Submitted by
Paul no
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales Date Reviewed: October 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Brecon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
become very smooth when hitting high speeds. I haven't bottomed them out in 2 yrs.
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi drop off. Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Avid single digit Vs, syncros wheels on my GT i drive 4.0
Bottom Line:
I am a pretty light rider and these forks handle everything I throw at em. They are a tad heavy, but weight is not a real issue for me- I prefer to have a solid ride. These forks will suit anyone who wants solid hard-working cheap xc susspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nash
a
from newport news Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ebay, new in package
Strengths:
plush
Weaknesses:
clicks, knobs become stuck (have to remove top screws to reset, if you anyone has trouble with these shocks clicking and the travel not working, this is the problem), heavy
Similar Products Used:
indy xc, RST, rigid, indy s
Bike Setup:
98 rockhopper, deore mix, kore, cane creek, selle italle, STX, panaracer
Bottom Line:
good forks for a low budget, i sold mine because i could not stand the clicking sound that they made. i had a bike shop check them and they said that they were fine. springs tend to be for a lighter person. i weigh 145 and could bottom them out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wietse
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland, Kaatsheuvel Date Reviewed: December 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Loonse en drunense duinen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Used product
Strengths:
Adjustable travel to 100mm, oil dampening, stiff with no flex
Weaknesses:
Not very light, plastic top caps
Similar Products Used:
RST Omni, Manitou Six
Bike Setup:
Viper tr3.0
Bottom Line:
I can recommend this fork to anyone looking for a great xc fork. It soaks op al the bumps and if you're a light rider it will never bottom out. Maintenance tip: Lube the stanchions with teflon spray or some other lube after every few rides or so, otherwise they will wear pretty fast ans stanchions are not cheap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Avalance .
a Cross Country Rider
from Greece Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$260.00
Strengths:
Low cost ! Powerfull Fork ,
Weaknesses:
Small Travel , big weight ....etc.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi z.2 z.5
Bike Setup:
Gt Avalance (2001 ) shimano alivio , deore , LX
Bottom Line:
It is good fork , with big weight ,small travel , Low Cost It is the ultimate "weapon " for the weekend warior ! but not for a cross country rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Code
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: August 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fairly smooth.
Weaknesses:
Flexy. Dosen't track well. Internal parts are cheap plastic that wear quickly. Somewhat heavy(not really an issue). Plastic topcaps. Light stock springs. Makes clunking noises. Stock oil sucks. Rebound is too fast with it. loppy bearings only lasted a few hundred miles, if that.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo. Zoke Shiver.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2 '01: Judy XC '01, CK rear hub to Mavic X3.1 32h, mostly stock except for rear wheel, stem, saddle, tires, pedals...
Bottom Line:
I have used this fork for about 1.5 years and have probably put around 1000+mi on it (hub problems kept that # down). I am about 180lbs, so keep that in mind when you read this...
Far to flexy for my tastes. Doesn't want to track well going downhill or with rocks. Once I changed to 15w oil the rebound and general feel was greatly improved. The stock springs are to light, and too expensive to change on such a fork. A seal tore after about 1.5+ years of riding. I had kept the thing fairly well maintained so I am not really sure why it happened. The bushings have been shot after the first few hundred miles. I should have them replaced, but I can't see spending that sort of money on this fork. For me this thing is circling the drain-hole. As soon as a company makes a fork with quick travel adjust(80 to 100mm), stiff, and quality internals/parts I plan on getting rid of this thing. Or sooner...
The good things are that once the oil was changed, and the fork set right, the feel was greatly improved. It hasn't given me a whole lot of trouble (that which keeps me from riding) except for the torn seal (which costs $20, and you have to buy two).
Basically this would be fine on a bike that doesn't get used all that hard, or as a first time fork. Otherwise it is just too flexy and cheap (internal parts) to be used reliably.
Since it worked fairly well for more than a year, and it is still useable it gets a 2, for value I really can't say since it came stock, but since the MSRP was more than $200 I will only give it a 3. IMHO I think it should only be $75-$125.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
Leaks oil from top seals and rebound adjuster, makes clunking noise when ridden, stantions tubes are already starting to show wear. Seals are a biatch to install if you ever adjust trave, rebound is tooo damn fast.
Similar Products Used:
Maitou SX and older judy's that where actually good
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS 1
Bottom Line:
I really don't have anything good to say. I've been spoiled by my marzocchi and the Indy XC just can't compete. There not in the same price class so that comparison might be a little bit unfair. If you can drop the cash I would forget this fork and buy a real one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Red
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Stock on bike
Strengths:
4" travel? Wow! Easy to adjust, 3 different travel lengths, comes with booties.
Weaknesses:
Well, not many problems... if you are 160 lbs. I had to get new springs which ran $75. After putting them in, the fork is cool... but now I need to get heavier oil. HOW ABOUT OFFERING A BETTER, LESS EXPENSIVE TO CUSTOMIZE SYSTEM, ROCK SHOX? I mean, at least a spring exchange program... sheesh!
Similar Products Used:
Old stuff not even worth mentioning.
Bike Setup:
K2 Flyin Monkey, so far pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
Awesome fork for the money. I wouldn't upgrade it from stock just yet. But with the clearance sales running now, you could get a Psylo, Judy SL, or something else for less than this was new and they'd have a better adjustment system. If you weigh 160 and see this on sale, I wouldn't hesitate at all.
its tough, light, and easy to understand. and it doesn't have any less travel than the SID's i'm up against in races so i'm happy!
Weaknesses:
i'm 120 lbs-for me this fork is a dream-no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
a "poopey" (no swearing my a**!) little fork with 30 mm of travel, and my friends Psylo's-too squishy!
Bike Setup:
2001 Devinchi Saguaro, deore all the way through but XT R/D, Time Atac pedals, WTB moto raptor tires
Bottom Line:
nice fork for someone as light as me-nobody weighing the same as me can bottom that out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bufo
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Lots of wicked smooth travel.
Weaknesses:
Location of damping knob (interferes with quick-release).
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
OLD Haro hardtail, originally w/ rigid fork.
Bottom Line:
The JensonUSA folks have poo between their ears. Selling this fork for 80 bucks? Yeesh. I would have paid quite a bit more. But I didn't. Ha!
This is a great fork. I'm no weight-freak or gear-geek, so I'm not really picky, but this fork is nice. There's plenty of smooth travel for me, and the fork feels hardy and like it should be reliable (I'll post an update if not). I haven't hit huge 5000 foot drops like every other mountain biker claims to have done, buit it sucks up logs and the like with no problem at all. Snobby gearheads probably won't like it; too squeaky, too heavy, blah, blah, blah. It works great for me, though, and if you're an intermediate-level rider that doesn't need to blow a huge load of dough on a fork, this one should do.
Only problems are minimal: one of the dust booties keeps popping up off the porno seal, but that's OK. The seal is really tight, though, so the innards still seems to stay clean. The damping knob keeps getting in the way of my quick-release, but I think replacing my prehistoric skewer should take care of that problem.
If you can find this fork for a good price (like, less than $150), you'd better move cause it's well worth it. Even full retail is a good deal.
I wonder what Rock Shox did to this fork to make the 2002 model so lousy (as many people seem to think it is)?
I only give 4 flamin' pieces o' poo (overall) since I haven't tried other products. I guess there are probably better ones out there, but my riding isn't fancy enough to require anything better right now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from 55K feet high Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
limo service where the road stops
Weaknesses:
For the purpose of XC riding, there are no weaknesses in the 01 shock.
Bike Setup:
2001 Tassajara stock shocks for non USA usas.
Bottom Line:
I am not sure why so many people are dissatisfied with the 02 shock but I can assure you that the 01 is a flier.
No problems. Can tear through loose and rocky terrain without transmitting impacts to the handlebars. Have bashed it into deep holes and have sprung back up unscathed. Seems very durable one year on after heavy work and nothing like the reviews for the 2002 piece.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephan Duguay
a Weekend Warrior
from Cochrane, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any mountain trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Very configurable Somewhat low maintenance Jdy Butter Needed!
Weaknesses:
Rock Hard when the teperature falls below 5 Deg C.
Similar Products Used:
crappy KHS montana juinior with cheap shocks,
Bike Setup:
2001 Rockhopper A1, Double Julies, 2001 Judy XC
Bottom Line:
Good shock, Bad in winter (although this may not apply to you southerners) I've had this shock since August 2001, and havent got a chance to really test is cause it's rock hard and no bike shops are open. 3 flamin chilis for now...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from NB Canada Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
again.. look at my previous review.. whassat? your lazy?.. well.. so am i! :)
Weaknesses:
little heavy.. maintenance is really messy.. not something you can do on the kitchen counter..
Similar Products Used:
indy, Z5, Z4, Z3, psylo xc, sl, race.. demo'ed a Shiver DC WOW!!
Bike Setup:
atx 840.. hasent changed.. bla bla bla.. same ol same ol
Bottom Line:
now up to 5.. 6 foot drops.. no complaints from the fork... it is bottomming out.. rather harshly at times.. but will be buying a stiff set of springs.. maybe just use one.. maybe hafta use both.. well see.. oil is still 10 weight.. might try custom mixing 10 with 15.. make it somewheres in between.. general riding performance is still sweet :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Wood
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, Colorado U.S. Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
love em' all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Price Point .com
Strengths:
Enough travel for a xc rider.Goes off the big stuff nicely, as well as the small stuff.Looks nice.
Weaknesses:
Can't stop squeeking! A little on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox '99 Jett C
Bottom Line:
The Judy xc is good for the xc rider that loves dooing the stuff but also likes to do some drops and small freeride things too.The fork adds four pounds to the bike, but is good for the buy....
.....I love the thing!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernardo Marino
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, NL, Mexico Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chipinque
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Lots of travel (from 63 to 100 mm) Great plush feeling. Confidence for bigger drops and descents. Absorbs EVERYTHING, from little bumps to whatever you can put under it.
Weaknesses:
Nothing. Some say its heavy, but unless you're a pro racer with an obsession over super duper light components, then that's no problem at all.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first real mountain bike fork.
My earlier bike had a Jett 2000, and it worked fine, but not for serious mountain biking. Then I used a Jett C 1999, which is total crap, no travel at all (maybe 45 mm). These forks were intended for easy paths, although surprisingly they didn't break while in use (especially the Jett C)
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Hoodoo (1999) chromoly frame with STX RC 8 speed drivetrain, RS Judy XC '01 fork, Titec bar and stem, Mavic rims, Avid brakes, WTB saddle and grips, Panaracer FireXC Pro tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
This fork is great. Ever sice I planned on upgrading my fork, I had in mind the Rock Shox Judy. And I haven't been disappointed. I could have bought the 2002 model, but air damping doesn't convince me (besides, who wants to have to pump up their fork in addition to their tires before every ride?!).
This fork is ideal for day long epic XC rides, especially because of its versatility. If you encounter a long descent through a valley, simply switch to 100 mm. Or if you find yourself riding through hidden singletracks in the woods, stick to 80 mm. Or if you prefer, stay all the time at 65 mm, which still is super plush.
The fork looks great, the dust boots fit fine,... I think it deserves the highest rating.
And it is great for racing, too!
VISIT our website (if you understand spanish): http://paginas.deagrapa.com/deportes/mtbtravesias/
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Perry
a Racer
from Waverly, NY Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Area 51
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
performancebicycle.com
Strengths:
When properly tuned follows terrain great, proper sag was achieved with stock springs/components, adjustable rebound a plus, price is great on leftovers, dust boots help longevity
Weaknesses:
As shipped needed several adjustments, travel adjusting shims had to be "taped" in place otherwise negative travel of fork disloded them from springs, slightly noisy (lubricating seal helped)
Bike Setup:
GT Karakoram, deore,lx,xt components,
Bottom Line:
The bottom line on this fork is that it's a bargain for the dollar. As shipped condition of the fork was poor, dry seals, leaking adjuster cap etc., minor knowledge of tuning that all mountain bikers should posses is all that's needed to get this fork to perform with the best of them. My recommendation is to read the instructions and set sag properly, I'm 190 lbs and the two yellow springs set me to perfect sag at 100 mm travel. After racing motocross all my life and Mountain bikes for the last two years i've come to realize how important negative travel and proper sag is to performance. I don't recommend listening to every tom dick and harry and immediately think that the springs are too soft. experiment yourself and I believe you will feel right at home with this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from NB, Canada Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ANY!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
this being a re-post from a few months ago.. look at that.. if your too lazy.. here goes.. good performance.. small to big hits. adjustablity..
Weaknesses:
little portly.. but thats the price you pay for better performance
super plus still.. changed to 10 weight for all the summer.. more and more conmfidence doing drops.. 4 foot no problem now.. compared to 2 previously.. wondering if the frame will hold up.. (it is 5 years old now) never a 2nd thaught about the fork.. keep riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike dave
a Downhiller
from leeds Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
china alpes (leeds)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
just about every thing. sound pair of forks.
Weaknesses:
bit soft could do with a stiffer spring.
Similar Products Used:
z5's
Bike Setup:
clubroost frame, jrn T's,
Bottom Line:
nice fork if you are on a budjet. can take them big drops and is much better than any of the other forks in this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Surfboard921
a Weekend Warrior
from St-TrialVille, Canada Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid, stiff, can take abuse, sag limitation with air cartridge(inflatable)
Weaknesses:
Too soft, I'm ordering the heavy springs
Similar Products Used:
Jett T2(good fork if you only do easy trails with no abuse, else it worn out really fast)
This review if for the 2002 Judy XC Very good fork so far, no problems at all, great sag setting air system, a bit too soft but the heavy spring will settle that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott roberts
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington, de Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fair hill, MD
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
wodeen wheels
Strengths:
Good fork. Can take a pretty good beating so far. I've only had it one month but it is taking on everything I put in its path.
Weaknesses:
Looses some traction while turning after some rebound. I wouldn't take this on any major drops or jumps.
Similar Products Used:
Suntour 7700 (crap)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock
Bottom Line:
This seems to be a great fork for the price. I don't think I would race with it but other than that it can handle a good beating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
King Kikapu
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
+ Hydracoil + 63-80-100mm All travel system + stiff lowers
Weaknesses:
+ Rebound isn't so hot + set up quite soft + weight issue 4+ lbs + what? I have to buy some Judy Butter?
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z5 and Z4, Manitou Xvert and SX R, RST 381 AET
Bottom Line:
This isn't a bad lil' fork. It's not a bad price either. You can choose either the Judy XC , Mazocchi Z5 or the Manitou SX. But it hink the Judy is the best value. Its has up to 4 inches of bumb suckin' travel and it has a nice 'coil' feel. Its could Diet a bit. Initially it came quite at a soft setting. I changed the travel to 100mm and used 15 wt special oil. Mmm...sweet. As for the noises mentioned in some reviews below, it's actually kinda neat. Sounds like a slupee sometimes, but it tells you its working. And I can't even beging to tell you how much fun it is to play with Judy Butter...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ondrej P.
a Weekend Warrior
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
for the price its unbelievable performance, fine weight, plushness(and has dust boots to keep it), has rebound adjustment(makes only slight difference) and 3 travel options without buying any extra part(like Marzzocchi)
Weaknesses:
already new it had a bit "worn bushings" and makes strange sounds (the contact of spring with the inside of the upper tube), after about 100kms the dry XXX seals make squealing noise - LUBRICATE IT!!!
Similar Products Used:
have ridden Suntour MG 91, RST Gamma EL, RockShox Indy C
If U dont expect a lot from it, its the best XC and Freeride fork U can buy and nearly mainetance-free, so go and buy it. I HAVENT HEARD ABOUT ANY OIL LEAKS what I cant say about Marzzocchi
P.S. many bikers wrote in the rewiew of Marzocchi Z5 that its lighter than the Judy XC. but Marzocchi weighs 2,1kg (4.6lbs) WITH the STEERER TUBE, not 1,7kg (3.7lbs).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem,OR,USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Set-up very soft, missing some parts, possible poor support from factory.
Similar Products Used:
first decent fork on bicycle, 18 years exp. on motorcycle forks (almost all of 'em)
Bike Setup:
Giant xtc nrs 2 stock
Bottom Line:
Not a terrible fork once set up for me. I'm 180 lbs. on the bike with everything, and the stock set up was very soft and almost no damping, hard to be precise in technical areas!! The fork had one red spring (medium?) and one yellow spring (soft?) and 5wt.oil at 80 mm travel option. I set it up with 100 mm travel, one black spring (firm) and one red spring with 10wt. oil. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! Much more compliant, plush, controlled. Next I'll try 15wt. as it is still a little too fast on rebound, but still very ridable. Marzocchis' in the future, but this is good for now. I'll post again with results from 15wt. switch, maybe go back to 80mm now that the spring rate is good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere Big Bear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came OEM on bike..
Strengths:
It's replaceable. It's nice decals that peel right off,
Weaknesses:
Everything... Noisy, cheap plastic parts, poor adjustablity, too bouncy, heavy, lousy customer service, etc.
Similar Products Used:
Zoke's Z5
Bike Setup:
Stock NRS 2
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike in July. I noticed the fork was noisy and found it was missing plastic spring covers, no big deal. It took nearly 2 1/2 weeks to get those in. In the mean time the fork quite working and as of yet Rock Shox has not been able to send the right parts to the retailers who say they have to be on the phone on hold for hours to try to get a customer service rep. Stay away from this fork if at all possible.
Maybe if Rock Shox could get this thing fixed I would not be so mad, but it has been over a month now and I have only been able to ride the thing once. Right now it is sitting at the store waiting to be fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Foo
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any challenging trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
the Bike Zone
Strengths:
Travel, Price, Durability( can take 5 foot drops and stay strong for the next one, is not a cheap fork for road riders, can take cross-country trails and some downhill trails, iisnt like RST or other cheap forks that'll bend and break after one ride, RST forks are for children or people who dont mountain bike, but just like having a fork. This Rockshox, and other brands like Marzocchi, Manitou should be used for MOUNTAIN BIKING
Weaknesses:
needed mantenance, but performed great after
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale headshock Left ELO, Rockshox SID, Manitou X-VERT SUPER
Bike Setup:
ironhorse ginsu( a great mountain bike and great value)
Bottom Line:
great shock for weekend riders, cross country riders or even serious competetors, but, if u have money to spend, and u r a real serious racer, and go downhill lots, spend some more cash
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Machesney Park, IL, USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bears run
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Rockford Bike Co
Strengths:
I love EVERYTHING!! This Shock rocks!! The ajustible dampening is cool, dosent bottom out on anything that I can throw at it!!
Weaknesses:
NONE!!
Similar Products Used:
SR SUNTOUR m8040.... (they SUCK)
Bottom Line:
I love them!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Hatch
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Not light, damping only adjustable by changing oil weight, sloppy bushings, boots fit poorly, under damped for both compression and rebound.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Spyder, Manitou SX-R '01
Bike Setup:
Specialized FRS Enduro Sport 2000
Bottom Line:
An ok fork, but it's only real selling point is the adjustable travel. I feel that the longest travel setting is the most appropriate for this fork. Mine has squeaks as though a small animal is trapped inside it regardless of how well lubricated it is. Almost from the start there was a slight amount of bushing wear. Looser bushings mean no break in period, but make for a less precise fork in the long run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MO Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came stock on bike
Strengths:
ummm....it hasn't broken yet
Weaknesses:
feels a lot like a pogo stick
Similar Products Used:
'99 Judy XC, '98 Manitou Mach 5SX
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2, etc...
Bottom Line:
If this shock has rebound damping I can't tell. Boing boing boing I go. I love it for the small bumps since it bounces right back, but if I go off anything higher than 6" I would like to know that the fork won't throw me somewhere I don't wanna go. I've had the same problem with the '99, but not quite so much as this one. Also, Rock Shox forgot to include a little plastic piece that keeps the fork from making a not-so-cool squeaking noise. Kudos for their service dept for sending the part out to the local shop for free...now all is quiet again. Since it wasn't a safety issue I wasn't too worried. I can't wait for the new Manitou Black to come out. This shock doesn't really inspire confidence IMHO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Wollongong, Australia Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Stong, Powerful, plush as z1's and a hell of a lot cheaper. nuf said. i give 'em lots 'o flaming dog turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom macy
a Cross Country Rider
from cleveland, oh, u.s.a. Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
vulture's knob (wooster, oh)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles.com
Strengths:
The judy xc is very plush, and and highly adjustable. The external rebound adjustment comes in handy.
Weaknesses:
kind of heavy, and a bad oil leak (getting fixed)
Bike Setup:
easy installation, disc brake tab.
Bottom Line:
THIS FORK FRICKIN ROCKS! IT SUCKS UP EVERYTHING FROM TINY ROCKS ON THE TRAIL, TO 5 FOOT DROPS. IT WORKS GREAT ON ROAD RIDES, OR BOMBIN DOWN MOUNTAINS AT 50 MPH. SO, IT CAN WORK FOR A LARGE VARIETY OF RIDERS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phishin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Turkey Mtn Network
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price, travel, stiffness adjustability, stiffness is ok.
Weaknesses:
Rebound is very fast even on slowest setting. Rebound adjustment is pointless 1/4 turn is all you get, and cant tell much difference. Stiffness adjuster knobs break and then are just useless, they spin forever.
Similar Products Used:
98 Judy SL, Judy TT cheapo (crappy fork).
Bike Setup:
FS
Bottom Line:
1st off the product is 8 months old not 1 year (close as I could get) and this is a follow up review. It has taken a beating for sure but it should be lasting longer than it is.
Its lost a bit of the firm/responsive feel it use to have, more mushy now. The rebound adjustment is pointless. Also, the adjuster knob on my right leg just spins freely where it use to actually turn something below and make the shock leg tighter.
Im going to take it back and see if they will replace or at least fix the knob.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Granby, MA, USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
Mickey's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Price!!!!!! Im only 120lbs, wich gives a lot of room for travel, and they can take big hits.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy. A little too bouncy when out of the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Jett C, SID XC, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
16' frame, Judy XC, STX RC/LX, Tektro V-Brakes
Bottom Line:
Great deal for the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Byy it if your a weekend XC racer and enjoy some knarley descents while freeriding, plus it gives a lot of travel options.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob cole
a Downhiller
from London, England Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
aston hills, Wendover, England
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
GBR £150 from Madison
Strengths:
Cheap, 4" of travel, flex-free
Weaknesses:
S**t quality damping, weak internals (plastic bits), way too noisy!! heavy too...springs too soft for aggressive riding, forks sit too deep in travel.
Similar Products Used:
Judy DH, Mojo 4.5, Bomber Z1 drop-off, various Rshox forks over the years.
Bike Setup:
Identiti Dr. Jekyll, Bomber Z1 drop-off, Deore Hydraulic discs, D521 on XT disc hubs, Kore B-52, Ea-50 bars, Deore bits, 24/7 cromoly cranks, Roox Animals, Gazzolodi 2.3"
Bottom Line:
The best thing about these forks was the price - £150 for a 4" travel fork seemed like a good deal. Initally they were stiff, tough and smooth. As they've worn in, things have got worse. After a couple of months I started having some sealing problems (even with boots - which don't fit too well!) and oil leaks. Then I broke the damper rod doing a big jump, the plastic valve inside the rod twisted right round and was all mashed up. The dampign didn't really work too good before this, it was alright going over gentle trails but as soon as you head DH you're in deep s**t. The worst was stutter / braking bumps, these really messed up the damping and made the fork kickback / choppy handlebars. Not what you need when you're doing 30mph over big bumps!
Stock springs are way too soft for aggressive riding, I weigh about 12 stone and blew through the travel even riding on the street! Nasty bottom out clunk every time. Very noisy too, springs rub against inside of legs which is REALLY irritating on climbs, on the flat (only time you don't notice is when going DH fast). I don't want a $2000 bicycle with a noisy fork..no thanks!
Plus sides? Flex-free, cheap, seem to work well for XC duties. If you like DH or jumping then stay away or you will break these forks real quick!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from NB Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
plush, loaded(tuning options)
Weaknesses:
tad heavy.. think of the 99 xc's.. bascically same but almost a quater pound heavier..
kick ass.. feels good right off the bat.. will be xperimenting with 10.. maybe 15 weight oil.. just to see. i use the stock.. and its fine.. got set at 4 in.. yeah baby!:) i cant stop giggliing! a 2.1 tire looks silly on this thing.. needs to be 2.3.. lol only proble now is the back end.. never noticed it to be much harsher then with the indys.. go figure!! darn thing is bouncing all over the place! lol
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimbob
a Cross Country Rider
from lombard illinois Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
kettle moraine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
its infinitely better than a jett// its adjustments are actually more notcieable than i expected// it has stood up to all 90 lbs. i weigh for over 400 miles
Weaknesses:
its heavy i guess(i never can tell)// the spring were waaaaaaaay too stiff for me hulking 90 lb mass// it pretty flexy
Bike Setup:
trek 4500 with lx front der.
Bottom Line:
its a very good value (especially for what i paid) buy it if you want some adjustability. i haven't done much off-roading all i have done is small bmx hops so ican't say too much but it is definitely worth buying
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001
slick fork, good at 80 milimiters, even better at 100 milimeters, if you do big drops, and don't weigh a lot, get the fork.Don't if you race, are a real dh'er, or weigh over 200lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buddy Wpg
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycle and Ski
Strengths:
the price can't be beat for the features you get:
Plush durable fork. Hydraulic Dampening. All Travel. Rebound Adjustment. Homer Valve. Graphics.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, but no more than a cheap Jett. Plus you get all them features.
Similar Products Used:
AtomBomber Z.2, 2000 Judy XC, Manitou Spyder R
Bike Setup:
'99 Iron Horse ARS 2.0 w/ my beloved Judy, Sun Rims, IRC tires, 636 clone pedals, Alivio mix, Amoeba Riser bar
Bottom Line:
Buy this fork if you want lots of travel with lots of adjustment and the ability to take punishment. Don't if you are expecting a SID Race. The Judy is a great normal person fork.
**P.S.**
Thank you to Olympia on Henderson! I paid $320 for a $450 fork because of a price misquote and an owner who keeps his word. That has ensured I will be a loyal customer from now on. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chaE seawoo
a Weekend Warrior
from Asia Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
used market
Strengths:
plush, adustability, all travel system, takes small hits very well, pretty easy maintenance
Weaknesses:
top plastic cap is too weak, weight (but mine has alloy steer tube weigh about 3.7lbs)
Similar Products Used:
rst280
Bike Setup:
shimano deore/lx, giant shxxty frame, sun rims
Bottom Line:
I've just bouht this fork and I am pretty satisfied with it. compared to my old fork rst280, this fork is doing an incredible perfomance. i am kind of skinny (120lbs) so I changed the springs(red/yellow->yellow/silver) and it makes a lot of differences.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria Virginia Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
The abilty to adjust the travel btw 63, 80 100mm of travel. Very smooth and easy to break down. Triple x seals work great in muddy conditions.
Weaknesses:
Those plastic top caps suck. The weght could be less but for the price I can deal with it.
GT-XCR5000, Rockshox Judy XC, Gremica Hydro Disc Brakes with Shimano Disc hubs, Shimano LX '00'Cranks, XT derailleurs, Panaracer FIRE XC Pros, Azonic Saddle and World Force 1.5inch Riser Bar.
Bottom Line:
This is an AWESOME Fork!! Sooo Far, No Problems. And not to mention, for a 2001 Model, I got an Awesome Deal at Universalcycles. If you want 100mm Travel fork, that performs great, and not Break your bank, buy Judy XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
garrett james
a Cross Country Rider
from dublin Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
your moma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
wooly hat shop
Strengths:
this fork is so smooth,it was abit noisy at first but bedded in nicly,the weight's ok but when you think that its 4 inch you dont mind,the graphic rock as do the curves
Weaknesses:
the weight is ok the preload could be better but not much else
Similar Products Used:
pylso xc
Bike Setup:
gt xcr 4000,kore,mavic 519 ,deore,magura,azonic
Bottom Line:
this fork is great , good price,its solid.great for a bit epic or such.sweet forks with sweet looks.sowted
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dmitriy "Flip"
a
from Bronx, NYC Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Van Cortlandt Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, works great for XC riding, full 4 in. of travel, adjustable, disk brake tabs.
Weaknesses:
Not good for 6 foot drops, the brace is not removable adding more tire clearance. Look pretty good.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Spyder, Rock Shox Jett, X-Vert T,and R, Monster T's, Boxxers, other Marzocchi's.
Bike Setup:
FSR Sport, Profile Cranks, WC2 MRP with 42 tooth ring, Judy's for now, Tioga 2.3 rear, 2.35 Kujo DH front, Mammoth rims front and rear, Nuke Proof Stem, ect.
Bottom Line:
This shock was given to me by a friend for free so I can't really complain. They worked a lot better than the Spyders that I blew out. This is a great XC fork, but I blew it out 8 days after I put it on my bike, I know it wasn't meant for those 6 foot drops and city stairs, but it was for free remember. It was pretty plush and maintenance free until now, it was a great shock until it lasted. 2 Chilli's for DH and Freeriding, but great for XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dean asplin
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
badby woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
looks decent, thick and chunky with decent graphics. Looks, feels and rides solid. Very easy 2 service and 2 change oil and the internal travel settings. Brilliant for jumping, if a littlt TOO plush!
Weaknesses:
only 5wt oil, needs 2 be 10 or 7.5. Springs creak and squeak occasionally. the adjuster knobs are junk, they dont work properly!! need to be metal really, u ruin them when undoing them alot 2 change oil.
Similar Products Used:
Z5's, Z4's, RST Zetas, Z1 dropoffs - dark,
Bike Setup:
On-One the Gimp dirt jump frame with voxom 3 Piece crank, planet X wheels, bars, stem, seat, post, DX V brakes, FSA pig headset, tioga 2.1 factory d/h's, 01 JUDY XC's!!
Bottom Line:
great fork, really cheap, only 120 quid @ woolly hat shop. Great performance, long travel...plush. very sexy!! and looks the part...apart from that! BUY EM!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from derereerreed Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
cheap, strong, plush, good seals, BIG mud clearance, bloody sexy
Weaknesses:
nope none of them
Similar Products Used:
a few
Bike Setup:
custom jump bike
Bottom Line:
these forks are plush the 80mm setting feels like 100mm the 100mm feels like 125mm, could do with ally topcaps
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Turkey Mtn Area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
T-Town (The Greatest)
Strengths:
Price, Tension Adjustability, Rebound Adjustability, Absorbs hits with grace, Big Travel, Looks "tough" and is tough.
Weaknesses:
Could be used as a boat anchor, makes noise sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox 01 judy TT (piece of $hit)
Bike Setup:
Bike with 01 Judy XC
Bottom Line:
Good Price for a long travel XC fork. Great for training, exploring and out of bounds riding.
Seems very tough.
Not the best shock for race day, just too heavy in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Burch
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern Ireland Date Reviewed: January 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Wooly Hat Shop
Strengths:
Smooth travel, no flex, easy enough to change travel length, fairly strong and good graphics on the legs.
Weaknesses:
Getting oil amount right can be difficult after changing travel amount, required some experimenting to get right. Also springs made slight noise when half compressed but after a few rides it stopped.
Very good fork for the money considering its has so many features and decent travel. Exactly the same as Judy SL except that the Judy XC uses heavier materials. Great adjustability and features make it ideal all round fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Madison Sylte
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
snoqulamy summit
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
rock shox, see reveiw
Strengths:
much wider than earlier models, u can fit atleast 2.6 inch tires on this fork. very plush. looks good. I have only had them for a little bit so i don't know how they will hold up in the long run. I GOT THIS FORK FOR FREE BECUASE I BLEW OUT MY '99 JUDIES so rockshox got nice and gave me new 2001's fro almost free (shipping) ALSO: this fork has the XXX sealing system (same as boxxers) and can be adjusted to 63, 80, or 100mm or travel
Weaknesses:
none.....yet i'll reveiw again in a while
Similar Products Used:
'99 judies, manitou
Bike Setup:
'99 Fsr Enduro
Bottom Line:
Seems to be a good fork, if not great. I am some what of a freerider and DHracer and they have done fine. Just keep the drop offs below 20 feet (yea right)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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