this I am in love. It is so plush. It eats up roots and rocks like I never could imagine. It is extremely adjustable from 63-100mm of travel. The rebound adjuster at the base of the shock is great. It took me a couple of rides to get it right. Could be lighter, but my bike isn't that light to begin with so I'm not really complaining. I've heard about people replacing the steerer with an aluminum one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Jim Thorpe, PA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
as long as it's rockin'
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
structurally rigid, plush ride
Weaknesses:
ugly graphics, a little softly sprung for my 165 lbs
Similar Products Used:
Quad 21R, sh*tty DuoTrak, '98 Judy XCs, Indy XC
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Comp FS
Bottom Line:
These forks are definitely worth the $180 I paid for them at Supergo...I'd buy these for a lot more than that. Better than XCs and a hell of a lot cheaper (OEM buyout, or something like that). They are very structurally rigid (e.g. they track extremely well w/ no brake rub), so you can run a soft spring setting for good ride quality and still maintain sharp handling. Rides nicely over the small stuff, but takes the big hits in stride. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from ohio Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Milaca, Minnesota
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I am very impressed by this fork. It is the first shock I have owned (I have ridden many). Travel is a little soft, but I was able to get it stiff enough by cranking up the adjusters (I weight about 155). Travel is smooth, it takes everything from big hits to washboard without trouble. Best of all, it hasn't broken on me after a few rides (I have trashed every part imaginable). Best of all, you can get all this for $179 from Supergo. A killer deal.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy (compared to a rigid), but that's to be expected.
Gary Fisher x-caliber steel frame (reynolds 853), lx/sun 0 degree lite wheels, xt 5 arm cranks, xt rear der, tektro quartz brakes, judy sl
Bottom Line:
A great fork for a great price. Lots of travel, plenty of stiffness, durable (time will tell for sure), cheap. If you are looking for an affordable fork but beat on your bike, this is a good buy. It's not a SID or a Mars, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Galaviz
a Weekend Warrior
from Shelton, WA, USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Capitol Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The fork is great, I also picked it up for $179, and I am most pleased. It soaked up all the chaos I could give it.
Weaknesses:
I still am unsure of how to fine tune the sucker, but it seems to be doing fine anyways. The rebound udjustment knobs have sharp edges, and yes the fork boots are nasty looking.
Similar Products Used:
RST 318, Manitou 4
Bike Setup:
Aluminum hardtail, LX, cheap wheels.
Bottom Line:
If you need a fork buy this, if you need to make a fashion statement buy something that costs $400.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very plush, Cool colours. adjustable travel
Weaknesses:
heavy bottoms out easily even on stiffest setting
Similar Products Used:
rs jett c
Bike Setup:
97 voodoo erzulie
Bottom Line:
The judy is very plush and a sweet ride i got it for $179 at www.supergo.com they got lots a stuff for cheap there so go there!! The fork boots are kinda ugly but it dont matter cuase it feels so nice. This is not meant for straping on a piece of crap bike that your gonna ride in the city ya gotta use this thing on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hjalmar Bengtsson
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Kick-as fork for kick-as people! I like this fork already! And VERY cheap! Not as that expensive as the Judy XC ´99, but cooler, better and all that..!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Silver
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lago di Garda in Italy
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Butter Smooth Reaction A lot of suspension 63-80-100mm Not too heavy Stiff enough for disc brakes Adjustability
Weaknesses:
To change the suspension rate you have to overhaul it completely, opening up and stuff. It can not be done on the fly. Plastic adjust caps.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Rock Shox Mag 21 Rock Shox Quadra
Bike Setup:
GT Bravado LE GTX III Tubing /Hugi-Mavic wheelset / XT group /Ritchey steer-stem-seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is a great suspension to rock the trails with a lot of suspension for a good price! The make is also solid.
It takes every bump you can ride. Just Try it and this will probably end up with bying it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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