| |
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 | |
|
$
