Submitted by
Agrath
a Cross Country Rider
from North County San Diego Date Reviewed: February 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Basic no frills oil dampened coil. Easy to work on.
Weaknesses:
Limited on-the-fly adjustment. Not DH level burly, but then again it's not supposed to be.
Similar Products Used:
Pretty much every shock made...really.
Bike Setup:
'01 Stumpy FSR XC Disc
Bottom Line:
Came with the Stumpy and after 4+ yrs was considering just getting a new fork but decided to RTFM and see what I could do with this one. Had been originally set at 80mm and I did experience some bottoming out. Re-set spacers to 100mm, used 7wt in the plunger leg (L), 10wt in the damper leg (R). After fine tuning the limited rebound and preload adjusterments for about 5 min I had what I was looking for. And I didn't have to go buy a new fork.
This speaks to a greater issue of riders who are:
1) Mechanically challenged - don't know how to properly dial in a given component/system/bike
2) Lack of riding skill - just because you bought a $4,000 bike, it doesn't mean you know how to ride
I would have to say the kooks who have negatively reviewed this fork fall into one or both of these categories. If you weigh over 200lbs and have the bike jumping skill of a Sumo wrestler, find another sport...it's not the fork or the bike's fault.
4 chilis across the board for delivering the essentials at such a low price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jules whistle
a Racer
from mexico Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Venados in mexico city
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
strong, reliable,tracks down well, does not loose pressure cause it´s a coil shock.
Weaknesses:
maybe the weight if you race
Similar Products Used:
sid sl, indy xc
Bike Setup:
2001 homegrown pro with xt-lx mix, it´s my "regular" mountainbike i use for training and trashing
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that i`ve had this fork since 2001, i´ve never serviced it or anything, and i´ve used it quite extensively, has never malfunctioned, or leaked oil. I just clean the legs every time i ride and put some oil into it, and still works fine, the most reliable fork i`ve ever had, and it´s a guaranteed product that won`t be sipping air in the middle of nowhere, (like it can happen with a bloody air fork).
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Submitted by
Collin
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapols Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Rebound and dampening and top shelf. Light - 3.4lbs Easy to work on
Weaknesses:
Could be stiffer
Similar Products Used:
Fox's 'Zokes
Bike Setup:
chain, wheels, handlebars and a seat
Bottom Line:
I sold this to my friend but the other day riding with him I kinda wanted to check it out again. I took it down some hairy singletrack decents and was amazed! Although my 'Zoke is a bit stiffer, this thing felt great and did it's job perfectly. The guy from the last post must be talking about a '02 since the '01's is only coil/oil. No air! Anyway, put some slick honey on these and let it rip! IF you can find one used or something, make sure it's in good condition and buy it! Great lightweight XC race fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Sun Valley, Idaho Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
City Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
purchased with bike at Bike Farmer
Strengths:
Looks ok
Weaknesses:
Very Bouncy, unable to reduce air pressure enough to stop the bounce. Front end wonders ie. it fails to track a straight line. You have to be content to just find the APPROXIMATE line and keep your balance. Can be a problem for a must-make patch of singletrack with limited options.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SXR
Bike Setup:
Yeti ASR, Fox RL rear, Judy SL junk on front, xt and xtr componentry, Thompson stem and seatpost, mavic rims, avid mech discs
Bottom Line:
Bouncy, flimsy, won't track straight! This is a LOUSY shock! Didn't realize the plain ol Manitou SXR on my previous bike (Klein Attitude) was so good until I got this bike. Wished I'd of known a little more about shocks and I'd have had them switch it out when I bought it for another one. Guess the earlier Judy's were a different shock then the more recent crap. It's pretty bad when they change quality on you within the same models. I'll never even think of Rock Shox again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Clive, IA US Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
everything. Stiff, plush, 4 inches of travel, has never bottomed out, even off a 7 footer, great value, will last forever
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
manitou mars elite, rock shox jett
Bike Setup:
schwinn, lx, race face
Bottom Line:
If your looking for the most reliable, greatest value, smooth and longest lasting fork out there, this is the one to get. Judys never seem to wear out and it still rides like it is just out of the box, even after years of harsh abuse. In my opinion, this is the greatest all around fork out there, with four inches of plush travel, and fairly light weight for a great price. It is the perfect combination of weight, travel, reliability, and value.
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Submitted by
Nikolas
a Weekend Warrior
from Greece Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
cheap,nice looks,nice works,100mmtravel option
Weaknesses:
none(so far)
Similar Products Used:
manitou magnum(no-good)
Bottom Line:
I have the '02 JudySL Air.So far its ok-nothing to cry about.As for the ones who low-rated it maybe its a matter of not paying attension that this is an XC NOT an downhill fork.
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Submitted by
Fritz
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Everything
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi, Manitou
Bike Setup:
Trek 930
Bottom Line:
This fork has little use- you can't eat dinner with it, and you can't ride with it. It's so flexible that it's dangerous, the seals leak oil immediately, the damping cartridge blows out if you ride off of a curb, and even in the first week you use it, before it falls apart, it doesn't have any damping and pogos all over the place. Oh, it doesn't even have as much travel as advertised. This fork deserves -1 chilis- go buy yourself anything but a Rock Shox, save your neck, and be happy.
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Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena,CA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
New old stock...
Strengths:
This fork holds the front wheel away from the frame.
Weaknesses:
It only does it for a few months.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi bombers, several RS & Manitou.
Bike Setup:
Specialized SJ, XT/XTR, Truvativ Stylo cranks...
Bottom Line:
After riding this fork for about 6 months (looking for a cheap replacement after the last RS fork blew), I've noticed several interesting things about this fork. The first interesting thing that I noticed was that the bushing were destroyed after about two months. After replacing the lowers, the forks lasted slightly longer (4 months). Now, the seals and damping cartridge are blown, and the bushings are once more shot.
So not only did this fork literally fall apart several times over the course of but a several months, but when it worked 'properly', it still was a poor fork. It flexed, bottomed out, had terrible rebound damping adjustment, and I never could figure out why they bothered to put the preload adjusters on - it's not as if they really did anything.
Oh wait. One good thing about the fork. Set up for 100mm of travel, it almost got 80. (At 63, it got less than 50, and at 80 got around 65...)
Overall, unless you are looking for a fork that provides replacement parts to another shoddy RS product, I wouldn't purchase this fork.
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Submitted by
fedain
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Rock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Kim's Bike Shop, New Brunswick NJ
Strengths:
Good progressive action. Very confidence-inspiring. Hasn't broken yet and I ride it very hard. I have not even had to service it!
Weaknesses:
The adjustments have no conceivable effect. But it works fine without it (I'm 200lbs)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z4
Bike Setup:
'96 Mongoose Hilltopper SX
Bottom Line:
I don't know why RS gets such a bad rap. This fork in particular has been very good to me. My Z4 gets similar use and it has already had one rebuild after failing utterly, and now the stanchions are becoming separated from the fork tubes and leaking oil. The Judy SL lets me comfortably pursue that line between XC and freeride that I so love! For the price, you can't go wrong. I should have bought two and ditched the Z4.
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Submitted by
judy
a
from calafornia Date Reviewed: June 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great paperweightalso also a great and a affordable way to become a paraplegic
Weaknesses:
i rode this fork for around 9 months and after having it serveced i headed down to a jump park. i went off a small kicker came down and broke the stanction. i was rushed to hospital and i broke my neck. i have never recovered THANKS TO ROCKSHOX FOR THEIR UNBELEIVABLY bad FORKs.
Similar Products Used:
none are as bad as this
Bike Setup:
cannot remember
Bottom Line:
bad fork, bad price and great paperweight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Wethersfield Ct. US of A Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
The color matches the bike. Better than no shock
Weaknesses:
Where to begin. 1.Clangs and bangs like a Dodge truck 2.Flexes like a noodle 3.Adjustments do nothing 4.Bushing slop is rediculas 5.Way under sprung
Similar Products Used:
Various Rock Shok and Manitou products
Bike Setup:
I-Drive 3.0 many up grades
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review. At first this fork was OK at best, but after some saddle time the truth comes out. The sounds this thing makes when climbing will scare off bears.It bottoms out real easy on small impacts. I was riding a long fast flat area and when it came time to slow down I happend to be looking at my front wheel and to my supprise I noticed that the fork would flex 2" back when I hit the brakes!!! Bottoline--If you are over 120# you need a better fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clark
a
from canada Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
great value. reasonably plush and light, great xxx seals.
Weaknesses:
not very adjustable. preload change is noticable, but rebound knob is useless. not very stiff. lots of plastic.
Similar Products Used:
2002 manitou mars super (so sweet)
Bike Setup:
2001 devinci phantom hardtail, deore/lx/xt, avid, titec, etc.
Bottom Line:
this fork was great brand new, but has gracefully deteriorated with time, despite regular maintenance. the xxx seals have been amazing - clean oil every time. a very "noodly" fork (as with all rock shox), scary on technical trails, especially around roots and rocks. quite plush, though not great, especially 2 years later. has travel adjustment possibilities (63-80-100 mm), though it only feels nice for me at 80. 100mm was just way too twisty. rebound adjustment knob is for decoration only apparently - it does absolutely nothing. never did. anyway, buy this if its cheap. or go try a manitou and never go back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Pensa
a Racer
from Atlanta, Ga. USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Atlanta Cycling in Vinings
Strengths:
Can't think of any.
Weaknesses:
Right cylinder leaks oil, even after the inept technician at my bike shop tried to fix it 4 times over the past year. Company weakness is in the only person who has any customer serivce at the company is a guy named Chris, but because their computer systems were messed up, and because my bike shop is a bunch of total tools, it has now taken 2 months to get the shock fixed, and I've been without a bike.
Similar Products Used:
If there is one single thing wrong with this shock when (and if) I ever get it back, I'm going to the Marzocchi Marathon SL.
Bottom Line:
If you live in the Atlanta Area, do NOT go to Atlanta Cycling. They don't listen to special instructions you give them when you're already working with a rep from the company that made your specific component. They, first and foremost, lead to the extreme length of time it took to get my shock fixed by Rock Shox. Go to Freeflite, they know whey they are doing, and I now buy my gear from them. I also bought a great road bike from Freeflite as well. As for the '01 Judy SL. I haven't been satisfied with it since I purchased my Trek 8000, but if Rock Shox fixed this, and the shock performs like it should then I'll be happy. At first I liked it as an Adventure Racer, it's pretty light, but it bottomed out quite a bit on big hits. I've heard great things about the Marzocchi Marathon SL as a GREAT long race/adventure racing fork. I'm very tempted to lay down the cash for one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a
from pennsylvania Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
valley green
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
cheap, good adjustments for the price (rebound, dual preload, internal travel) perfect for novice xc riders.
Weaknesses:
flexy lowers and stanchions, i can bend the fork about 10degrees holding the front wheel against a wall and twisting the bars. the rebound adjuster doesnt do much to begin with, and only turns halfway when the fork is in 100mm setting.
Similar Products Used:
manitou black, judy tt, marzocchi exr
Bike Setup:
trek 6500 with mavic disc wheels, avid discs, sd7 levers, rock ring, aframe pedals, firex pro tires, judy sl
Bottom Line:
perfect fork for intended use. however, DO NOT use this fork if u intend doing anything other than xc. u will weaken the fork and develop MAJOR flex!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coen van Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Schoorl
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Just about everything! Stiff, cool looks, no real maintenance required, just keep the seals lubricated....
Weaknesses:
Weakness? The only weakness it has is that it's so cheap. Because of that people think that its not worthy or sumthing...
Similar Products Used:
01 SID SL, Psylo SL
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC Big Bear, Hope C2 hydraulic discs, SRAM 9.0/7.0, Titec barends, RaceFace steer, RaceFace Prodigy stem/cranks/seatpost/chainwheels, Rigida Taurus 2000 discbrake wheelset, Michelin XL S, Cane Creek Zero-Stack (ZS) headset, RaceFace ISIS-drive bracket, Shimano SPD-M696, Selle Italia Trans-Am...
Bottom Line:
This fork looks like a SID, feels like a Psylo, and is as cheap as a no-namer! What more could you want? I've used this fork for the past 1.5 years and it totally suits my needs. And I am a aggressive cross country rider... Currently i have it dialed in for my needs, i changed the springs to the black ones (heaviest/stiffest) (I almost cant compress my fork pushing on it while standing next to my bike, yet it soaks up everything on the trail including the small bumps), i then dialed the adjuster knobs to about half-way. Rebound adjust? I dont notice much when changing it so i just left it that way. I don't experience any clickin sound (in the beginning i had that problem but i let my LBS change the fork to a good one) so its quiet, smooth as hell, stiffer than bill clinton, and as good lookin as Pamela Anderson. Look, it cant compare to the Psylo, but it definetily is better than the whole %$&$$ SID line for about half the price. Okay ill ride it till it breaks or sumthing (unless i see a Psylo SL like reaaaally cheap) and i will replace it with a Psylo SL, but I now know what RockShox is capable of. If you want a psylo but youre on a budget , definately get these....NOW! GO! RUN! THE SHOP IS ABOUT TO CLOSE!! DONT REST UNTIL YOU GOT EM! Anyways im pretty satisfied with these shocks and i hope they'll continu satisfieing me for a very long time.
Grtz, Coen
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Wethersfield Ct. Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Looks, Travel is adjustable, Rebound and Dampening work well, XXX seals keep the trail gunk out
Weaknesses:
Sprins are to soft for my size (215#)Squishing and pinging sounds while riding make the bike sound like it has asthma.(or is that me?)
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
GT I-Drive 3.0 Avid Speed Dial 5 Brakes, Bontrager stem, Easton straight bars with Titec ends, XT front derailure, Terry Liberator sadle
Bottom Line:
This is a very good fork for light weight sissy boys, its not set up for us fat a$$s. If you are over 180# expect to buy stronger springs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Enrique
a
from China Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Submitted by
max
a Cross Country Rider
from knoxville tn Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
haw ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
light for the money worked good for a long time adjustable rebound
Weaknesses:
clicking noise? i finally blew it and it now has no dampining real flexy
Similar Products Used:
sx-r judy race
Bike Setup:
diamondback pos
Bottom Line:
great for the money but it has its weaknesses i ran mine on 4 in and i weigh 200lb it worked great for 1 1/2 year then i blew it so now i am a proud owner of a fox forx
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SirRobin
a
from Tidewater Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Bullet proof, light for a coil shock, easy to maintain. does so much so well
Weaknesses:
not as stiff as large tube designs
Similar Products Used:
RS SID, Many Manitous
Bike Setup:
ALU hard tail.
Bottom Line:
Shock came stock on my wife's ride, I have had it on my bike while my shock was kaput and pending replacement. she almost didn't get it back. It's plush, reliable, responsive, easy to service, eminantly tunable as long as you know which end of an allen wrench to point at your bike. the caveat; KEEP UP WITH YOUR MAINTENANCE, the few I know who have had a problem blew off the care and feeding of their suspension. Shame they don't make them like this anymore!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mako
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with Bike (Cycleworks)
Strengths:
Low maintenance, Can take some decent hits (within reason)
Weaknesses:
None for this price range. You can get them cheap.
Bottom Line:
This fork came on my bike purchased in 11/2000. It was good then, and I rode about 1500 miles on it without touching it. In the last few months I started riding more aggressively ("cross country" aggressive, not freeriding). Eventually I started to notice oil on the upper tube and soon after that the dreaded "chocking" sound of the fork bottoming out. I sucked it up and spent some time breaking the fork down per RS's instructions. The oil in the right (damping) leg was fouled with water (what oil was left) and some dirt had gotten past the seals. The left leg was fine. I cleaned up the internals and replaced the oil (5wt). I also BTW switched the spacers around to give me 100mm of travel. I was seriously thinking about getting a Duke SL or race since they seem to be a lot of fork for the money. Well, changing that Judy SL to 100mm and replacing the oil has done wonders. It's amazing how much of a difference it made. The moral of the story is service your fork. Even a low maint. Judy needs love once in a while. And while your at it extend the travel. It slacked up the angle on my bike and I decend and jump better, and generally ride faster. Didn't make that much of a difference climbing either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Newman
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
VERY SMOOTH, ADUSTABLE AND LOOKS GOOD
Weaknesses:
SOMTIMES CLICKS ON REBOUND
Similar Products Used:
JUDY XC PSYLO XC,SL
Bike Setup:
DBR XLINK LX GROUPSET MAVIC F519 RIMS RST REAR SHOCK JUDY SLS UP FRONT
Bottom Line:
GOOD FORKS IN EVERY WAY EXEPT FOR THE CLICKING ON REBOUND
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Burnaby, B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Bike Cellar
Strengths:
Great price, great shock,
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Bike Setup:
Kona Hot, XT/DX, mavic rims, and last but not least, the Judy's.
Bottom Line:
Hey great shock, I have not had any noises or failures and I have ridden it fairly hard (for me). It is a great shock for a xc rider it does a nice job of keeping my fillings in my teeth. I am not an overly aggressive rider, I like to ride to keep in shape and to have fun. The North Shore mountains have a variety of trails that can surprise, scare, intimidate and wow you, and generally make your day alot of fun. The Judy's have not given me any reason to be concerned, hitting 25Mph on a single track DH on loose gravel the forks just keep the front wheel glued to the ground, cornering and rolling over everything. When I go down it is because of my own mistakes not the fork having a weakness. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get a good xc fork, and if you live in Vancouver, go get it at The Bike Cellar, I got it installed with V brakes and a new stem and a new head set for under $300.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a Cross Country Rider
from houston texas Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
sounds like it has a little air in the oil chamber. it goes squish but i can live with that.
Similar Products Used:
rockshox jett
Bottom Line:
I don't downhill or drop off my house but for my trail ridding and weekend competition with my friends it is killer. Holds on good in the corners even with simislicks, and coming from that jett trash shock it's like a whole new bike. I recomend it to any normal mtb'er on a budget. It was a blemish that's why it was so cheep but the blemish was some ink on the tube, hair spray took it right off. i also droper about a 1\2 pound and it willies like a croch rocket!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clint
a Racer
from worcester england Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
6waysbanbury
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
colour and looks
Weaknesses:
this product is a danger i have seen 2 pairs (1 mine) that have had a fork leg come away from the crown also you should not just put up with that loud clunking noise it is not supposed to be there therefore doing your fork some serious internal damage just bin these before they blow up please
Similar Products Used:
white bros dc110 marzocchi z1 qr20+
Bike Setup:
kona roast blackspire z1's esp. 9.0 azonic tioga ect.
Bottom Line:
im scared for any1 with these forks please change there not worth the money at all (and thier cheap)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benny
a Weekend Warrior
from Centereach L.I. N.Y. Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
weight,stiffness
Weaknesses:
sticky noisy
Similar Products Used:
judyC quads SXR spider Mach5
Bike Setup:
01 GT avalanche
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike on clearance for a winter beater,the OE judy C worked great but was heavy and twisty. I figured the SL would feel the same only lighter and stiffer.This thing feels as sticky as the Quad 21 that turned me to Manitou seven years ago.Plus the noises just dont sound good! The slight squish from the C didnt make me nervous but the sl creaks and pops.(my SXR makes almost no noise!)The fork does have one up on travel and I wont bash it here until I bash it on some moguls, hopefully it just needs to break in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve stranger
a Racer
from portland Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Size wieght, stranth
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
bomber
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Well I though I would hate this after riding on a Zoke Z3 for over a year, but I have to admit this is a good shock. cough, ahem. No really. So far the ride just seems great... very stiff handling - so its very solid when cornering. Really nice smooth, action when descending that is tunable (somewhat) to suit your style.
So far I have done a few super rocky trails in Moab and in the Front Range (Sourdough any one?) and the Judy SL has soaked up everything I have thrown it at. Handling on twisty singletrack is also excellent.
To be quite honest the Judy SL handles almost as well as a Zoke which is high praise in my book.
Will have to see how much maintenance this thing needs - but so far, so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coen van Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Woodsy Weesp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
very effective...nice looks with my bike.
Weaknesses:
a squicking noise... i hope it goes away just like other reviewers told...
nothing really bad to tell about this shock... exept for the squirking noise it constantly makes.. but i am told that it will go away after some time... It has a nice look and it flattens out the road for me just fine so i have no reason to complain :-) it works just fine for me, no matter what you say.... 2x 4 flamin chilles for the shock cuz there are better shocks available...:-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Kaye
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Az. Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hunters Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
150
Strengths:
low maintenance! Strong, shock travel, smooth, looks, and price.. everything you could want in a shock!
Weaknesses:
pogo sound when it was new.. no shock guards ='s scrathces in the shock
Similar Products Used:
older rock shox products
Bike Setup:
blah blah blah
Bottom Line:
I would have liked better installaiton instructions, but anyone with a brain and minimal mechanical skills should have no problem installing it..
some people have been a little hard on this shock.. its cheap, looks cool and the best part is it works GREAT!! I wasnt thrilled with the "pogostick" sound when climbing when i first got it.. but after a few hundred miles it has since gone away and now I couldnt be happier.. good bang for the buck!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lyamski Gwapo
a Weekend Warrior
from Davao Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
samal island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
1.plush 2.travel 3.price 4.no elastomer (at $200+ price range some manitou forks still uses mcu) 5.looks 6.aluminum steerer 7.no boots (looks good)
Weaknesses:
1.flexy 2.no boots (dirt penetrations)
Similar Products Used:
judy sl 99, jet xc 99
Bike Setup:
blah blah blah...
Bottom Line:
sl 01 out of the box suits my weight very fine though im on the lighter side. the default springs out of the box is for medium weigh riders, but still so active for my weigh.
i would definitely recommend this to light to medium weight hardcore xc riders on a budget, who wants to have an open bath, plush, no elastomer fork.
5 chillies - can't beat the price to performace ratio!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug bailey
a Cross Country Rider
from riverside, ca usa Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
just like to be riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It does what it should, has a good feel, and good looks good.
Weaknesses:
A bit flexy, makes popping sound on rebound, but doesnt affect performance, rebound knob doesnt do much, but the oil inside controls that ok.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi z1, RS indy xc, manitou sxd
Bike Setup:
Schwinn moab mostly stock, fork came with the bike.
Bottom Line:
This is a good fork, but not for real hardcore riding. When this one blows up I will replace it with a Marzocchi z2. Buy it if your an XC rider on a budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from SoCal Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Romero
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
employee purchase
Strengths:
I reset the stack for 100 and it feels super plush. It's a great, super light, all-around fork.
Weaknesses:
It sounds like a pogo stick.
Bike Setup:
01' Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
Get it if: you like a plush XC ride Don't get if: you expect to jump off a clif (or any other ridding that might require more travel) Its built to be strong but its XC race ready so use your own judgement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan
a
from NY Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very light, adjustability, plushy
Weaknesses:
High maintenance
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Jett
Bike Setup:
Mongoose
Bottom Line:
I am pretty happy with the shock. The foam ring between the seal has to be checked periodically. I just changed the oil, make sure you follow the directions to a tee. I mixed oils, half buzzy(10w) and half Rockshox(5w) which gives me 7.5w. The shock responds better and no noisey duck sounds. You do not have to use the Rockshox oil, but I had it on hand. When I took the shock apart,I noticed alot of plastic parts, especially the shim atached to the spring, it almost looked mushroomed. Careful with those plastic top caps, they are pretty scary, that should be a recall item from Rockshox, if those caps ever broke I don't want to guess where the springs are going to end up.This is why I gave the lower value rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
san juan trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
bike usa,san diego
Strengths:
looks (arguably), have not failed yet, soaks up the bumps.
Weaknesses:
looks, a jacked up 'popping' sound when they rebound or when your climbing. SOunds like the coil or something.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox 98 judy xc
Bike Setup:
GT LTS, Shimano XT, Custom GT hubsets (sweet!) and rock shox deluxe rear and Judy SL 01' front.
Bottom Line:
These shocks are admittedly good looking or ugly to start off with. I have bombed down some baby heads with this things w/o a hiccup. They do emit a popping sound that dont exude a lot of confidence but I have been impressed with its bump soakabilityness' (you like that word huh?). Its just that Rock Shox shouldn't be putting out shox that sound like crap. THey've got the tech, use it...
Ive decided to ask my wife for some Marzochi's because I can't stand the popping sound.
They do perform well if you can ignore the popping when you climb. Your friends will always know when your coming, its like wearing a bell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from uk Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
uk
Strengths:
smooth and stiff
Weaknesses:
Sound like they are about to fall apart when compressed. Warranty non existant in the UK.
Similar Products Used:
various rockshox
Bike Setup:
specialized rockhopper fs, full XT.
Bottom Line:
I've had enough of Rockshox. This is another pair of their forks I've bought and not been impressed with. Not a bad attempt this time, but the damper is made of chocolate and costs £60 to replace. Warranty in the UK is not worth the papaer it is written on!! I'm buying Manitou next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin G
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN, US Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pedmont ski trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Can't bottme them out..PERIOD!
Weaknesses:
top caps....
Similar Products Used:
Crappy stock, the Original Scott shocks, Indys
Bike Setup:
LX/XT stuff, This fork, specialized RockhopperFS 98', other stuff
Bottom Line:
Being 205 lbs., I beat this fork to the ground. Fortunatly, they hold up big time. I adjusted the travel to its max (100mm I think), and they started to shine. I suggest doing so yourself. Adjust them once, and forget about them until you need to do some routine work like lubing them up or changing the shock oil. I must say, they're one hell of a shock and they happen to match the red of my rockhopper perfectly (It's like they were meant for eachother). But, Supergo gave me a few probelms. I had to wait until they received a new shipment. So it took about 2 weeks. Oh well, it was worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Littleton, Colorado Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mathew's Winter's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Plush, smooth smooth smooth, stiff, wont bottom out, 63 80 100mm travel options, 100mm is the best evem though it screws with the geometry of my bike, looks awesome without the booties!!!
Weaknesses:
Maybe the intial squek but i like it!
Similar Products Used:
01 Judy XC, 01 Mars
Bike Setup:
Specialized HardRock- a piece
Bottom Line:
AWESOME! Great buy, too bad not on Supergo any more but still well worth the money!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail at Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came stock w. '01 M4 Stumpjumper
Strengths:
Good stiff shock, very smooth action
Weaknesses:
Clangs occasionally
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z3, RockShox Quadra 5
Bike Setup:
2001 M4 Stunpjumper
Bottom Line:
Well I though I would hate this after riding on a Zoke Z3 for over a year, but I have to admit this is a good shock. cough, ahem. No really. So far the ride just seems great... very stiff handling - so its very solid when cornering. Really nice smooth, action when descending that is tunable (somewhat) to suit your style.
So far I have done a few super rocky trails in Moab and in the Front Range (Sourdough any one?) and the Judy SL has soaked up everything I have thrown it at. Handling on twisty singletrack is also excellent.
To be quite honest the Judy SL handles almost as well as a Zoke which is high praise in my book.
Will have to see how much maintenance this thing needs - but so far, so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brooks
a Cross Country Rider
from Montgomery, AL Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Price and weight was awesome BUT look below...
Weaknesses:
IT SUCKS!!! I didn't even waste my time installing it on my new frame cause it is complete junk!! First of all, when I opened the box from SuperGo, all that was in there was a couple of promo pieces for SuperGo, the fork, a legal disclaimer from Rock Shox and my bill!! No manual or instructions or warranty card anywhere! This made me a little suspicious of SuperGo. I have never purchased anything for any of my bicycles that it didn't come with this type of information. Next, I wanted to see if this thing worked!! Well, I took over to some carpet inside my house and was pushing down on the steerer tube and almost fell out on the floor!! It sounded like SH*T!! I couldn't believe my ears, I wasn't even pushing hard. I was thinking this is a brand new fork, what is happening?? It sounded like it was bottoming out at the bottom and then making a massive CLANK when it came back up to the top. Both RockShox and SuperGo have comlpetely lost my business. BEWARE! This is the worst excuse for a shock I have ever seen. Those RST shocks you find on Mongooses in Wal-Mart are better than this Piece. After I packed everything back up, I got on the phone and I ordered a Manitou from another bike shop. A friend had the same thing happen with his Judy SL but I didn't listen. Lesson for the day class, you get what you pay for!!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy, SID
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race, XT cranks, SRAM 9.0 SL, Sun RPM Lite wheels, Avid brakes, etc.
Bottom Line:
Maybe I got a bad one but now it has been two weeks with out a bike. That is enough for to switch to another company like Manitou. Next time I will wait until I can afford a product that I know will work unlike this piece of junk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan green
a Cross Country Rider
from westlake village, ca Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
switchbacks/truimfo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
An awsome fork for the money, stiff xc for that eats up the bumps. 100 mm of travel is nice
Weaknesses:
top caps, dampening
Similar Products Used:
marxochi z3 coil, manitou sxr,
Bike Setup:
litespeed xtr/lx sun rino lite lx brakes
Bottom Line:
This for is an awsome deal at supergo. Its stiffer than past judys and is superb at eating up the small stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yoon
a
from Seoul, Republic of Korea Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Strengths:
Very plush and smooth, all travel options, farly light, looks cool
Weaknesses:
weak damping, no shock boots
Similar Products Used:
RST, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Cello Easton ultra lite frame, Hayses, Shimano parts and pedals, Mavic 618CD, Specialized BG saddle
Bottom Line:
I changed travel to 4 in.(100mm) and I love it even more. It soaks up every bumps. only weighs 1.63kg which is farly light for a 4 in. travel fork. Very plush and smooth, yet no flex. I do a lot of jumps but it handles everything I throw at it.
One of the weakness is too low damping. I feel almost no difference when I turn the rebound adjust nob. I'm going to try 10wt fork oil next time I change oil.
No shock boots. It looks cool and the XXX seals performs!! but the idea of scratching the stantion tubes makes me a little nervous, but ok so far.
This is a great fork. It may not be the best but it is the best performing fork out there for the price range. Choose this and you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r w
a Weekend Warrior
from baltimore, md usa Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
loch raven
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
trek
Strengths:
maintenence friendly (mainly cuz its very maintenence free), nice compliament of external adj. open bath rockshox continue to be rock-solid
Weaknesses:
fork boots maybe?...nah gives me the option 4 lizards anyway....so i guess no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
many others
Bike Setup:
2001 trek 8000, atacs, lizards, velociraptors...
Bottom Line:
great fork, nice piece to get when lookin at a new bike or fork by itself. as with anything, if taken care of, it will serve u a long time...and this 1 makes it easy. not to mention that it works super well. i'm impressed...yeah some call them {ockshox, but hey, its a good fork, just dont read the reviews listed by idiots that try 2 do what the fork is not intended, guess thats y none of them work in a shop, or else they'd know what to use instead...enjoy the fork! 5 chills
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jireh Ward
a
from Moscow, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light for a coil/oil fork, plenty of travel and adjustability
This is a great fork for the money, if I had more money I would have bought something with lockout because you loose some of your sprinting energy without it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nik
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
www.supergo.com
Strengths:
it works very good. Flexy, stiff - just as I like, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
a little squeaky - produces noises during work
Similar Products Used:
Sync 266, Sync 565, RST 281
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300 World with Avid SD-7 brakes and this fork, all other - stock
Bottom Line:
For $150 it's the best fork you can buy. It's the best even in up to $300 category. In fact, I don't like those squeaks, but the fork works well. If properly adjusted, it eats all trails so good that you don't feel'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, Mi Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
My primary concern with this product is the extremely low attention to quality. This product is poorly engineered and assembled. To begin with, the fork makes numerous intermitten noises. The first noise is a loud "clang" emanating from mid fork caused by the main springs deflecting into the stanction tubes during compression. The second noise is a loud "squelch" noise caused by resonance of an oil control valve. Regardless of these poor design elements, the fork performs reasonably well in cross country riding. It is far more reactive than either my Manitou Mars or my Judy XC, and is far stiffer and more damped than my T2 or quadra 21R (hmm, I wonder why). At the end of the day, noise should not be a huge issue. So why the 1 chili? After about the second aggressive trail ride my fork began making a very loud cracking noise generated from the vicinity of the crown/steerer tube interface. Although the noise would disappear, it would return louder, and for a longer period of time, with every few rides. I called Rockshox to inform them of the problem, and they confirmed my fear that I probably have an issue with the steer tube/fork crown interface. I view this type of issue as a primary, unforgivable safety concern. Failure at this junction could easily result in severe injury or death, and I want nothing to do with a product which shows even a small degree of structural instability at such an imporant interface. Although I have been a supporter of Rockshox products in the past, their poor attention to quality forces me to look elsewhere. I am curious to find out exactly how long it will take Rockshox to replace my fork. When it is returned, I plan to recoup my cost by reselling it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Parker
a Cross Country Rider
from Wabash Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything! SO smooth! no flex yet! Very light! Sexy lookin too!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
'00 SX(junk)
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best, if not, THEE best performing fork out there for the price range. You must try it to believe it! If RS can keep making forks like this, I will always be buying Judys. Buy this and you cant go wrong!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dark side Trails at Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Price, looks, adjustable travel lengths, and I haven't had to do any real maintenance on it yet
Weaknesses:
Noise(I could care less), I'm a little nervous about my first rebuild and tightening those plastic caps on the top.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Jett, 2001 Psylo XC
Bike Setup:
Some hardtail XC bike with components most of you would laugh at.
Bottom Line:
I'm going from a rigid front fork to this and the difference is unbelievable. I don't like them nearly as much as my friends psylo XC's but there is a price difference and I still don't think I have mine dialed in right but there getting there and i'm now riding stuff I was having a lot of trouble with before. I'll let you know what I think after my first rebuild of the fork. I gave the overall rating 4 flamin' chilis since there are better forks out there, but not for the money. If your an avid XC rider who occasionally goes down some steep shoots and drops 3 to 4 feet then I think you'll really enjoy this fork. If your going bigger than that i'd go with another fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
All travel, weight, rebound, dampning and preload controls.
Weaknesses:
Plastic top caps!!!!!! They break VERY easily.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn hard tail yada yada yada
Bottom Line:
They worked ok out of the box but I broke the top caps applying less tourqe that what the manual specified. I had to buy new ones so I got the alu caps which should've come stock... just for the safety factor alone. Once I pulled them apart and set them to 100mm and replaced the 5wt oil with 7.5wt oil they came alive. Infact until the change the rebound adjuster didn't feel like it did anything but now it really really makes a huge difference! I weigh 185 and until the change they were way to soft... now they feel just right. Worth 149 bucks but after the money spent heavier weight oil and alu top caps they almost aren't....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens, NY Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Superlite and plush as hell!!! Very smooth fork.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjuster fell off during my last ride. Then oil started leak out of the valve!!!! Could this be a factory defect?
Similar Products Used:
Rockshok Jett 01 - say what you want about this fork but atleast it stayed in one piece for over 2 months.
Bike Setup:
KHS alite 2000, avid single digit 7 brakes and levers, S&M platform pedals, cane creek headset
Bottom Line:
Two weeks ago, I would have given this fork 5 flamin chili's. That was before it fell apart during my ride. Thank God this didn't happen on the trails. I only weigh 165lbs, I don't understand what went wrong. Its not like I was giving this fork a beating. It has only been on my bike 3 weeks. I rode down some steps at my local park and bunnyhop a couple logs, then "clink"....the damn rebound valve fell off. I tried putting it back on but it just kept falling off and leak oil when compressed. If rockshok replaces it, I'll change my review. But until then it get 1 flamin turd instead!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from houston, texas, usa Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ant hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
real plush, looks good
Weaknesses:
realy noisy, hard to adjust
Similar Products Used:
jett
Bike Setup:
gary fisher marlin
Bottom Line:
i really like this shock but i need to make the springs stiffer and i dont know how.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, TX Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cameron Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Lightweight, low maintaince, durable for XC use
Weaknesses:
It's kinda squeaky...I'm sure if you tear down the fork and lube it up, it will go away
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stuntjumper M4, XTR rear and front der, Judy SL Fork (obviously), mavic 517's with XTR hubs.
Bottom Line:
I didn't like this fork at first, and was thinking about upgrading. But after a month or so when it got worn in, it really started to perform. Also, I don't like to do a whole lot of maintaince, and the Judy SL is a good fork for that. However, if you're into freeriding and downhilling, go with the Psylos. If you're an average to intense XC rider, go with Judys...or Sids if you're a weight dropping freak ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from North East PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came stock on bike
Strengths:
It dosen't stand a chance against a hammer.
Weaknesses:
"studders" when under heavy braking from Hayes Disc brakes.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek 8000 disc. Profile fiber RS bar.
Bottom Line:
I say "Hay fork, eat this rock for dinner" and its all like "bring it on". Then it eats the rock and cleans out your refridge proceeding into a huge belch. Your like, "wow". Thats right kids, this fork has huge tape worms and needs to be fed big rocks. So, give'em, it wants 'em. I give it 4 things of ratings because nothing can be perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from england Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bombin hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
lots of travel, ajustabilaty,looks,suits my bike,light
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rst,bombers
Bike Setup:
identiti dr jeckell halo combat rims avid 'v'brakes
Bottom Line:
great fork for money lot s of travel sexy strong takes a beating super light
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Orono, Ontario Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
www.supergo.com
Strengths:
Very adjustable, plush, fairly light (3.6lbs), stiff, 63mm 80mm & 100mm travel options. THIS IS ONE SEXY LOOKING FORK!
Weaknesses:
Typical sounds of a spring fork
Bottom Line:
I got this fork from supergo.com in 2 days, that's not bad since it was shipped from California and I live in Ontario, Canada! This fork soaks up everything from tiny roots to gnawly drop-offs. I'm nothing but impressed with this fork, you can't go wrong purchasing one of these.
!!5 flaming meadow muffins!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave dominguez
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto canada Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dagmar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
very plush, light, strong, bouncy bouncy bouncy. I couldn't believe it could take the punishment that I gave it.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Bike Setup:
Nuke Proof frame, xt/bontrager everything
Bottom Line:
best value for your buck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quick Fire
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any technical Single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Amazing... I am a big rider at about 6ft, 210lbs, I set the travel to 100mm and I cant even come close to bottoming them out. They are sooo Plush and they soak up every little bump that I take them over.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500, Judy SL shocks, everything else stock.
Bottom Line:
I have been on many different shocks, On all the other shocks that I have used, I was able to bottom them out without even trying, With these Judy SL's, I can't even come close to bottoming out, They also ride so smooth along rough terrain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison,CT,USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Amazingly plush. Not only can I notice a HUGE improvement in my downhills, but the help they provide on the uphill is amazing. Can handle disc or v-brakes.
Weaknesses:
They do make some noises, but I really don't find that annoying. It just convinces me they're working. I'm used to having boots, so the XXX seals make me a little nervous when I'm in the mud or hosing the bike off.
Similar Products Used:
Old Quadra 5's
Bike Setup:
'95 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS.
Bottom Line:
Perfect fork for the more serious recreational riders. The three travel options are really nice, and the look is really cool as well. Overall, a high quality fork that does exactly what it should. Get 'em at supergo.com while you still can, $150 is a steal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from westlake ca usa Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
los roboles
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
This fork is awsome it increases not only downhill speed but also helps on the up hills. the travel is plush and stiff(awsome for xc)
Weaknesses:
squeeks sometimes but that's okay(if its oiled properly and taken care of its fine)
Similar Products Used:
manitou sxr
Bike Setup:
litespeed hardtail frame- rolf wheels, kore stem, fsa orbit dl headset, kore handelbars, shram shifters, shimano a rear derailour, and bontrager seat
Bottom Line:
this is an awsome deal at supergo- this is a great xc fork and the travel is nice. i like the xxx seals and no boots. this fork is the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phillip Neill
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Santos at Ocala
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
Rock Shox trade-in program
Strengths:
Light weight for coil fork (3.6 lbs). Super plush ride for XC riding.
Weaknesses:
A little flexable.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1, Sid
Bike Setup:
'98 K2 Proflex 4000, full XT, Mavic 517
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend this fork for all day XC comfort. It's a great value for it's intended use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a
from oregon Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ladies Only
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Smooth travel, adjustable, simple, great value
Weaknesses:
stock spring are to soft for serious riding, more flex at 100mm setting, all of that noise, and crappy plastic top caps.
Similar Products Used:
indy xc, 'oo Judy xc, Manitou sx-e
Bike Setup:
klein pulse frame, xt, profile riser and 100mm stem, Rhino lites, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
You can't beat this price. I love the 4 inches of travel, but if your over 150 pounds and do drops over 3 ft you'll probley want stiffer springs. in this price range nothing can beat it. If you really demand stiffness in steering Id go with something like a z-4 or 5 depending on your price range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a
from Chestnut Ridge, NY Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo.com
Strengths:
AWSOME! Stiff/Plush, whatever you want and with the 63-80-100 travel, it makes it whatever you want....
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Jett C, RST 281, Judy TT
Bike Setup:
GT Agressor 1.0 w/ Judy SL
Bottom Line:
Mark Griffith, that really wasnt him, it was a corny little kid named Max Balsam Kalman, if you want his e-mail address, e-mail me! Anywayz, get these shox if you can! I love them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gazz pantzombie
a Cross Country Rider
from England land of the free!!! not Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything rough
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
launch bikes.com
Strengths:
light. easy adjustment. super supple. looks rock!!
Weaknesses:
could do with ally caps as plastic is tacky dude, but oterwise none.
Similar Products Used:
top gun/rst
Bike Setup:
A bit of everything good
Bottom Line:
Exellent fork soaks up everything. totally transformed my ride would recomend to anyone.hell buy 3 for when the others go bellyup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
glen pothen
a Cross Country Rider
from st paul minnesota Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
great travel, price.little adjustment was needed right out of the box. Great rebound on all types of surface hardpack mud,rocks it just doent matter.Judy keeps asking for more.
Weaknesses:
none yet(Ive tried to find them)
Bike Setup:
97 fisher aquila.
Bottom Line:
Thanks MTBR!! Your site saved me over 150.00 and alot of headaches!! Ive put about 150 miles on since buying this fork in the last week. At 210lbs I should upgrade to heavier springs as recomended but whith the travel it has Im gonna hold off for a while.As other reviewers have said DONT PAY RETAIL!!!! Supergo had it to me in 2 days.and well worth the wait!!!!Some people have complained about squeaks when hitting the rough stuff but WHO CARES!! It reminds you just whats happening beneath you.Anybody who wants a great fork at a great price look no further.This fork is for ANYBODY looking for a quality product no matter what type of riding.With the different travel options it can be set up for jsut about anything
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Nisporic
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, US Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
evergreen
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Wolf's Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
Very smooth and active. Takes small hits very well.
Weaknesses:
The plastic top caps are crap. You have to buy a 24mm socket to remove them or else you will damage them. Annoying spring deflection noise which can be cured by removing the top caps and moving the springs around.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi z.5 air, 01' judy tt.
Bike Setup:
01' Moab 2
Bottom Line:
When i was choosing my bike i test rode a few bikes one had a marzocchi z.5 air and the other the judy sl. The marzocchi was way to choppy and there was way to much stiction. The sl was smooth and very responsive. Like i said it is a pain to have the deflection but it is easy to cure. Almost forgot you can easily over adjust the preload adjusters and the will break. But overall it is a good fork. I'll give it four chilis for the crappy plastic top caps and the weak adjuster knobs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from Fenton, MI Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Highland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light weight, super simple set and forget, stiffness, versatility.
Weaknesses:
None. For some reason Rock Shox don't seem to have the high zoot factor that others have, and that's too bad. They are a great, simple product.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1, Z2
Bike Setup:
DeKerf Team ST with SRAM 9.0, WTB wheelset and other functional stuff that the Judy compliments.
Bottom Line:
OK- I have used Marzocchi and feel that they are a great product. The adjustability factor is a myth. Once they are adjusted they work great. So whay would I want to try they Judy? Because everybody that i know who has a Judy sets it and forgets it. I like that. The weight is low and the fork just performs. I don't think it is more or less"plush" than the marzocchi, but one thing i know for sure is that it is half the price!!! Being a total cheeseball, i hesitated to put this fork on my DeKerf because of the Cool Factor. Well i was a complete dork. I will buy another one for my Willits Ti frame and ride away. Don't be pursueded by the Marzocchi Hype, this product is every bit as good if not better.
My 2 cents Chad
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Risto
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice price for lightweight 63/80/100 mm (4") fork. Very versatile and tunable fork. Hydracoil is very plush. Nice black colour. Weight OK.
Weaknesses:
Too low damping- both compression and rebound. I had to change stock 5w RS oil to 10 w castrol fork oil. Now I can use the rebound adjust. Somewhat flexy at 100 mm mode. Plastic parts are scary !!!
Similar Products Used:
2 1/2 years with Bomber z4, tested noleen mega, manitous, RS sid 100, and some old& light air RS
Bike Setup:
'99 Haro ex 2 with cartridge ball bearings, heavily welded swingarm ;), RS Super de luxe, XT & LX, Mavic 517's, Nokian 2.3" Boazobeanas, Azonic 1" riser, Flite saddle
Bottom Line:
The fork completed my project, which was to build a do-it-all FS bike. I will be heading for my next MTB marathon with it.
Not a bad fork, better than RS reputation around here. I gave 4 chilis because I needed to hassle with oil instead of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Round Rock, TX Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
i like all, anything new or old.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Jensen USA
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, great for crosscountry. Has great Rock Shox integrity put into it.
Weaknesses:
tough to adjust coil, but doesn't bother me.
Similar Products Used:
RST 280, Jett, Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Sorrento SE with new drivetrain ( Alivio ) and WTB tires
Bottom Line:
these are good shocks. one of the only ones i found with a 1" steerer tube. Still a great shock and fun to have around. go for it if needing a quick up grade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Griffith
a Cross Country Rider
from chestnut ridge Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
www.supergo.com
Strengths:
nice looking, i feel like a big kid,best,good price,everythings good. nice wieght,nice travel, stiff.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
rst 281 r: they suck
Bike Setup:
schwinn mesa gs,rockshox judy sl, nice set up
Bottom Line:
The judy sl are the best shox for the price. they look hot and ride hot i strongly recoment these shox for everyone
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle McKendree
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything thats technicle, fast and has some jumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Very plush, stiff, works well for my style of riding, freestyle\racing. Light fork for 4 inches of coil spring travel. Easy to adjust from 63, 80 or 100 mm of travel. The wide arch, is nice for those wider mud tires(which I use almost all the time). PRICE!!!
Weaknesses:
A little sqeak from the seals on first bump or to, no biggy. For what most people use the fork it could use some boots, thats no biggy either.
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC 00', SX-R 100
Bike Setup:
Fat mud tires, four inches travel front and rear from a mongoose frame, soon to be upgraded. Shimano guts w\ avid speed-dial 7 levers matched to arch-D 50's
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the price, can be raced although 63 mm of travel is seldom used here. im guessing springs will need to be swapped if your over 150 lbs. I weigh 135 and they are just about right at 4 inches of travel. If u can find it cheap, get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Welstead
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
These shocks are the real deal!! I am amazed at how smooth they are. You never slow down over bumps, drop offs, etc. The shocks even them out and you keep going. They obviously look great and are of high quality. As far as price goes, I am unsure because they came on my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans LA USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any that will throw me off my bike
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Everything, it has a great color and rides like a dream
Weaknesses:
NOTHING!!!
Bike Setup:
2001 Shwinn mesa
Bottom Line:
This fork is a dream! I was using a cheap sl fork on my mesa. This was the best purchase that I have made in a long time. The ajustments are great for street riding or hard off road trails. here in New Orleans there is a lot of water and mud but this fork takes the water and mud with ease. I have to do little mantians except keep mud out of spring and keep lubed. i have only bottom out once and that was when me and my dad were racing and i missed this ditch with the speed that I was going at and hit the ditch head on! I almost flew off my bike but this judy saved my butt big time. This is the best fork I have ever had and I would recomend it to anyone who asks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonny Five
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Albert, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
somethin with H20 and no mosquitos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$313.00
Purchased At:
United Cycle
Strengths:
Yes, it is strong. Huge travel, with uncompromisable quality and workmanship. No boots with triple X seals, looks very cool.
Weaknesses:
no it is not weak, it is strong.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing is similar to this awesome piece of equipment. However some other crap I have used: Rock Shox Jett, and a crappy Suntour something.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Fusion with Ritchey clipless pedals and deore derailers.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line for this fork is simple. It is awesome. Once I had gained a little more experience on my wheels, I needed to upgrade. This was my choice because it is lightweight (in comparison to a lot of forks), has the abiltity to change the travel from 63-80-100 (I don't think I will need too, 100 is plenty) and is backed with the rock shox name. The people at Rock Shox know what they are doing, they have built a killer fork. I would recommend it to anyone who is confident on trails that have a lot of roots and hills. This fork will not let you biff, I have tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ones without flies
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Three words: PLUSH, PLUSH, PLUSH. Light, Adjustable rebound, XXX seals, and super smooth
Similar Products Used:
Judy C, Judy XC
Bike Setup:
'99 Schwinn Moab, Panaracers, LX groupo, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork I have ever ridden. Its very smooth and problem-free thus far. I have never bottomed out but I have always had enough travel for anything I encounter. The rebound adjuster is all I need to fine tune the fork and make a perfect ride every time. Its fairly easy to adjust the travel too. I think anyone would be very pleased with this fork. GO ROCKSHOX!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yariv Goldstein
a Weekend Warrior
from Tel Aviv Israel Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, Strong, Easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
Non
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Jett c, Manitu SX
Bike Setup:
2001 Klein Adept, XT/XTR drivetrain, Fox float rear shock, Rolf Urraco wheels
Bottom Line:
I have been using this fork for a while now and i can't find anything that's not 100% right with it. It Has 3 travel options (63,80,100 mm). I use the 80 mm. It is lightweight for an oil fork and responds well to bumps and rocks on the trail. It is very easy to adjust and once you do it it is practically "hassle free". Just hop on and ride. It takes some abuse on drops and such but performs flawlessly.I didn't really know what a real suspension feels like until i gave this one a try. It was clearly one of my best choices for this bike. I sincerely recommend this one... 5 sizzeling donkey ears for this baby, on both aspects.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
porky
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
BTT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Treknology 3
Strengths:
Stiff, handles anything that you throw at it and looks great
Weaknesses:
Don't know what the knobs do except go round and round
Similar Products Used:
Judy XL, Manitou Pro
Bike Setup:
Came stock with my 2001 Trek 8000 this bike really rocks except it is too heavy (Same weight as a Sugar)
Bottom Line:
Great fork, great for heavy people who want a fork that dows everything. Like Butter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Clough
a Downhiller
from Durham, NH, USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Very responsive, I like the amount of travel this shock has. I also like having no boots on the shafts, those boots stink.
Weaknesses:
Very difficult to tune up, replace the oil I mean, well atleast for me it was.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
1998 Trek Y3 medium frame.
Bottom Line:
Overall I love this shock and I will never regreat getting it. My local shop gave me a real steal for it. I like the idea of using oil, I do not have to grease the shafts. The shock is very responsive and the large rocks are nothing for it to climb over. The bumps in the road, well I'll let you know when I feel one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gene
a Cross Country Rider
from Meerssen, Limburg, Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
It's very stiff and it doesn't make any srange noises (yet) like other shocks I had.
Weaknesses:
not yet
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox Jett sl 2000, Suntour 6100.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 2001: Mavic 221 rims, shimano LX/Xt, and lot's off Specialized stuff
Bottom Line:
It's the best (and expensive) front shock I have used yet. Other shocks I had, made stange noices wen I was bikeing, but this shock observes the big and even the little bumbs in the road like there not even there. I think it is a really good thing wen you buy this shock., so I recommend it to everybody!! (unless you found a better one, but than somebuddy has f***ed with you!!!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott raynor
a Cross Country Rider
from medford ma. u.s. Date Reviewed: March 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dogtown
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
rockshock trade in
Strengths:
this shock is much stiffer ,tracks better on high speed curvy decends, takes the big hits ,soaks up the small ones.
Weaknesses:
no xc racer would use one ,its got more travel then they need and its a little heavy,so why does it not come with boots . it will run you about 30 bucks if you have a shop do it ,about half if you do it your self.
Similar Products Used:
96 judy,98 sid.
Bike Setup:
97 gt zaskar,sst 98 saddle,kore elite seat post/stem ,raceface lowriser bar ,avid single digit levers/brakes,gripshiftattack shifters, xtr front/rear old school flat spring, carumba dubble barrel cranks, time atac pedals, mavic crossland wheels, salsa sqewers/seatpost clamp,wtb grease guard bb, king head set
Bottom Line:
this is a great fork , it s handled every thing from big and small drops to big and small crashes to fast twisty single track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, SC Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks Great. Ability to fine tune.
Weaknesses:
What is up with 2 adjustment knobs on the top of the fork legs with only 1 spring in the entire shock.
Similar Products Used:
RTS
Bike Setup:
@001 Trek 8000
Bottom Line:
This Shock came stock on the bike. Before I even road it I had the shop put in a stiffer spring. I weigh 220 and I could push it to the ground just standing beside it. They also had a remedy for the clanging sound. Might be a factory fix, I don’t know. The already knew about it. I am still doing some fine-tuning. I know that there is only 1 spring but they have 2 adjustments on the top of each fork. I can’t seem to find out if both knobs adjust stuff. The rebound adjustment is great to. I came from a Dry and No Adjustment shock so this is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Antti L
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Backwoods of Sipoo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
www.vartiokylanpyora.fi
Strengths:
Seems strong, doesn't flex too much when braking with v-brakes. Option to change the travel.
Weaknesses:
Comes without boots. Need to take oil out when changing travel. Springs bang a little (noise) against inner tubes.
Similar Products Used:
Indy C -97, Marzocchi Bomber Z1
Bike Setup:
Kona Kilauea -97, XT and DX parts. USE XCR, Selle Flite. Mavic F517, Continental Explorer.
Bottom Line:
I've been very pleased with this Judy SL 2001 100mm. It feels very smooth and keeps working even in winter when its freezing, un like my previous shock Indy C that just froze stiff in winter. Only that little noise that springs are making, has made me wonder if they are eventually wearing the inner tubes a bit, but I ques not. Advertised travel of 100mm is actually some 94mm, so why does RS have to lie about it being 100mm. The difference is quite small only 6mm (about 0.25")so its not a big deal, but anyway ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Garnsworthy
a Weekend Warrior
from Exeter Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any with big jumps and drop offs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
off the back of a lorry
Strengths:
Only bottemed out because of my weight
Weaknesses:
Rises a bit to slow, but you can't have everything in life
Similar Products Used:
None that good
Bike Setup:
Emelle Shadow
Bottom Line:
By one the rest of your bike will break before it does
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David daPro
a Racer
from LaHabra, Ca. Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop/Fontana x-c course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$9999999.00
Purchased At:
Rock Shox
Strengths:
Excellent compression and rebound characteristics. Weight within an acceptable limit. Easy to change travel from 100 to 80 (63 is almost usless in So. Cal
Weaknesses:
haven't found any, the new casting is a needed addition, if it were a little lighter it weighs 3.5lbs (on my scale) it would be even better
Similar Products Used:
Since I've had my bike (less than two months)I have tried a 2001 Marzocchi Z-2 X-fly, a Manitou Mars-1 and this fork
Bike Setup:
It's a 2001 Turner O2 (see Turner Booth in Virtual Interbike look under complete O2. That's it!
Bottom Line:
I liked this fork, it handled big hits (the downhill x-c section on the Fontana expert course) it tracked very predictably, it handled small bumps in a way that an air fork will never be able to. I would recommend this fork to anyone and everyone that feels a air-suspended fork is too harsh!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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