|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Malarkey
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Arizona
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Reliable, still works like it did | | Weaknesses: | A little heavier compared to modern xc forks. Damping adjustment does not have much range. | | Similar Products Used: | headshok p-bone, headshok si | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Specialized Stumpjumper, xtr/xt, Mavic x221 rims, mythos xc 1.95 tires | | Bottom Line: | I suppose the only reason someone would appreciate this review now is if they're buying an older used bike. In that case, the fork seams to be in the same condition as it would be new. The fork's coil spring suspension performs better than expected. The damping shock adjustment is fairly useless. Not nearly as plush as modern forks. It surprises me that the Stumpjumper comp doesn't have a higher level fork. A couple years later, they started using the Sid xc, which is much nicer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Pauluk
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockton, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pleasanton Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Livermore Cyclery in Dublin Ca. | | Strengths: | Strong and takes a beating..
I traded in the factory fork on my bike (97 Indy S) for this before I bought the bike (97 Klein Pulse Comp..) | | Weaknesses: | Adjustability seemed a little touchy... | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Mag 21 (old school) | | Bike Setup: | 97 Klein Pulse Comp"etition" Chris King hubs, headset, Mavic sunset hoops, xt shimano, kooka, 24 speed converted | | Bottom Line: | This fork has lasted me sence 97...
Dam good fork for the money and I never had mine serviced once... Almost 6 years later the cartridge blows out..
Got my moneys worth. Now im tryin a new old stock take off 2001 Judy XC fork I got from ebay..
I figured I had good luck with the 97 Judy series fork.. Hopefully this will make my flat tire feeling front end track again.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rat
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Action Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight, cheap | | Weaknesses: | Elastomers suck, fork boots suck, flexy | | Bike Setup: | '97 FSR | | Bottom Line: | 5 years old and about to die on my bike. When i first got the fork i chucked the elastomers and the boots. Added Eibach springs, White bros wipers, and heavier shock oil. It made a world of difference, night and day. But please compared to a modern fork there is no comparison in terms of stiffness, plushness and price. I just cleaned and lubed the inside of the fork and couldn't get rid of the stiction, i guess the bushings are shot. I am truly amazed that the fork hadn't snapped on me, I have made some moderate drops and horrendous crashes on these toothpicks and they never broke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
captain faceplant
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | something with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | local (defunct) shop | | Strengths: | makes a poor nutcracker due to the round fork legs. also it leaks oil on your nuts. buy this if you need proof of the difference between fork designs. | | Weaknesses: | not enough space to express how they suck. I spent about 150 bones repairing this pathetic turd. you'd think they would use a good shock on a $1000 plus bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Z2, Z5 marzocchi!!!! | | Bike Setup: | this fork came on a giant atx 890 that I've since retired. Now have a jamis hardtail frame with marzocchi setup. | | Bottom Line: | this fork made a good 'bumper' for the front until the oil
cart blew out. bought an expensive machined aluminum replacement for 80 bucks. then the steer tube came loose during a 15 mile race (think FACEPLANT)....I had a shop fix it by hammering a large, ugly, steel wedge into the crown, then grinding away the bottom(the OFFICIAl recommended repair by rock shox). Another $35. I don't ride that much, just a couple of races a year plus training rides. The elastomers also split. Another bike shop tried to get me to blow another 80 bones for a spring kit. They said I was too heavy at 170-180 lbs. This all happened in 2 seasons....I switched to marzocchi and have never looked back. Even the cheap marzocchis are so much nicer! I give the judy two steaming turds because I can now appreciate the difference between good and lousy forks. I can't believe the people that replace every part of this pos for probably $250 and then give it five chilis. Dorks! You can buy a beefy marzocchi z5 for $140 and have a reliable, but simple, fork. Who cares about saving an extra pound if it's always broken and you have to replace it every season? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Space Cadet
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chief | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | **** | | Strengths: | Good enrty-level fork; easy to tune and upgade parts are widely availiable. | | Weaknesses: | Brakearch is somewhat flexy, plastic parts | | Similar Products Used: | Most major, single crown damped designs | | Bike Setup: | typical c/c setup - 23lb | | Bottom Line: | These forks require Maintainence. Constant maintainence. Once that has been said, this fork is a good Entry-level fork. Does it flex? Sure, just what you would expect from a Magmnesium alloy casting. The flexing is not excessive, though. Do the elastomers suck? Yep. If you have this fork and you did not upgrade to a set of mountainsprings, I would Highly recommend doing so.
I have ridden 3 seasons on this fork, with no complaints. No rust(?). No broken parts ( believe me, I have tried very hard to break this fork with severe punishment). No Nothing. Sure there are better forks on the market today, but in it's heyday - this fork was THE fork.
I have heard of all sorts of trouble with newer forks on the market, and I am glad I have my Judy. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop in Chicago | | Strengths: | Not a great fork by any means,but MUCH better than the AMP F4 linkage fork that came on my B-4.Adjustable travel(2.5-3.2 in),decent action,and light.Responds extremely well to aftermarket upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Not very stiff--tracking was a big step down from the AMP.The cartriges are unreliable--replace them with the Risse aftermarket units,which are made of aluminum.The elastomers are bad(too weather sensitive).Replace them with Speed Springs.And plastic adjuster caps should never be on forks!! | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Atom 80,AMP F4,Manitou SX-R | | Bike Setup: | Custom Seven | | Bottom Line: | The '97 Judy is and never was a great fork in its stock form.
..That said,it's a completely different animal with upgraded internals.Ditch the elastomers for Speed Springs for more plushness and better all-weather performance.Then toss in the Risse cartridges,add aluminum adjuster caps,and you have a good,reliable fork that still weighs only a little over 3 lbs.Sure it's a little flexy,but not bad at all by XC standards.And it's worlds better than the scary AMP linkage fork that my B-4 came with!
I sold the AMP back in '98.Right now I'm sitting pretty on my Seven with a Z2 Atom.Let's just say I don't miss the Judy..but I'll give it 3 chilies value(since you have to practically gut the fork and replace half of the internals to make it work well)and 3 chilies overall anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo Decker
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverside Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight; Durable; Never need to touch, simply keep clean & ride. | | Weaknesses: | Colors are kind of boring from today's standards. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi | | Bike Setup: | Marin hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Read my review from 1998. IT STILL APPLIES! I recently sold my bike and the one thing I will sorely miss is that damn shock. It never failed me once. I beat the phuck out of it & it never held a grudge. Such a stiff fork with NO flex. There is no way you could even find one these days but I thought I'd come back to let you know that the shock is durable and still logging the miles, albeit by somebody else. All you haters need to stick to your heavy forks. If you want more travel than this shock provides, just go buy a Buick and leave us XC riders in peace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick rich
a Cross Country Rider
from sandy utah
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dog lake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | stiff yet light | | Weaknesses: | limited travel, bouncy, plastic knobs, damn it i hate plastic knobs | | Bike Setup: | giant atx boulder with old xtr and costum wheels | | Bottom Line: | this will always be the lightest year for judy. after that, she got to eating and got a bit portly, sub 3 pounds. true its only 63 mil of travel, and the dampening cartridge is weak. but an an aswome value. my one big complaint. STUPID CHEESY PLASTIC PARTS THAT BREAK AND GET LOST! i really hate that | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from Elk Grove, CA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | as long as its not my garage(trnr) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | it still works...very well!!! | | Weaknesses: | elastomer stacks. speed springs added travel and ride comfort | | Similar Products Used: | r/s indy c | | Bike Setup: | very well thank you. | | Bottom Line: | since riding these, I have never weighed in under 230. I now weigh 260 and these forks just wait for me like a good dog wanting to go for a run. I feel just having me on the bike is punishment enough, but I XC on them and they ride perfect. As for rock shox customer service, they sent me a free pair of shower caps for the fork. not only do they work, but they look coll as hell...oops! i meant heck!!! I swear they look awsome w/out those fat pair of accordians squishn' up and down on them. if you find a pair, tune'm...spring'm...ride'm...you'll love'm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | E. Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Absorbs stuff | | Weaknesses: | Weak, flexy, a toy, ugly. | | Similar Products Used: | Z1 CR, WB FR3,UD150,CDale Lefty | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | These were way too weak, they broke at the arch. They were flexy, too. Rock Shox customer service sucks, they only deal with bike shops, as if I don't know anything about my bike. Its understandable to break after 2 years, but now having a real fork (zoke) I know how crappy they feel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from New Plymouth, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | WT trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Strong, plush and cheap take one-helluva beatin' and has good boots on it. | | Weaknesses: | Colour,small travell. Thats about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Suntour dc-90, Suntour 7200 | | Bike Setup: | Avanti Hurricane with 97 rox shox judy xc | | Bottom Line: | Good fork for the money, I jump heaps and these have since yet never faulted. The colour didn't really attract me though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Kisielius
a Downhiller
from Ottawa, canada
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Multiple Orgasm | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | I've raced these forks in the national championships (downhill) and they held up amazing! they are so sturdy, I can't believe I haven't snapped them! They're light and good for trials too. | | Weaknesses: | Maintaining them, every wet ride I have to lube them up, it is VERY annoying. If I forget to, they begin to corrode inside. I also added my own internals from other shocks and got rid of the elastomer. They don't have enough travel. I'm getting the Rock shox Psylos soon. | | Similar Products Used: | indy xc longtravel | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper Fs m2 metal matrix 521 mavis front and rear front anodized, hayes frond avid 2.0 rear kooka crankset spd's onepiece LX brake lever and shifter (have 2 levers on side with hayes) xtr rear deore front | | Bottom Line: | Strong!! Took the massive abuse I gave them and when lubed, they work like a charm. Good for trials, but you need to be willing to service them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Call me stupid but I can't find any! | | Weaknesses: | Lack of travel
Need for daily servicing
Poor rebound dampening
Poor preload caps
Difficulty of servicing the fork compared with Z1
| | Similar Products Used: | Z1, Manitou Spyder, Quadra 5, Boxxer
| | Bike Setup: | Kona, XTR, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | I really want to know how many Rock-Shox staff have been submitting review recently? If anyone attempts to give the fork a good review because it:
1.can be improved by spending some serious money on aftermarket products (more in total then the cost of a much better fork);or
2.is half decent when it is serviced "at least every 25 hours of use"
then they need a brain scan quickly. What is the point of buying a fork and spending a bucket load of dosh on it to make it work and then saying what a great fork it really is...it is kinda like buying a car and then changing the suspension, engine and brakes and then claiming what a wonderfull piece of machinery it is...Also, yes servicing is neccessary for every moving piece on your bike. However, surely the fact that the Judy XC requires massive amounts of service must not only be a annoyance but also a indication of poor design and manufacturing? Why would anyone buy this fork when there are so many other good forks around that cost less/the same, require less service and work better?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G-Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$169.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Outfitter | | Strengths: | Great fork at a killer closeout price. Can go longer than recommended on the rebuilds. I've put 550 miles on mine this summer and it is still working like butter.
I clean/grease under the boots once a week (or after a wet ride), this seems to make the fork very happy.
Service is easy, takes about 45 minutes.
Great fork on all trail conditions. | | Weaknesses: | The hollow damper bolt is fragile. Plastic preload knobs hard to remove (wrenches really mess them up!) | | Bike Setup: | GT | | Bottom Line: | If you can get one on closeout, go for it. Otherwise spend the extra money and buy a new Judy XC by Rock Shox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Hutchings
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kew/Mt. Buller | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Irvine Bike Source | | Strengths: | Looked quite flash at the time | | Weaknesses: | Neccesity of frequent servicing (according to the manual every 15-20 hours of riding);
Stickyness and poor small hit compliance;
Tendency to rust despite servicing. | | Similar Products Used: | Z-1 Bam (current fork!); Manitou Spyder; Quadra 5. | | Bike Setup: | Kona F/S, XTR/XT, Raceface, Z-1 Bam | | Bottom Line: | It looked great and worked OK out of the box. I serviced it 3 times during the year I rode it. Despite the servicing the sealing was obviously not up to scratch and the stanchion tubes rusted. This required a whole new crown and legs to be purchased because Rock Shox Australia had run out of stanchion tubes! (Just a few months later Rock Shox ceased distribution in OZ!!!) It never really worked 1/4 as well as the Bomber I now have and I will never contemplate buying Rock Shox again: especially after my experiance with the Quadra 5!!! I have heard that Rock Shox have lifted their game somewhat since 1998 and attempted to copy the open bath system of the Bomber. It is now a case of too too little too late. Buy the Bomber and get the real thing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Fletcher
a Downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Moo moo land | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Err, it doesn't bottom out much? | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't use any of its travel ever, it only has 63mm anyway, but it barely moves. There is no appreciable difference from adjustment either. | | Similar Products Used: | Bomber z1, Headshox fatty d's, RS sid xl | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale sv. | | Bottom Line: | Not too good, might work well for a trials rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shunsuke Adachi
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | secret of course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | easy to maintain
does not break
| | Weaknesses: | cheap bushing
too much bouncy
frequent needs to maintain | | Similar Products Used: | ritchy rigid fork
marzocchi superfly | | Bike Setup: | domestic ti hardtail, riser bar, flat pedals,
single front gear | | Bottom Line: | too much bouncy
my hands get nimble on a little bumpy trail
cheap bushings
loudly rattles at so-so fast downhills
not precise steering
I'm looking for a good deal of some z2 bomber now.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock & CO. Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Low maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou | | Bike Setup: | Trek Y22 FS carbon frame, Mavic 517, Sram ESP 9.0 sl, 25.5lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Very low maintenace. Have 3,000 hard miles on it with no problems. Shock is predictable, comfortable, and strong, even at speeds of 55mph screaming down Vail Resort. But I will be purchasing a SID SL soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The yellow brick road | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Works well | | Weaknesses: |
One-piece brace | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox T2
Rock Shox Indy XC
Votec | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Gary Fisher Excalibur. Judy XC long travel. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first shock fork. I found it worked well in all conditions including mild DH sections. But after 6 months the brace suddenly cracked and I had to get a new lower section from the US under the warranty. That took a month but it was ok after that until my bike got stolen. The one-piece brace is not as good as the old replacable ones.I was lumbered with a '98 Judy XC short travel version fork with the insurance pay-out bike I got next, another Fisher. I've had this fork a year now and it has been slowly leaking oil. I was so fed up with it I took it to the shop and found that the cart had exploded, killing all people in the immediate vacinity :-)I'm not replacing the cart but getting some other fork instead now. I've had 2 Judys and although they work ok, they do seem to go to pieces after a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Takes the bumps well
Easy to overhaul
Pretty sturdy
Good travel | | Weaknesses: |
Rebound Dampening oil
Timely set up
Brake arch = joke
Not very ridgid | | Similar Products Used: |
N/A | | Bike Setup: |
Fuji Thrill complete rebuild
LX across the board
Profile Riser
Sun Rhyno Lite rims | | Bottom Line: | I tend to agree with most of the reviews. This shock is kind of a pain to set up. I have had it almost 2 years and just this past weekend, I finally dialed it in perfect. The rebuild was pretty easy, but replacing the dampening oil was a royal pain. I get about 2.5 of travel (spec'd 3), but I am a big guy ~230+. Depending on how you ride, the shock can be great or a pain. There are some days the shock will twist and turn every time I turn the handle bars, but the tire seems to stay in the same spot. But most of the time, it is a great first time fork/entry fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Racer
from Melbounre
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Adjustability
Very plush
Little maintainance | | Weaknesses: |
Takes time to set up to suit | | Similar Products Used: |
Mag 21
Quadra 10
Z2 | | Bike Setup: |
Giant TCM | | Bottom Line: | Admittingly not a great fork out of the box.(You get what you pay for.)
After adding coils and replacing the seals and oil in the cartridge (Seals from an oil seal shop, not RS ones, only 50c each.)and stuffing about with the valves, they came up pretty darn active. I also drilled tiny holes in the bottom of each leg to let them use their travel a bit more. Run plenty of sag and you'll love them. Hint: Maintenance is a wonderful thing.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Voigt
a Racer
from Neenah, WI
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Calumet Co Park | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Servicibility, Upgradability, strength, Adjustability | | Weaknesses: |
Top Caps don't work, Poor dampening | | Similar Products Used: |
Indy C | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Gary Fisher Big Sur on steroids | | Bottom Line: | I like these forks. You can mould them into whatever works best for you. Before getting my job at the LBS, I never had it apart. After 6 months of riding w/o maintenence it barely moved and made noises like flipper. Once it even shot me in the chest with a top cap. I took the hint and overhauled it....myself. After about an hour I had successfully dismantled it. I found dirt and grime and a blown cartridge. I did the best I could to salvage it including an oil change, cleaning, and regreasing. It worked a hell of alot better afterwards. I have a few secrets that I use to keep it performing like new 1. Tri-Flow w/teflon in the tube applicator-lift boots and coat the wipers(make sure to put them back down when finished). A squirt a day keeps stiction away. 2. Keep boots Down, sealed and clean- once the boots are worked down properly they will stay down. Keep them that way because dirt loves Tri-Flow. 3.Overhaul this fork AT LEAST every 25 hours. My fork will successfully take the big hits and absorb the stutter bumps enough to keep me on my line. For the little stuff It reminds me of a huffy rigid fork. But Behold there is an answer for all around bump absorbing superiority, Englund Total Air. I have riden and know the awesome difference that they make. They shave weight and make your shock dreamy. for even more weight savings it is possible to put an aluminum steerer on this wonderful fork.
-Bottom Line-
Beefy enough not to snap in two like Indy cousin
Forgiving and able to be resurected from rigidity
Easy to maintain
Abundance of worthwhile aftermaket upgrades
Can be modified to keep up with any new fork
I can't kill It (believe me I've tried)
Great Deal for under $200 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DE BIG GREEN MAN
a Weekend Warrior
from APG,MD
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
GOOD COMPRESION AND REBOND | | Weaknesses: |
BOOTS MAKE NOISE. IT COULD BE WORSE | | Similar Products Used: |
SOME OLD RST | | Bike Setup: |
BIG SIR GRAY FISHER | | Bottom Line: | THE SHOCK FEELS NICE .I FEEL SA IF I HAVE TO SAY ONLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE SHOCK DUE TO SO MANY PEOPLE STATING BAD THINGS I AM A LARGE MAN 215lbs SO FAR SHE HAS NOT BEEN TOO SOFT IT TAKES BUMPS VERY WELL BIG AND SMALL | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wauconda, IL
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
those stupid preload caps, too flexy | | Bike Setup: |
97 FSR Comp | | Bottom Line: | The dumb thing blew up on me. The lower legs cracked in two places, and made my front wheel into a taco. too flexy and weak to use for any!!!! down hill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cumberland, MD
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cheep: close-out 150.00
light (kinda) | | Weaknesses: |
Bit of flex
cheep parts | | Bike Setup: |
bontrager | | Bottom Line: | Hell I come in a 6' 240 lbs and i ride hard. the only things that breaks on my bike are the the rims. this fork takes the edge off and has not had on problem. Yes its not very adjustable or smooth. but for the $$ I can upgrade the insides and keep my cost down. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
>_<
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Here | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I didn't have to buy it came OEM on my bike. Good enough for recreational riders. | | Weaknesses: |
What suspension? Oh it does move up and down when you lean on the bars. | | Similar Products Used: |
RST 260 | | Bike Setup: |
Stump | | Bottom Line: | Mine is a 97. The one with a plastic looking brake arch. Week one after purchase, oil was leaking down the left leg where the cartridge is. No biggie, LBS swapped it out. Months went by, I got better at MTBing. Started going to trails that are pretty damned gnarly. Actually I think I actually started doing what is called MTBing. Was fine, Judy worked like I thought it should with good maintenance. Didn't have much to compare it against as I only had an RST 260 on my old bike. But I did think that the preload knobs didn't do much for me. I also started noticing things like flex. Still no big deal, it was a good fork for what I use it for or so I thought. I still remember THAT day going down my fave rocky slope, it always beats me up and probably is gradually breaking my dental work. But on THAT day, I had a friend with me. He had a Z2 BAMster on his ride. Wanting to try a Marzocchi, I asked that we go back up and for me to try his bike/fork for the trip down. He agreed. OH MY GOD! It was nice, smooth, it actually felt like I was being suspended by this fork! It was erasing the small chatterbumps and absorbed bigger hits when I pointed the bike that way. Meeting at the bottom, my friend noted that my fork beat the hell out of him. I went home that day dreaming about a Z2. It is a nice fork but it is expensive. There has to be a way I could improve my Judy's ride. I looked in mtbr.com, the answer was not aftermarket springs, not different colored elastomers, not even a new fork. Englund Total Air! A new lease in life for Judy. It is now a suspension fork (and I gained about 20mm travel too). Sure the slight flex is still there, but the main issue has been solved. Now I can do things a bit better on my trail rides. I can try other things unthinkable before like plowing through a rock garden. My friend wants his own air sprung fork now. Me and Judy have rekindled the fire in our relationship. I love Judy, but I had to give her augmentation surgery first. I still don't like the fragile looking arches though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Rowlands
a Racer
from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Martock | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, Lots of Travle and eazy to Maintain. | | Weaknesses: |
Can flex, oil cartrage can blow. | | Similar Products Used: |
96 Judy
Manitou Sx-e
Manitou Sx | | Bike Setup: |
95 Trek 930 SHX
Alivo and stx componints | | Bottom Line: | I don't Know what all of thees people are talking about. The judy is great, I find it is quite simple to repair and it's tough. One warning tough DON'T OPEN EM UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTALLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jac
a Racer
from Bobtown
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
yo mama | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
It sucks | | Weaknesses: |
It is bad | | Similar Products Used: |
adfdfsa | | Bike Setup: |
lk;afsjdlafjlf | | Bottom Line: | afdsafdfda | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross-Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | These shocks are really stiff. If you weigh less than 140, I would defineteley not recommend these. They are heavy, have very little travel, and they very little adjustablility. They might work if you are heavy, and eager to constantly rebuild them, but I would not recommend them to anyone. Save your money and buy a SID or a bomber, it's worth it over this. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rock City
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
-was plush for first two weeks
-extremely easy to rebuild(damn good thing with this fork) | | Weaknesses: |
-was constantly needing to be rebuilt to maintain any degree of performance
-not very tunable
-damping cartridges blow verrrrry easily
-RS customer service is very poor
-very flexy | | Similar Products Used: |
q21r, mag10 | | Bike Setup: |
stumpjumper A1, downgraded from the q21r to the judy xc | | Bottom Line: | I would definetely not recommend this fork to anyone. During the 4 months that I rode this fork I blew two cartridges, which ended up adding up to ~1.5 months of downtime. Apparantly this type of wait is pretty much standard practice for RS in Canada because of their wacky warranty program. I'd imagine this fork would perform well in a very well in a very easy, non-technical environment or as a strictly beginner type of fork. As far as it's performance on the gnarlier stuff though, it simply can't handle it. The only thing RS got right with this fork was it's ease of maintenance, it's extremely easy to rebuild. This is definetely a neccesity with this fork because of its lack luster performance. I'd like to think RS is starting to turn things around with the '99 models. I don't have the patience to find out though, I'm getting a Z.2 on my new ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lindon
a cross-country rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just snapped them. After 6 months. Not very impressed. I weigh about 98kg, so if your a big fella, stay clear of these shocks. Not plush at all. If you can aford it, upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davie
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The shock worth nothing once installed in your bike. You will ending up spending endless time to/from the bike shop to have your blown cartridge change. For anyone who have a deep pocket, you can upgrade it with White Bro spring/cartridge - but for me poor guy, I can only say BAD LUCK and never never Rock Shox again. Zero chilly if available. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christophe Bellona
a cross-country rider
from Bellingham Wa
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Although I have enjoyed the overall feeling of my Judy, my quadra 21 lasted a hell of a lot longer, and I never took it a part once. I wish I never would have taken a part my Judy also because ever since I opened the piece of shit up I have had nothing but trouble and its been about 3 weeks since I sent my cartridge back.. I will never buy another rock shox unless I win the lottery and can afford the SID. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike brown
a racer
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i started riding a judy xc in january of '97. what is it now, january of '99? i finally purchased a barely used 97 sl from a friend for less than a song. i lubed my xc religiously but the bushings still went kablooey after a little more than a year of almost daily riding. the stanchion tubes got so grunched up that i had to replace them as well. (this is in spite of bi-weekly disassemblys, cleanings and re-greasings) my team mecahnic could not get the lower bushings out so i had to leave them in. the cartridge? well, i got a year out of it, maybe more then it blew after my second trip to downieville. now get this--the replacemnt cartridge lasted until what, october? heh! it was still less than six months! and get this! the first repalcement cartrige that the boys at rock shox sent was BLOWN, right out of the box!!! but wait! the one they sent to replace the defective replacement WAS JUNK AS WELL! i will never buy a rock shox product again. i will ride the judy sl i have now until it dies and will then buy a manitou. sure, the judy works relativly well in all conditions, better than the marzocchi xc400 it replaced on my kona and sure, the xc lasted me through three frames (my kona, the gt and the ibis) but for christ's sake, why the litany of defective parts and poor service from rock shox? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My '97 Judy XC has been working fine for about 6 months of hard riding. It soaks up all of the big hits. My one complaint is that it doesn't do very well on small bumps. For this I take of one flaming jalapeno. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RoY
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my RS XC n rode it on my zaskar...after a few weeks, the cartidge blew..but still u dun hear the clunk u often do when u leap off a ledge..the rebound was still controllable..until the bushings came lose n the lower legs begin to creak when i brake hard.Though it sucks up bumps well...the cartidge needs some serioud work as it broke both my heart n my wallet..=) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Downhill Dude
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For the budget concious, ok, for the downhiller in all of us, (admit it, you like going fast down hills) they flex more than an exotic dancer, are not plush, and they break....save the extra cash, and get Bombers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PERCH
a racer
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First a message for these fools that reveiw products out of the box. Do yourself and this site a favor and put some miles on your product and then review it. If your excited because you got somthing new and shiney and have to tell someone call your mom.
Ok now on to my review. My 97 judy XC long travel came stock on my FSR. I have blown 2 cartridges both replaced under warranty. Even after a year. I run the Specialized stout hub so I notice little flex.Dampning adjustment sucks. I service my fork my self at least once a month. This fork has about 1500 miles on it and performs just as good as when it was new. And this fork with steel steerer weighs 3 1/2 pounds. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SIMON
a weekend warrior
from norwich
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The rock shox xc are a super fork. I got mine for £160 and they are well worth
it. I am thinking of buying the judy xc '99's super forks. If you are going to buy the judy xc's all ways look out for cheep xc's because there is lots. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Endoboy
a downhiller
from San Diego, California Baby!
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just received my 97 Judy XC from a mail order Co. for $139.00. I just put it on my FS bike and now I know why it was sold for such a low price. I thought it was because of 97 overstock, but I found out for myself that these shocks do not perform very well. There is only a slight notice of dampening if any. These shocks are not very supple, but for $139.00 I can't really complain. There are tons of aftermarket parts for Judy XC's, so I will probably just add speed springs and keep up the maintanence to avoid stiction. One Jalapeno for a good base to work from. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sandman
a cross-country rider
from Nepean, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I replaced the RS Quad 5 on my Gary Fisher with the Judy XC. My riding improved quite a bit. I have a BMXing background and found that this shock allowed snappier bunny hops for stylish airs. However, a few gripes - the plastic top cap assemblies are cheap - I broke one with my hand by over tightening it (even though I tried my best not to). There is a little play in the fork that resembles the feeling of a loose headset. I imagine all forks have some degree of play, but I'm going to find one that's stiff. I read some of the reviews here and I think that some of the riders probably aren't taking care of the fork (I realized that I wasn't when I finally read the manual). If you read the manual, you have to take care of the forks just like the rest of the bike - you know, clean it often -lube it etc for every 8 hours of riding and then overhaul it every month. I've bashed these forks and they've been awesome (just watch those top caps). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice Denis
a cross-country rider
from longueuil, quebec
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a judy 96.A PEACE OF CRAP!Last year i put a sl steerer tube, a white bros spring and catridge. THE FORK CAME ALIVE! No problem of catridge leak and the fork suck every bump. The problem is that cost a lot of money. 2 TIME THE PRICE OF THE ORIGINAL JUDY XC! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Abrew
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork two years ago when it just hit the market. I was thrilled to finally own and ride a fork with the ROCK SHOX name. To me, ROCK SHOX the name, means quality, reliability, and top of the line performance. But the fork itself lived up to none of my expectations. Its hard for me find something that I liked about this fork. If you want to know what happened to my fork just read all the reviews with one or two chillies, and I think you'll get the picture.This is to anyone in the same situationas I am.
CALL SUGERGO AND ORDER AN ATOM BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $299!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a weekend warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the '97 Judy at a fairly low price because of the new Hydracoil Judy's that are coming in. I didn't expect performance that was out of this world or super plushness. This fork will be fine as long as you ride a little bit carefully and take care of your fork as well. It's the same with any fork, if you treat it like shit, it'll break/stuff up on you, so stop complaining. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo Decker
a cross-country rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I really sympathize with anyone who has difficulty riding with a Judy XC. I have read all of the gripes listed below and I would like to invite all disgruntled RockShox owners to please listen to me carefully. 1. Please learn how to ride. Your Judy will not crack unless you force it to. Even if you crash only a few times, your Judy will not crack. I have made some monumental errors when riding which have resulted in many injuries, including a 3rd degree clavicle separation. Despite this, my Judy XC has remained a pillar of stability. 2. Please do not experiment with your Judy. You have invested money is the darn thing so treat it carefully. Take it to your local shop for periodic maintenance and resist the urge to take it apart so you can discover all the amazing parts that cause a shock to work. 3. Please do not expect RockShox to be thrilled to hear from you when you call to tell them that you have ignored my first two suggestions.
As for the shock itself, it has surpassed all of my lofty expectations. It is light, responsive and, if you are a good shopper, it is economical. I apologize for sounding condescending but I would hate for someone to get the impression that RockShox are not worthy forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Ostberg
a cross-country rider
from Madison WI
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Where do I start? A Judy XC came standard on my '97 Homegrown XT. I
really wasn't too disappointed at first-untill I really had a chance to
put some quality trail time to it. While working at a large bike shop, I
had the opportunity to test ride (or buy for real cheap!) just about any
fork I wanted. The many downfalls of the Judy quickly became aparent to
me. First of all, the construction materials are absolutely cheap. Come
on Rock Shox-Please save the PLASTIC top caps for an Indy S-not a $300+
Judy. I can recall countless hours and topcaps marred beyond recognition
trying just to take the elastomer stack out of my fork and other
customers'. Next the oil dampening cartrige-WHAT DAMPENING??? I'm sorry
Rock Shox, but your stone age little cartridege does absolutely nothing.
Everybody else out there-Do your ajustments make any noticable changes? I
dare anyone who says yes to play around with an open bath bomber for a
while. It's time for speed-sensitive valving Rock Shox. Don't get me
wrong-it's a good fork-it just isn't spit compared to a lot of the other
(better) choices. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe blow
a racer
from Hull, Québec
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rock shock Judy XC sucks, the legs flexes too much, so it's always rubbing on the brakes when standing. The seals are of very poor quality, it gets contaminated in no time thus requiring constant maintenance, and even when new it's defenetively not as plush as Marzochi. would not bye an other on!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B van Leuven
a downhiller
from san clemente,ca
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had no problem with my judy fork. For those thinking about getting one, i suggest equiping them with Speed Springs specific to your weight. This makes them smoother, lighter, and (I think) provides more travel than the stock setup. For those who break them routinely........for gods sake, try ridding with some finese! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a racer
from faond du lac WI
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this fork for about a year now and it is falling apart. I don't have experience with any other forks but this one seems to have some durability isues. I've went through two oil cartridges. I cracked the lower legs and I wore out my inner legs. The inner legs part I take full responsability for, I probably didn't maintenence it as much as I should have. But the other two things were not my fault. The oil cartridges just suck and I have no idea why I cracked the legs but rock sox replaced those for free. I would not recommend this fork for anyone who rides alot and hard. Besides it falling apart I would say that while it lasted it was a good fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, Tx
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm fairly competent at maintaining most things on my bike, but servicing this shock is like defusing a bomb. Just now I've tried to remove the lower tube assembly. The manual says to partially unscrew the lower bolts and tap them firmly with a mallet to break the shafts free from the lower tube (er, okay, if you say so), then remove the bolts and slide off the lower assembly. This is where I'm stuck, because the fork is too. I tried remounting the bolts and tapping them harder, but still my Judy won't come apart, no matter how hard I pull. I tried tapping the insides of the legs with a flathead screwdriver, but no go. So I gave up and put the fork back together, but now my rebound cartridge won't adjust when I insert the allen wrench. So now I'm stuck with the same old stiction and no rebound adjustment. I probably even broke something. All I was trying to do was service this damn thing, so it would last longer.Overall, the ride of the Judy has never been great. It flexes like a tuning fork, even with a strong hub. Initial stiction never really went away, even after repeated lubing of the upper tubes and spring stacks. The rebound cartridge is inert, my old Quadra 21 felt the same. I've heard the SID is a great fork, so I'm considering getting the Englund air system for the Judy. But seeing as how I can't break the shock down, my LBS will have to install it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Torrence
a racer
from College Station, Tx
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is directed towards anyone who works for RockShox:
I do NOT appreciate you lack of customer service, your poor workmanship, and your rudeness to customers on the phone. My Judy XC's cracked along the left part of the brake arch, my oil cartridge is busted, and the whole design of the elastomer/spring combination is crappy in that the elastomers stiffen up, consequently reducing travel. The only customer service I received was a replacement of the lower legs, which includes the part that cracked, the brake arch. What about the busted internals? What about the fact that I can no longer adjust the oil cartridge due to all of the internals spinning as I turn the allen key? Why does it take putting a screwdriver in through the top of the shock just to jam up the insides so that I can remove the lower legs for cleaning purposes? Why did you design this shock so poorly? Why can't you stand behind your product? Why does it require an aftermarket spring manufacturer to make better springs than you do? WHY IS THE BRAKE ARCH AS WEAK AS PLASTIC? Last, but definitely not least, why can't you answer any of these questions? To anyone who is considering getting any RockShox fork:
DO NOT DO IT!!!! THEY ARE CRAP!!!! YOU GET A SHOCK THAT WORKS FOR A WHILE, THEN IT DISINTEGRATES. My screenname is Ungasha, and my last report here is just below this one. Feel free to e-mail your questions about this situation, and I'll gladly talk to you personally about it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ungasha
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My RockShit Judy XC just snapped in half today!!!! What a waste of 300 bucks. The crack was on the brake arch by the left brake arm. All I know is that I heard a snap, the front wheel flexed all over the place, then I flew over the handlebars. I say boycott RockShit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a cross-country rider
from Central MA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After reading some of these reviews I got nervious when I bought me XC.
I ride 2-3 times a week, all different types of terrain. Also, not to mention that I weigh in at 230, The travel is great, as faar as I know. I have hit some pretty mean looking rocks, roots and fallen trees and this shock has made all the difference in the world. Half the trails that I rode rigid, I had to walk down and trough some areas. Now I just float right over them. I get about 2.5 + travel too.
As for servicing it, a little Judy butter and some teflon spray and they're just like new. Suck it up you cry babies. So you have to do a little work. As for the leaky shock owners, I haven't had it happen but whos to say it won't.
And the adjustments are like night and day, I notice the difference between eack turn of the knob. They're getting cheap too. For a new rider, I love the sport even more now that I have a shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UNgasha
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have mixed reviews about my Judy XC. I have had good and bad dealings with these shocks, so bear with me, and you'll understand how I came to decide on my rating of 3 chilis.
There have been races where I've put myself into a position to flip over my bars, but instead the Judys sucked up the bump and let me scoot by unharmed. Also, they are upgradable. If you don't like the way your Judy behaves, then get Speedsprings according to your weight. These shocks seem stiff to me, and I time and time again have tracked well on bumpy terrain, regardless of the oil cartridge.
The negatives concerning this fork equal the positives. The oil cartridge is useless. The shock does not like being repaired, apparently, because it's a pain to repair the thing. You constantly have to be aware of how dirty the innards are, or the shock will become sticky-feeling. As you continue using it, more problems arise. I couldn't get the lower bolts out of the lower casing due to their tendency to spin freely. I had to get a flathead screwdriver, shove it down the top of the shock, jam up the rod that leads to the oil cartridge, and really riff on the lower bolts. Another problem arose because of that: The rod to the oil cartridge unscrewed itself, leaking oil all over the inside of the shock. Not that the oil cartridge worked anyway... As of now, the lower bolts still spin freely, but I just lost the ability to adjust the oil cartridge because it spins freely no matter which direction I turn the Allen key.
In order to get the most out of this shock, you need to thoroughly study the inner workings so that you can do the repairs by yourself (my LBS didn't know how to fix the shock). As time goes on, the shock becomes more resistant to repairs, meaning that it's time to upgrade the Judy or get a new shock. Don't use this shock for more than 2 seasons, or else repairing it will become extremely time consuming and difficult, not to mention costly. On the up side, however, it does do the job, but Marzocchi's do it better. Due to the damage done while repairing the fork, which was almost necessary to removing the lower casing, Judy loses 4 chilis. No fork should be this difficult to repair. Because the Judy just plain works, when it's kept up with, it gains 2 chilis. Just follow the maintenance instructions, and you'll be fine. Pay special attention not to overtighten the lower bolts by the dropouts on the lower casing. That will cause exponential damage. RockShox needs to redesign this fork to make it more user-friendly, and they need to learn what oil-damping really feels like. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork for my hard-tail, and then moved it over to my Santa Cruz full-suspension. I've generally been happy with this fork - it takes the hits as it should. I have had the same issues as most other 'larger' riders (I'm 6'4 210lbs) - a bit of fork-leg flex, ineffective damping, too much 'thunk' from topping out (not enough rebound damping, where damping really counts!), and a need to upgrade to a heavy spring set. I installed the Type III Long travel kit after I put the fork on my full-suspension, and it perfectly balanced out the bike's suspension, very rarely bottoming out.
Now for the BIG issue - riding last week I hit a rock and the fork lower legs SNAPPED at the brake arch. I was really surprised that this happened (I'm thinking, Time for a Bomber!) and called RockShox. They would not let me send the fork legs to them directly - either have a bike shop send them, or send the whole fork for inspection and repair. I had my LBS send the legs in. I got ready to ride my old hard-tail with a Mag21 and beat my body up for the next month! Well, within two days, RockShox sent me a new lower lower leg assembly. GREAT SERVICE FROM ROCKSHOX!!
In summary, I was going to give this fork 3 chili's for overall performance, but they'll get 4 chili's based on my positive experience with RochShox. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willy Lil
a weekend warrior
from SF,CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a white and red 97 Judy XC (normal travel) back in Nov 97 from supergo for $199 and think it performs only moderately well. Some gripes I have about this fork is the standard elastomers. I weight about 130lbs, so the bumpers are too hard giving me only about 1.5 inches of useable travel. So if you weigh around this point be sure to add in upgrade costs. I'm still debating whether to get springs or englunds. It's also kinda flexy, most notable when under hard breaking. I'd even go as far to say the brace looks like it might break at some point. Though my cartridge hasn't blown yet, it is showing signs of leakage. All this leads to an ok rating. Personally I think I would of been better off getting a Bomber since the cost of upgrading the judy would end up being the same as a Bomber on sale. There are better forks out there. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a cross-country rider
from Montreal, Québec
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my bike a week ago, and for 100$ I was able to get my hands on some Judy XC stock instead of Indy C. The bike and the fork was much better than what I used to have, an entry level mountain bike with Duo-Track shocks, if they can be called shocks.. So during the week I tried to test my fork, but there isn't any hills near my house so I didn't get the chance to do anything execpt ride on the bicycle path.... pretty boring. This weekend I went to my first race. It was VERY hot, for here. Anyway I got there early so I decided to check out the track. There was a big climb at first and I must admit my bike ain't the lightest, but still, it was not to hard to climb, when I first came down at about 54 km/h(25 mph)I had to brake to go in a tight turn, and I was sure I was going to crash, I weigh 195 lbs. and even with v-brakes it's kinda hard to stop... anywayz, I was able to stay in control, certainly because of my shocks, the only thing I have against those shocks is that I tested the adjustability, and unfortunaly, there is no difference betwen the + and the - . maybe they're too new, cause during the race with the pounding and all it seemed that after 30 mins of racing I got more response from them .... maybe I was just warmed up.. I must say that the weight is a bit high, but just put 2 bottles of water on your bike and you almost have as much weight as this fork. 4/5 cause of the adjutability. I didn't try the Bomber so I can't compare they may be better but for now I stay with my judy's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Da Burner
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Although I love this site and have learned a lot from it, I'm often amazed at how polarized these reviews are over products whose functional intent is to be trashed in the hills. At any rate, I have a Judy XC on my 97 Stumpjumer and have a couple of thoughts about it. First is that I had been riding the original SID -- a Mag 21 complete w/the cheesey little basketball pump -- so there was immediately a big jump in performance. It was pretty stiff at first, but then got noticeably better and a tad more plush after about five/six rides. As I started to dial the bike in, I slowly came to grip with the fact that those little cool adjustment knobs that seemed to mean so much in the ads and the mag reviews were as worthless as balls on a priest. (In fact, I think if you look up useless in the dictionary you see a little diagram of Judy adjusters.) Well, off to the aftermarket I went. Speedsprings certainly helped but were a tad noisy. Next up were the White Bros wipers as those rubber boots had no intention of staying put, let alone doing the job they were supposed to do. And so it went -- a tweak here, one there, a little maintenance along the way, and a rebuild or two down the line. The flex has been limited by a nice stiff hub, the lousy paint has gone south from numerous yard sales, and I keep on riding.I guess the bottom line is that the fork is okay. I mean, there are some better and plenty worse, but a lot of it has to do with the criteria you bring to the table. I tend to believe that fork technology is in that early growth stage where these things often take geometric leaps between years -- e.g. a 96 fork is a stone axe compared to a late model 98 -- and , just like PCs, whatever you have is about to become outdated within a month or two of purchase. So just ride it into the ground and have some good times along the way. I can't say that I'd urge anyone to go out and buy the thing to replace whatever's hanging off of their front end now (unless it was a rigid fork, waaay older suspension fork, or a headshock), but if you get one, you can drop about $60 into it and have something that will work pretty well in most situations. It certainly isn't a reason to pass up a bike that comes with it stock, although I'll probably be looking for a Zoke on my next bike. Three flamers and take yer chances.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Wenczel
a racer
from Leverett, MA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you ride aggressively and frequently, these are not for you. Oil cartridges constantly blow. Quickly developed play in the legs. Require monthly overhauls. Brake arch finally cracked in a race. Does anyone at RS ride what they make? I get the feeling these are designed by an accounting team, not riders. Broke down and paid the extra money for Marz. Atom Bomb. It's nice to have a real fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a cross-country rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
One word - CRAP!Unless you really enjoy stripping them down on a very regular basis they will be unreliable. Added to this I had a problem where when I tried to loosen the allen key bolts at the base of the forks they would simply spin. I ended up have to insert a long allen key down the top of the forks to hold the rod.While I ride farly hard (as one is obliged to do on a MTB), my forks just self destructed after not pulling them apart for 2 months (for reason mentioned above). End result is I need to spend $300 to replace the rod, bushings and stancheon in the dummy cartridge leg. I also needed to replace the elastomers as they were starting to compress. Forget it, I'm buying a set of decent forks - Bomber Z2's (Atom Bombs). Check out the reviews on thois fork and you wil understand what I mean. I'm looking forward to not having crappy seals, heaps of flex and stiction. The bombers are even lighter!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a racer
from Avondale AZ 85323
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have bought this fork last year and its a pretty good fork for the money. The travel it great and my cartridge is still working fine. The things that suck on my fork is the plastic adjuster bolt which is already strip. sometimes when I go up to the mountains oil leak out of the boots. I know this that my fork sure beats my father headshock fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Johnson City, TN
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These are better than old elastomer shocks, but the praise stops there. I have had these for 1 1/2 years and I just blew my second cartridge (it was only in the shock for 2 months) and I only wiegh 165 lbs. Also, the inside legs are completely corroded. On top of all this, mine get maybe 2 inches of travel. They are also too flexy. Get something else than this! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a weekend warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the '97 Judy XC last fall, and finally put it on my GT a few months ago. Since then I have been pleased but not amazed by its performance. As many people have written in different reviews it does have some lateral flex, I must admit that I thought that it would be a little bit stiffer than it is. It also requires some time and effort yo get tuned in, I'm not completely there yet, but this could be my error. I just regreased the fork, and it does have some stiction, which it did have when I purchased it. I have noticed though that when using a liberal amout of light Teflon based lubricant, the stiction is decreased by 90% or more. Overall performance is pretty good, but nothing to rave about. This shock does seem to be best suited for lighter riders. The weight is good, and when I install a SL crown and steerer, it will be excellent. (Long story on how I came by an unused SL crown) Overall, 4 Chilles. I haven't decided if I am going to stick with the Judy or try something else for my second bike. It is a good fork, but it seems that Rock Shox makes so many that they are lees than they could be. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
APN
a cross-country rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had been quite pleased with the '97 XC that came on my Heckler. That is, until I snapped the left lower leg (where leg meets brake arch) while riding last weekend - good endo too. The most annoying part was that this was only about the sixth trail ride on the new bike / fork.I just happened to take the bike back to my LBS while the RS rep was visiting (talk about luck!). The rep indicated that he'd seen this failure a number of times and would happily give me a new pair of '98 lowers, and, if I wanted, a good deal on a Type 3 upgrade kit to bring the fork up to full '98 spec.I'm not too impressed with the durability of the '97 fork, but kudos to RS for handling my problem well. Let's see how the '98 compares. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
murrdog
a racer
from maryland
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Judy rocks. I rode a Bomber recently, and I was very, very unimpressed. After all the hype I had heard about the bomber I expected the ride of my life, but all it felt like was a sticky pair of judys. My judy is plush, adjustable, and i ride the hell out of it on very rocky trails and i have yet to have a problem. want a good fork......buy a judy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Hand
a cross-country rider
from Johor Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rock Shox Judy XC 97. I ride almost 100 % off road In the Palm Oil and rubber plantations and other wooded areas in Malaysia, The Rock Shox Judy XC is poorly designed and broke after about a month of riding, The Shock has a lower casing of cast alumimum and is connected at the v breaks with a cast crossover. The shock broke at the point where the cross ove connects a the V break and the local Rock shox Rep refused to honor the warrenty. I Took the Shock to the Singapore Rep Treknology 3 who gave me the same song and dance. I had to contact the USA to have the warranty resolved and the lower cassing replaced FOC. Anyone could see the broken casting crossover was poorly designed, looked like pot metal and non-replacable unlike cross overs on competor's Shocks which are bolted on. Rock Shox has experience may such breaks and will be changing the design in the future. You should not buy the Rock Shox until they have a quality engineered shock. Other comments: The rock shox Judy XC felt sloppy and the tension adjustment for the elastomers is a Joke!! I replaced My expensive Judy XC with a RST Monzo 3.5 and have found the cheaper RST to ride better and is better designed and the shock's response and ride is much improved. I give Rock Shox Judy a 000 if I could. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The rider
a cross-country rider
from North Shore
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork came stock on my Specialized Stumpjumper M2 pro and it is the best thing since v-brakes. It is so plush and stiff, a bit on the heavy side for me, but who cares one pound isn't going to make a difference in a race, or anything for that matter unless your a freakin' wimp. If your a weekend warrior a racer or even a circus freak this fork is for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walt Berling
a cross-country rider
from Wilson, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This thing is way too whippy. Other than that, haven't had problems. Had a Specialized Future Shock before, had problems with leaks, etc, but the fork was much stiffer when the fron brakes were applied. Since the Specialized fork was more than several years old. I figures this Judy shock would be a great upgrade. Not too sure at this point. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hau
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
people sure can bring on the shit from all around, never fear, this fork does what I paid for and is living up to my expectations of a decent XC fork with long travel. I periodically maintain my Judy and it still has a couple of years at my current ride rate, I have to change the f**king cartridge though, she's gonna blow. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Johnson
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am tired of all these people whining. Mountain biking is a rough sport that takes a toll on your parts. You spend your hard earned money buying a fork, so take care of it. Other people are like, It sucks, you sticks after a couple of rides! well, it is going to do that if you don't take care of the fork. Regular matinence makes it last longer than something ever so often. My friend has a Bomber, never lubes it, but about a couple of months ago he had to spend a lot of money to get some replacement parts. why? he didn't take care of it. I had to spend a lot less on new wipers for my fork than he had to for his Bomber. I am not knocking the Bomber, i love it, heavy though. But i am jsut saying, stop giving people the wrong idea. I LOVE MY JUDY! A little lube down the tubes before a ride, take off the legs of the fork and put some grease on (15 min) like ever couple of rides, and it performs like new. my Manitou was a pain to take apart and clean, it sucked. One thing i don't like about the Judy is that the cartridges may blow.........it hasn't happened to me yet, i think i have a solution. put a small film of Judy butter around the cartridge ever couple of weeks or months. If this is true, it is reducing the heat between the damper and the cartridge. try it out, and if you blow a cartridge, but a metal one, it will perform better anyway. keep riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a racer
from jswavely@accces.com
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First, I have to admit, I don't like Judy forks much. However, in admitting that, I have to say the '98 Judy is better. The '97s had problems with breakage, blown cartridges, and bad bushings. The '98s with the Type III system is much better. However, blown cartridges will still occur I'm sure. The design is so so as best. I'm broke these days, so when racing I use the '98 Judy XC (OEM alloy steere)
with Englund Air Cartridges. The fork is not a White Brothers 70, but I'm only inot it for less than $300 new. This is a good, workable fork for the money. Never buy this fork for more than $250 or so. This is a commercial fork that does nothing too well, but everything pretty well.By the way, if you are a trail rider, get a Bomber Z2 or Z3. The Bombers are beautiful forks. I even use mine of extremely rough courses to carry more speed, but the weight is noticable when climbing. Ride hard and stay on the trail. Four stars because it performs pretty well for cheap.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric NIed
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rock Shox Judy-XC is the perfect fork. I hace had few problems with it.
Only a few leaks.
I weigh 140 pounds and it works great.
From now in, I'm a ROCK SHOX kind of man.
Before I bought my Judy I had a Manitou, it was goog but I had a lot more problems then. I use my Judy on streets and rough terrins. The Manitou was
just bull ---- compared to the Judy. I think Rock Shox are the best for
cross country. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the BIG boy
a racer
from Norcal
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have to say that my 97 Judy XC is the biggest piece of overpriced crap that I have ever ridden. The ride quality is so-so, it flexs a bit much, but the forks sealing is the pits. Even after cleaning it after every ride, I have still been forced to replace the stanchions, bushings and more. This fork actually locked up during a ride due to the crappy seals getting dirt in them. It does make a great rigid fork when this happens though! Sure glad I didn't pay retail, b/c with parts needs it would be well past White Bros in cost by now! Do yourself a favor, this fork isn't worth even $189 at closeout. And if you have one, put White Bros wipers on it before you get a repair bill the size of Texas. C'mon Rock Shox, start making quality again. My old RS-1 was indestructible, so much for the new high tech stuff. One Chili is more than this thing deserves. Not even worth its weight in feces. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Wentz
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike about 7 months ago. I take better care of my bike then the people at the bike shop, but some how the bushings wore out, my freind had the same problem as me. Because Rock Shox sold me an infefior product I had to pay $100 to replace the bushings. I would not recomend this fork to anyone untill Rock Shox fixes their problem. I would recomend White Bros SC 70. So if possible get a differnt fork for your bike, and keepyour fork lubed, and build a strong front wheel due to the slop in the forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Wentz
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike about 7 months ago. I take better care of my bike then the people at the bike shop, but some how the bushings wore out, my freind had the same problem as me. Because Rock Shox sold me an infefior product I had to pay $100 to replace the bushings. I would not recomend this fork to anyone untill Rock Shox fixes their problem. I would recomend White Bros SC 70. So if possible get a differnt fork for your bike, and keepyour fork lubed, and build a strong front wheel due to the slop in the forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Maine
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I went from ROckshox quads to Judy XC with Englunds catridges and type three
upgrade long travel stuff i love them
quads sux
they sux sux sux suck sux sux sux sux sux sux kooka rules
kooka rules
lx is good
XT is better
XTR is good except for rapid rise and shifts
because ESP RULES
JUDYS RULE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crunch
a racer
from ohio,land of trial loss
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok,my '96 Judy XC blew. My '97 Judy xc long travel has worked amazingly well for a Judy. I weigh 210# and I jump a lot. I think I lucked out and got a judy with the factory risse seals and cartridge because I abused it last year and it is still alive(1000 miles and no internal maint. just a lot of bull shot grease on the sliders)I just went with xheavy speedsprings+white seal(no boot)Is good. Use a lot of grease and watch for play in bushings.(mine are starting to)P.s. use a X-IT topper and run lots o' preload.(I'm still on 1st cartridge)I'm amazed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a racer
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork really kicks arse. I have never had a problem with the
cartridge. I put heaps of Judy Butter inside and under the boots and it is really plush. I ride on really rocky single track and it kicks arse. I used to have a Indy XC and that was really flexy and the rebound on the forks was really shit. The only thing that could be better is the weight. But a really good fork otherwise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pate
a cross-country rider
from Palms Spring , CA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got this fork with my GT LTS-2 ...and IT SUX big time . Its too flexy ... and it doesnt isolate U from road shok at ALL ! The catridges are leaky ... mine leak after a day ... blew a week later after a 3 feet jump . Try RST Mozo Pro ... they R a whole lot plusher .... and cheaper too . I've tried 3 feet jumps on them and they hardly .. if ever bottoms out . THE JUDY SUXXXXXXX !!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
beck
a racer
from florida
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS IS GOT TO BE THE WORST FORK I HAVE EVER OWNED,IT WAS OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT WITH CHEAP PLASTIC PARTS,THE ADJUSTMENTS KEEPED GETTING STUCK. AFTER A FEW SHORT MONTHS I BUSTED THE OIL DAMPANER. IT IS A VERY FLEXIBLE FORK AND BOTTOMS OUT VERY EASILY.NEVER EVER BUY THIS FORK,IT DOES NOT EVEN DESERVE 1 CHILLI. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B-RIDER
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
O.K., time to put in my 2-cents worth. I got my Judy XC with my Klien, and immediately put in a type 3 kit to get rid of the bumpers. I thought the action was great, until I built a bike for my wife with an RST Mozo fork. Wow! Thw Mozo showed me how good a stiff fork can perform, and how flexy and harsh my Judy is. I thought the Judy performed well over fast, choppy stuff, until I rode the RST. Now, I can't wait to get rid of the Judy.About the damper: I've ridden it hard for about 6 mos, and have YET to see it leak. Maybe I got a good one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Further to my XC review, Rockshox sent me the required pieces and my shock is back on the trail in less than a week. I credit my local bike shop from supporting me 100% (BikeFit in St. Catharines). I'm still concerned about the longevity of the pieces and I don't like the cheap plastic caps. I'll raise the rating to three. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from St. Catharines, Ontario
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
No complaints about the Judy XC performance for 8 months. They are stiffer than my other fork (older air/oil) and work soaking up small bumps without harsh bottoming on larger ones. The travel seems a little shorter than advertised, but what else is new. At 8 months I blew the damper cartridge and when I took the forks apart the left slider (damper side) had been gouged by what looks like bits of aluminum. The other leg (no damper) was like new as I have kept the forks cleaned and used a LOT of Judy butter. Really disappointed as the fork is now close to junk. I will let you know how Rockshox handles the warranty issue. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keisuke Fukai
a weekend warrior
from Yokohama Japan
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good performance and reasonable price.
I bought Judy xc '97 $199.99 with shipping cost $69 from USA.
it is better to compare manitou Fs and SX '97, also rockshox indy sl and xc '97, judy sl and xc and t2 '98.
Its storoke is moderate for my weight 54kg.
Its weight 1.4kg is good-balance for MTB bike total 10.4kg.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou
a cross-country rider
from Philly
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall an awsome fork.... I weigh 175 and ride HARD, and broke the support bracket, and had it replaced in 3 days with 98' Leg assembly...... It never leaked on me, and bottoms on HARD hits, which it is supposed to do.... I think some squids out there don't know the first thing about how to tune their suspension to their exact needs, therefore they have problems..... Study hard dorks, and I look forward to smoking all of you..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sid
a
from Pa. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have'nt rode an elastomer fork I liked yet .There not very plush not very tunable and realy suck when it gets cold out.So I've learned except the fact that I have to customize each fork I have, for it's application.This one is on my HT so I wanted light tunable.I put a total-air cart. in it and am very happy the way the fork acts.It,s very adj. light and has 2.8 inches of usable travle.On the bad side I've noticed play in bushings I go 175 and am an aggresive rider.But with only 1000 miles on the fork I think the play is premature.I also have 96 xc on my wifes bike with extra soft speed spring. The fork is very plush for her she goes about 115.But even at her wt. had the cart. leak R.S. replaced it free within 2 days.So no complaint there.All in all a good fork, springs & cart. could be better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
never again
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
at the time when i purchased this fork i thought it was great. now that i have ridden with other forks, it is horrible. a couple of my friends have headshocks(dd60 and Fatty D) and the dd60 is similar but the Fatty is so much better. the xc has slow compression and rebound not to mention leaky oil cartriges and excessive flex never again will I buy a judy it's weight is a plus though | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Conroy
a cross-country rider
from VT, USA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the only shock fork that I have ever owned, but I think it works great. I've heard other bikers tell me of their problems with their different types of suspension forks, and I can't relate to any of them with mine. I've had it checked and maintained only once in about 9 or 10 months of owning it. I've never bottomed it out and I weigh 165 lbs. Also, I could swear that there were times that I would have taken major falls off my bike if the fork hadn't soaked up a big hit and then rebounded just right. My only small problem is that on certain occasions it seems to me as if the fork doesn't soak up the little rutts and bumps enough, and I keep it on its most flexible setting. But, overall, good fork, especially for big hits! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In Australia these forks cost $850 - no kidding.On the bad side :
I've had these forks for almost a year now. The compression cartrige has leaked oil over and over. The thing needs WAY to much mataince. There is too much stiction. The fact is that Rockshox have been putting out forks that leak oil. I'm not talking about a manufacturing default. I've taken them in to be fixed 5 times. Each time I get them back they start leaking a few day later. How many people run their forks with the stock damper? You have to shell out another $300 for a damper that does not leak (white bros / risse). So really if you want to b
buy a Judy factor in the extra costs ($850 for the fork + $300 for the cartridge + $100 for a tunning kit [unless you correct weight for the stock stuff] = $1150??????For this price the forks are a bad JOKE! Even if they worked out of the box, at $850 they would still be a joke. DO NOT BUY ANY ROCKSHOX PRODUCT UNLESS YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOU EXPENSIVE BIKE IN FOR REPAIR EVERY OTHER WEEK. ROCKSHOX - SPEND HALF OF YOUR ADVERTISING BUDGET ON R&D, COME UP WITH A CARTRIDGE THAT DOSENT LEAK (OTHER COMPANIES HAVE MANAGED), OFFER TO REPLACE YOUR CUSTOMERS CARTRIDGE'S WITH ONE THAT WORKS ALONG WITH AN APPOLOGIE FOR F-U-C-KING THEM AROUND.On the good side: When they are working the action is reasonable. They seem pretty stiff. They are useable at hi speed as long as you don't have to take multipul big hits.MY NEXT BIKE WILL NOT CONTAIN ANY ROCKSHOX UNITS, FRONT OR REAR, WHICH CONTAIN
OIL DAMPERS. THE INDY FORK IS AN EXCEPTION BECAUSE IS HAS NO CARTRIDGE.Unbiased People who have worked in the industry will mostly tell you that rockshox stuff (indy excepted) is shit - ask around yourself before spending.In the US for $260 odd, if they didn't leak they deserve 3.5 stars.
But hey, here they cost $850 and they leak. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sunnyboy
a weekend warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Absolutely the worst fork u can get! The fork started to leak the first day out of
the box and flexs like crazy even though I weigh only 120 lbs. The type 2 spring
system isn't exactly all that great either. it's time for a bomber for me.
The xc simply sucks. I would give it no chilies if i could | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Everett, WA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Klein Attitude came with this fork and it was set too stiff at first for my weight (155 lbs.). So after I adjusted it, it seems to work great. I haven't had any maintenance problems or mud problems, and I don't know why everyone whines about the travel. It's a cross country fork, get over it. It has got to be stiff enough to climb with, people. Light, smooth action, good fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Tanasichuk
a racer
from Nanaimo,B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ithought this forck kicked ass. I don't what all these people were talking about that the fork has no adjustiblity. It sticks to the gound at the local single track. My advice is to set the fork fairly loose with about an inch of travel. I wish there was more travel. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chip
a downhiller
from Linthicum,Md
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Liked the judy Xc it was perfect for what im uses it for. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Wilson
a weekend warrior
from North York
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Reacenty Purchase the shock on Sale. There the F.u.c.k.i.n.g Best shock in the world.
the have great travel. They Kick the Manitous Equivilets ass. As far as im concerned the people who
purchas Manitou shocks suck CHUBBY DICKs. Ps. Manitou eats shit for breakfast. Thank You for your time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Unfortunately, I have had nothing but trouble with my Judy XC. The adjustability is nonexistent, the cartridge leakes like a drippy faucet, and worse yet, the shock feels like it only has about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of travel. I am a 175 pound x-country racer and I find that no matter how much preload and damping that I have put into the shock, it will still bottom out at the slightest sneeze. Fortunately, I have installed some Englund Air Cartridges into the shock and it has never felt better. They reduced the overall weight, improved the high and low amplitude bump reactivity, and it is 10x more adjustable. To summarize, go with Marzocchi or add some Englunds. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These shocks are the BEST!!! I recently adjected to travel, and I get at least 6 centimeters out of them, and I only weigh 110 lbs! Not al att bouncy, though. Feels like nothing on the stones. All around GREAT FORK!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uli
a weekend warrior
from Ca.
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i have the '96 that came on my Joshua Y, and i have to say it was just mediocre until i put just one stack on red MCU's in onw leg. But after ahwile, when i took it in to a bike store, they told me that the cantrage was blown! Real cool...well i didn't know it at least. Preformance was satisfactory though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JT
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently acquired a 97 Judy XC long travel fork on a new full suspension rig. Rear end of bike felt GREAT, front shock felt too stiff...what long travel???? After making all the external adjustments possible and still feeling like I had half a shock, I noticed a set of 96 Judy mutli-piece elastomers laying on my work bench. Replaced the 97 Judy one piece elastomer (stupid idea) with approx 2/3 of a 96 Judy stack (2 purple/2 red) and now the fork is PLUSH!!!! Probably not a Rock Shox authorized modification, just thought you'd like to know!!! 3 chilis prior, 4 after the modification. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRIAN ROSKELLEY
a cross-country rider
from BUFFALO GROVE, IL
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I THINK THE JUDY XC KICKS! IT'S SUCH A KEWL FORK. I RECENTLY RODE A LONG TRAVEL XC AND I DIDN'T LIKE IT! IT WAS TO STICKY AND GUMMY! AND IT WAS NOT! TO PLUSH. I DON'T RECOMEND GETTING THE LONG TRAVEL. I RECOMEND GETTING SPEEEEEED SPRINNNNNNGS. IN RESPONSE TO ALL THE RETARDS OUT THERE COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW MUCH THERE SHOCKS BOTTOM OUT OR HOW THE CARTRIDGES LEAK THEY CAN .............!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Delaware
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a 96 Judy XC for around 250.00 in Februrary of 1997. It's ok but at the end of March I blew the oil cartridge on it, and before you say anything I only weigh 120lbs. So that kinda pissed off, right now I'm looking into the Manitou SX Ti or the new Zokie Z2 Atom Bomb, anyone riding these forks that can give some opinions or advice I'd be greatful for the help. Thank you | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
