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Submitted by
Nik Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Red Route @ Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$301.00 | | Purchased At: | Merlin Cycles | | Strengths: | Really plush ride for the price and absorbs the small stuff well. Durability (I bought them when they first came out and I'm still using them after 3000+ K). Serviceability | | Weaknesses: | They look dated!
You'll now struggle to buy replacement bits for them. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Revelation 426 Air U-Turn. | | Bike Setup: | Old Tange Prestige hardtail with a lot of late 90's LX and x-lite stuff, and a hope mini on the front (oh yeah, and a set of '99 Judys) | | Bottom Line: | These were my first set of bouncy forks and they've taken a pounding for 7 years (I commuted 20 miles a day for 1 1/2 years on 'em too, and I'm 14/15 stone) and are only now showing significant wear with only two significant services, and they still hold thier own on lumpy bumpy stuff.
You might be okay if you need new/different springs as I got some non Rock Shox replacement ones only a year or so ago.
Pretty nice for weekend warriors who want to upgrade from the yukky elastomer forks that came with thier not-too-bad £300ish hardtail. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from CO to CA!
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Lees Cyclery | | Strengths: | cheap | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING! this shock sucks ass. poor rebounding, cheap innards, horrible design. i could got on, but i will stop | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber, Manitou | | Bike Setup: | GT avalanche 1.0, avid disk... | | Bottom Line: | This shock is not worth a dime, i dont know why so many people are saying its a good shock. i am on my 3rd rebuild and its toast again. The springs are flimsy and they move around inside scoring the walls. bushings last half a ride season. mine is seriously going to injure me.
id recommend puchasing a nicer shock because this shock is NOT for anyone wanting any type of long lasting maintenance free performing shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | none really, does everything ok. | | Weaknesses: | Rebound adjustment and durability, TOTAL LACK OF PRODUCT SUPPORT - C3 cartridges stink and they don't make them anymore | | Similar Products Used: | Indy XC, Marzochi Atom Bomb | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager steel hardtail, XT/LX mix, Stylo Isis Crankset | | Bottom Line: | I bought a long travel Judy XC in Oct 99. Worked great for alomst 18 months. I upgraded from an Indy XC and really enjoyed the extra travel and rebound damping. Only problem was tuning, the rebound damping knob has no imapct on the performance. This spring I blew the C3 cartridge, just 6 months out of warranty. Guess what. NO %$*()@$ replacement parts! For $73 they will upgrade you to the current 4 1/2 lb "pig" they call the 2001 Judy XC. Only, they arent't available with 1 inch steer tubes, so screw the consumer. I bought an after market cartdidge so I can ride and guess what, it voids any remaining warranty! Do your self a favor and buy a fork from a company that stands behind their product. Marzocchi's are indestructible and Manitou are light and effective. Don't waste your money on RockShox forks. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Lightweight, good value, tough, and plenty of travel. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of. | | Bottom Line: | These are the nicest shocks a person could ask for. The combination of these shocks being lightweight, very plush, very customizable, and the tough construction make these the perfect shocks for my needs. I would recommend these shocks to anyone who wants a quality ride with low maintenance. I have not used too many other forks, but I think the Judy XC's are one of the best. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jacob
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | a dumb guy | | Strengths: | nice shocks,great for cross counrty riding | | Weaknesses: | they r a little to soft | | Similar Products Used: | bombers | | Bike Setup: | xtr derailer front and back,avid 20 v-brakes,stump jumper 99 | | Bottom Line: | nice shocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Used, but mint cond. | | Strengths: | Stiffness
Travel
Adjustability
Ability to take whatever you can give | | Weaknesses: | Makes sounds after about a week of riding
Needs new springs if you're over 135lbs.
| | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Sid XC,2001 Judy XC`s, Jett XC,Judy XL, Rst 281 (do not buy), Duotracks (DO NOT buy) | | Bike Setup: | Norco Cypress, shimano xt/xl comps, logic headset/stem, Judy XC`s | | Bottom Line: | All I was looking for was a good fork at a reasonable price to replace my old junk rst`s. What I found was more than I expected. I mean, these shocks take anything you dish out, just make sure you put a heavier set of springs inside, because they tend to feel a bit bumpy with the originals. Although they're 2 years old, they feel like they just came off the shipping truck... Yes they're that plush and long lasting. They are by far the best shock that I personally have ever ridden. They make you want to hop on you're bike and start riding, even though I already do...
They're also alot more stable and higher in quality than the new Judy XC`s and give you way less problems and take lesscare than the newer ones. 5/5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | came with frame... | | Strengths: | Perfect for anti maintenance folks / medium range xc riders | | Weaknesses: | Lack of good valving on rebound control. Valving on just one side does not constitute fast control... DUH! Does not cope too well being bottomed out really hard. [of course that's not exactly what it's designed for either...] | | Similar Products Used: | lots. | | Bike Setup: | Specialised FSR Comp. RaceFace, Rhynolite XL & Chris King hubs. XT casette, bashring etc etc.. | | Bottom Line: | I have beat the living hell out of this fork - pretty much ignored maintenance - and ridden it outside it's design scope. I'm a heavier rider at 6'1 / 195 lbs... I've intentionally done too many front wheeles on it - expecting to torque the front forks and yet... to my suprise it continues to defy me. [And trust me when I say I thoroughly enjoy destroying products - It's a sick fascination but to my dismay a lot of product out there is total crap. I love just handing back the product to a rep after a few hours... in a baggie.]
ok in honesty I did a 4 ' drop and I did smash out the bracket - but hey.. if that's what it took then this fork gets 5 chilis... if you find on - get it. A good product for it's design range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tryon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Plush, never bottoms out, hydracoil, long travel kit | | Weaknesses: | it could be stiffer | | Similar Products Used: | jetts | | Bottom Line: | I really like this fork and think it is awesome. Mine has an aluminum steeror tube and 2-bolt aluminum crown so it has a reasonable weight. It has worked great for me. I cant wait to race with it. No problems yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Racer
from stockbridge,ga 30281
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$295.00 | | Strengths: | You can really beat these shocks to death. I have had them for three years and I can't break them. | | Weaknesses: | On some trails they prove to be a little to stiff. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzzochi X-Flys | | Bike Setup: | Trek SLR frame, rock shock Judy's, Shimano XTR front and rear deraillers, Icon Graphite cranks, Bontrager corvairs, and Bontrager Jones AC tires, with Avid Ti v-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Overall this is an outstanding product. Extremely durable and very reliable. They are also backed by a name like Rock Shox. For the money you really can't beat these shocks. I like them and would definatley recommend these to anyone who is interested in XC racing. Looking forward to trying the Sid's and pyslo's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan
a Downhiller
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Eden | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Small bike store | | Strengths: | Doesn't bottom out easily, absorbs a lot of the big stuff and the small stuff. Steel steerer tube. Very durable. | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy, should have at least another half inch of travel, ugly colour, the adjustment on top doesn't do much at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber Z1, RockShox SID XC, Manitou Mars. | | Bike Setup: | Trek VRX300 99', MHD chain giude instead of front derhailleur. MAXXIS 2.7" front tire and 2.5" at the back | | Bottom Line: | Overall a good fork. But I am soon going to ugrade to Marzocchi Bomber JR.T 2001, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dinorider
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Birch Ski area | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Woodcock Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Very plush ride. Absorbs the small as well as the big stuff.
Difficult to bottom. Relatively easy to maintain. Handled all the rough stuff during all the races I entered. | | Weaknesses: | After 2 years of use the left top cap lost the knob then later blew out the center plug (replacements=$50). The seals didn't really keep all the dirt out, I service annually and the stanchions have wear marks on them. I did use gators. Initially I could bottom the forks too easily (I weigh 165lbs), so I switched the 5wt to 8wt Rockshox racing oil, it maintained the plush ride with a good ramp up in stiffness. I have recently put in 15wt Finish Line but it is
not as plush, I can't get the 8wt anymore or so I'm told. | | Bike Setup: | Was on Specialized FSR-Comp, now on RockHopper Pro. | | Bottom Line: | Good plush fork, takes the big/small hits, hard to bottom, needs better seals, top caps are crap,use 8wt oil if you can get it. Too heavy for serious xc racing but a great allround fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Strengths: | black color
plush oil travel | | Weaknesses: | weight | | Bottom Line: | this fork is great for xc if you like the smooth ride. this fork would be better if it were lighter but the only light forks are air and i dont like them as much as oil, if you like performance get these, if u are concerned in the weight then dont | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bernie
a Downhiller
from england
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | they were nice and plush but not much adjustability | | Weaknesses: | i know they're not really designed for jumping, but i managed to bend the steerer tube on them which made me think that they weren't very strong. they also seemed to wear out quite quickly, the bushes needed replacing after about 9 or 10 months | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | frame, forks, two wheels | | Bottom Line: | good for cross country but i wouldn't recommend them for jumping, but they are marketed as an XC fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Responsive on small and big holes. Great adjustable preload. Good shock absorbtion. strong! | | Weaknesses: | It's on the heavier side. | | Similar Products Used: | RST | | Bike Setup: | Sintesi Jade 00, Deore Groupset w/LX rd, Mavic rims, Judy XC. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for money. If you are not a weight freak. Go for it by all means! No complains! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Orlando
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida, P.R.
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Olimpic route, Salina | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (Ciclomundo) | | Strengths: | Durability, Disc brake mount, Beefy one piece construction(lower legs) | | Weaknesses: | Weight, the look of the plastic boots | | Similar Products Used: | RS Quadra 21, Indy c | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh M400, ATAC, XTR/VELOCITY WHEELSET, MINOTAUR 380 TIRE, FSA Ti BB, CT2 HANDLEB., DEAN SEATP., SELLE TRANS AM, REAL ALLOY CASSETTE, PAUL LEVER/AVID 1 DIG MAG. STXRC/XT drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | For racing this fork is a little overweigh, is in the 3.8lb.This can be corrected with a new fork or upgrading with englund. The construction is quite good.
Overall, in the mechanical aspect, the fork works really good. Absorb well moderate to highly rough terrain. Doesn't flex to much, compared with the indy. Haven't bottom out with me (160lb) and more IMPORTANT HAVEN'T fallen to pieces, not like the indy that almost tear of my ear with the MCU.
In the overall rating minus one chili, because of the weight | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew attiyeh
a Downhiller
from moraga california
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | sharp bicycle (came with bike) | | Strengths: | this is a very strong fork that is also plush. It can take pretty big drops that are like 5 feet high. its a very nice freeride fork. | | Weaknesses: | the only thing i can think of is it doesnt have enough travel. But its so durable so that kind of makes up for it. | | Similar Products Used: | manitou magnum r, x vert | | Bike Setup: | trek vrx 300 a-very good bike might I add. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a great freeride fork with not too much travel but is very strong and plush you should buy this. Remember you can do five foot drops with under 100 mm of travel which proves how tough it is. The only person who shouldnt get it is a pro downhiller | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew attiyeh
a Downhiller
from moraga california
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | sharp bicycle (came with bike) | | Strengths: | this is a very strong fork that is also plush. It can take pretty big drops that are like 5 feet high. its a very nice freeride fork. | | Weaknesses: | the only thing i can think of is it doesnt have enough travel. But its so durable so that kind of makes up for it. | | Similar Products Used: | manitou magnum r, x vert | | Bike Setup: | trek vrx 300 a-very good bike might I add. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a great freeride fork with not too much travel but is very strong and plush you should buy this. Remember you can do five foot drops with under 100 mm of travel which proves how tough it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Hepler
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City, IA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Strengths: | Smooth action on big hits. Hardly ever bottoms out, XC riding wise. Easy to maintain. Consistent performance even after big hits and extreme conditions. | | Weaknesses: | A little sticky on small hits and washboard. Tad heavy for racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy Race, Judy 100. | | Bike Setup: | S-20 XC, freeride pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for any XC rider of any level. If weight's a big concern then maybe you might want to move up to the SID's. If not, then the Judy XC will definitely get the job done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew K.
a Cross Country Rider
from PA, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 4 dead aliens or washing machine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | they dont bottom out easily. take big hits well and small hits just as well. quick response. very quick. | | Weaknesses: | not enough travel. | | Similar Products Used: | judy race. judy xc 1997. | | Bike Setup: | trek 7000. avid brakes, shimano compontents. specilized body geometry seat and gloves. | | Bottom Line: | very nice cross country fork but for downhill it is lacking a lot. like travel. great responce and unlike other forks like indys the whole 63 mm of travel is used. not just about 20 mm like those lame indys. dont by indys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from b.c
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | steep technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | good value, 100mm travel
they dont bottom much
i honnestly did a 5footer onto concrete the otehr day and it didnt bottom, so it cant be that bad | | Weaknesses: | steel stear tube
not beefy at all,
dust seals come up on em
need to be beefer
kinda flexy | | Similar Products Used: | X vert! Z2 atom bomb, older judy XC z3 flylite 100 | | Bike Setup: | giant xcx ds1 | | Bottom Line: | not a bad fork for the money but i woould like sumthin a little more beefy. its just not built all that solid like the X vert or bomber. the 100mm travel is nice too | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Technical | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It is Kinda light and is good for easy riding terraine and looks cool | | Weaknesses: | Not enough travel for the extreme stuff I do and I can bottom it out of a small drop and I am only 135. good for beginner or someone who isn't hardcore. | | Similar Products Used: | rst 381, marzocchi z5 | | Bike Setup: | Trek 7000 with lx frtont and xt back, bontrager hubs, icon cranks,seat post. DK platform pedals and easton monkey lite bar and axiom stem with panaracer fire xc pro tires and rinolite rims | | Bottom Line: | Good fork but needs more travel and would look better without boots. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tobbe Arnesson
a Cross Country Rider
from Ludika, Dalarna, Sweden
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Finnmarksturen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Low maintainance | | Weaknesses: | Mud-cap comes loose when not taped (not standard). | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | '99 Raleigh M800 | | Bottom Line: | This fork came stock on my bike and I see no reason in the world to upgrade. Next bike might have a better fork though, I know they're out there. But I'm totaly satisified with this fork.
As mentioned I had to put some tape around the mud-cap but that's ok with me. I was too heavy for the original springs but now I have lost the extra pounds ;)
I'm about to make my first 1000 km maintainance on this fork soon, I should have done it already but.. you know :) Other than that; add some lube to the fork and keep it clean and it's an everlast! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john snyder
a Weekend Warrior
from massachusetts
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | edge loop in fruita colorado | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | reliable and solid | | Weaknesses: | 3.7 lbs, but let's not be too picky. the boots are too short, now why should that be a problem! | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz hecklerX | | Bottom Line: | they work for me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Pretty plush, hard to bottom out if set up right, not too expensive either. | | Weaknesses: | Weight (heavier than a bloated pig), flexy (but I can't tell and don't care when I'm riding). No boots! so-so seals | | Bike Setup: | Marin Indian Fire Trail, LX/XT drivetrain and a mish mash of different parts | | Bottom Line: | Good for the price as long as you're not a weight weenie. Rock Shox said that with their new sealing system that boots were no longer necessary, but yet the new 2000 Judy XC's have boots. hmmmmm. Even though I lubed and cleaned the stanchions regularly when I broke down the fork yesterday I find sand and dirt inside the fork and under the seals. Not to mention the oil was the consistency of dirty turpentine and mocha late (different in each leg). Needless to say there was major water contamination. Well anyways I cleaned and lubed everything and it works 10 times better now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin Daurge
a Cross Country Rider
from Exeter,England
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodbury xc national course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Plush travel, small and large bump sensitivity the workings are fantastic | | Weaknesses: | The "finishing" of the product- cheapy paint-flakes off, naff boots, rust, it's steel and it flexes???-Weight-2k ouch | | Similar Products Used: | Rst mozo pro-lame, Rst 381's, Manitou sx | | Bike Setup: | db alu hardtail, full xt | | Bottom Line: | These forks have a mass produced feel- the workings are great but see all the weaknesses, Rockshox have become a bit too high and mighty for their on good-they don't relise that us mortals do notice those little finishings. So that's why I really want to try out the Marzocchi flylight range- their so much lighter and have better build quality I'm told. But for value for money these coil oil sprung are good and their plushness great- one for the freeriders rather than xc weight freaks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail in the durham region | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | makes my ride very soft and comfortable
soaks up the bumps | | Weaknesses: | a little soft for heavier (190+lbs) riders | | Similar Products Used: | '00 Manitou SX | | Bottom Line: | I was not disappointed when I saw this fork on my bike and was even more impressed with it after I rode on it. Definately the best fork for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.J. Piela
a Racer
from Wilbraham, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with sharp, pointy rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | reliable, affordable, great deal for the price. | | Weaknesses: | a little bulky and heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Jett and Indy | | Bike Setup: | '99 Trek 7000 w/ Avid 10 brakes, Shimano XT, aluminum frame,clipless petals | | Bottom Line: | This is a crazy shock for the price! If you are willing to spend the extra 50 th 100 bucks, pick the Judys. Very smooth ride and sweet looking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Doyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayward, California, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Chabot Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Simplistic design. RELIABLE! | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox 2000 Judy Race
Rock Shox 1998 Jett XC
Rock Shox 1999 SID XC | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Gary Fisher Paragon. Stock, execpt for a Race Face Turbine LP crankset, Selle Italia Flight Gel saddle, and a THE Moto XC front fender. | | Bottom Line: | I know that there are a lot of experienced riders out there who dislike the Judy. Lord knows that there are plenty of better forks out there on the market. I will say that, although I do not recommend purchasing the fork as an upgrade, the fact that came stock on my bike was not a dissapointment for me. This fork has yet to let me down. It is a very low maintence design. All I have every done is keep the wiper seal clean & lubed. I ride 3-4 times a week, approx 14 miles a ride. Approximately 80% of that riding is off road. I would say that I hammer this fork pretty good on the off road sections. It has eaten up everything that I've attempted to ride over. I admit that this fork is nothing to write home about, but I'm not in a hurry to upgrade to something more expensive & more complex either. Overall, I think that Rock Shox hit the mark with this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A man
a Cross Country Rider
from the UK
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | - Extremely Plush
- Tough construction
- Easy maintainance
- Good Looks
- For XC or normal trail riding, they steer well with no noticable flex | | Weaknesses: | - Heavier than SID (use the money you save to get lighter wheels) | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Judy SL
98 Judy T2
Manitou Magnum
Ballistic
A few bombers now and again | | Bike Setup: | 99 GT Karakoram | | Bottom Line: | These are the plushest, best performing Judys Rock Shox has ever made. This is undoubtedly due to the Hydracoil system. Although this adds some weight, it's a very small trade off for such excellent performance - especially when you can pick them up so cheaply. A couple of years ago forks this good would have been 2-3 times the price.
Many people have complained that they're too soft. Well, if you're in the 140-170 pound range (like I am) you won't have any problems - they'll work straight out of the box.
If you're heavier than this, it's a doddle to change the springs stiffer ones.
All in all, they're the perfect mid-range XC fork for the performance-concious rider. If you're a lard-arsed downhiller, you won't like them, but then they weren't designed for you, were they? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Phoxxer
a Weekend Warrior
from Here
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail Behind my house | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good travel and durability | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | rst shocks did not like | | Bike Setup: | XT | | Bottom Line: | Da Bomb pair of shocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Weekend Warrior
from BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | -Responsive
-Plush
-Design
| | Weaknesses: | -Weight
-Plastic pre-load caps (not a big deal)
-No damping adjustment other than changing oil weight | | Similar Products Used: | -Bomber Z3 light
-Manitou SX
-Rock Shox Indy C
| | Bike Setup: | 1999 Trek VRX 300 | | Bottom Line: | The fork is a bit on the heavy side but the plushness even's it out. I am fairly pleased with the performance. I am dissipointed that there is no external damping adjustment. I would recommend this fork to anyone who wants a solid reliable xc fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Ukiah, CA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Boggs and Flume | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Works well, easy to tune, tracks well. | | Weaknesses: | none-no problems at all! | | Similar Products Used: | 96 Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | '99 Kona Explosif, custom built with XT and a bunch of nice upper end parts. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good fork. It's a third of a pound lighter and a hundred bucks cheaper than a Zoke Z2 (also a good fork). It works much better than my old 96 Judy, which was a great fork in 1996. Rock Shox got it right with this one!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlisle Mass
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i havent taken | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | pretty smooth
80mm of travel is good for me | | Weaknesses: | Weight
color
springs | | Similar Products Used: | Zokes pro
Jett t2 | | Bike Setup: | So crappy im not going to tell you because of imbarrasment | | Bottom Line: | it is an ok fork. I'd rather have the new Judy race, but the Schwinn homegrown im buying comes with the judy xc. I guess i'll learn to live w/ it till i upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Montclair, Virginia
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good travel(80mm), nice rebound, responsive. | | Weaknesses: | The stock springs were too soft for me. I weigh 200lbs. and they were bottoming out off of any drop over 2 feet. I swapped out the stock springs for a set of firm SpeedSprings and I love it now. The springs seem to cut down the travel by about 1/2 inch, but the overall feel is excellent, and the rebound is the best I've felt on any fork. | | Similar Products Used: | I previously owned a ProFlex Animal, and it had a Girvin linkage fork setup. The Judy blows it away. | | Bike Setup: | 98 Fisher Big Sur, 9 speed XT, only the wheelset remains stock! | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for the money. If you weigh 200lbs. or more, change the springs to firm. Sure, it weighs 4lbs., but it rocks so weight is not an issue! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Looper
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairmont,WV
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Plush
Responsive | | Weaknesses: | Heavy
Clicks on rebound | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC 00 | | Bike Setup: | stock Schwinn Moab 1 | | Bottom Line: | The 99 Judy XC is a great fork for the money compared to some other manufactures.Its responsive for uphill switchbacks.The one thing that downgrdes it is its weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
An'Era
a
from Holland
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Plush, sensitive, non cluncky top/bottom outs, ... | | Weaknesses: | Short travel, but hé this aint sum DH rig, shockboots sucking dust and mud so I cut em off | | Similar Products Used: | manitou sx | | Bike Setup: | Stock Spech w/ spd-m636 | | Bottom Line: | Very good fork for it's purpose (that aint DH/DS!!!), I've never had a problem so far, so u @%!$ guys just shut the *^!$ up and buy the right fork for yur riding stile.
Ok now the drop side, 4/5' to concrete drop off's did never bottom my setup out(soft/firm springs, I weigh 68KG). So I reccon u guys do not know how to fly bikes :-/ I guess I'll just stick w/ RS cause Judy, she Shox Rocks so I bet BoXXer does even more! Hah, bye. Dot | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John g
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mt Dissapointment | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great suspension action, far supiriour to previous RS. | | Weaknesses: | It's a rock shox | | Similar Products Used: | '96 Rock Shox Indy SL | | Bottom Line: | Beautifull fork for the cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Sechler
a Cross Country Rider
from Frederick, MD
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Frederick Watershed - blue trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very responsive - plush | | Weaknesses: | Clunks when it tops out. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou FS | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Paragon | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork. Sure it weighs 4lbs. So what. There is nothing that feels better, is more responsive, and more reliable than a steel spring. I'll take the extra weight with a smile. I would suggest putting 10wt oil in it to get rid of the clunk when it tops out.
I have beat on this fork mercilessly and it has performed wihtout problems. There is hardly any maintenance to be performed. Just put a little teflon based oil on the wipers each ride and disassemble and relube at 100 hours.
If you are looking for a fork in the $300 range you can't do better. Five chili's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkley, Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Potowatomi, Bald Mountain, anywhere in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | A step above Rock Shox's previous efforts. Good mail order discounts out there. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, boots don't stay put | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou 2, Manitou 4, RS Indy SL, RS Judy XC (96) | | Bike Setup: | GT Xizang, XT drivetrain, Avid brakeset, XT/WTB/Conti wheels/tires, King HS, Dean post, yada, yada, yada... | | Bottom Line: | This fork is a good step forward for Rock Shox. IMHO, more plush than Manitou, lighter weight than `Zokes. Damps quite well, doesn't bottom, tracks well. Downside is heavier than I'm used to running, and boots that kept popping off the lowers until I zip-tied the boot tops leaving a gap of stanchion between the boot and bottom of the crown. They've been very low-maintenance so far, and less finicky to set-up than other forks I've tried. A good cross country fork for general riders without breaking the bank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
hmmm | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
It is a good fork... | | Weaknesses: |
... but i just dont like it | | Similar Products Used: |
jetts, spyders, Manitou sx-r / sx-ti | | Bike Setup: |
oem xc, w/ cheap top caps, and heavy steerer | | Bottom Line: | It, in its class is a decent fork, it is to jett, what jett is to k-mart brand ballistic. The fork i purchased has a rusty old steel steerer, is heavier than a son-of-a-gun, and preload adjsutment does absolutely nothing. it has the long travel kit which brings it up to 80 mm. It is almost too plush, but it is not pogo like, and i have never bottomed out, and if i had, i probably didn't notice. no harsh top out, has a good feel. my problem is with the springs... red in one and yellow in the other. I just do not like springs, cant explain it, i just dont like the feel. Boots are cheap, they keep falling off. surprised the stanchion tubes aren't recked.
all in all, i got good use out of this fork, and it is just time to move on... something a little firmer maybe, that can take big hits, but not so plush. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
plush feel
hard to bottom out because of coil springs
not too expensive as far as forks go | | Weaknesses: |
crappy boots
click noise on rebound
not too stiff
comes with crappy plastic preload adjusters if it comes stock on a bike
pretty heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou SX TPC (98)
Girven pieces of garbage | | Bike Setup: |
the fork came stock on a '99 Fisher Paragon | | Bottom Line: | These forks aren't that bad for the price for the most part I guess. I've never bottomed them out (coil springs rule!), and they do feel pretty plush. However they are over 4 pounds, and are still pretty flexy (but should still work allright for XC). The boots blow; they won't stay on the sliders for even one ride and don't keep any dirt out. Not bad for a biker on a budjet, but I think I will be getting a Marzochi when I can afford one... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Malden, MA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bow Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Plush, aluminum topcaps, aluminum steerer tube, it's NOT SID blue | | Weaknesses: |
Top caps are hard to torque | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis Komodo Hardatail | | Bottom Line: | Change the 5wt oil to 7wt or 8wt to get rid of the loud rebound clunk. it will feel so much better and you can use a less stiff spring. Also to torque down the topcaps remove the red dial with either a 3mm or philips head screw driver. Torque them down and replace the red dial. BE CAREFULL NOT TO LOSE THE TINY BALL BEARING. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Centreville, VA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
elizabeth furnace | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
plushness, all-around ride quality, value for the $$ | | Weaknesses: |
weight and rebound clunk | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou SX, RS SID SL | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Ziggurat | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this is a great cross-country fork. I have not had any of the problems listed in previous reviews. It is a bit heavy, but still a solid value. I'll upgrade to a SID or MARS fork when I've beat up this July enough and the price on the air forks come down. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c
a Weekend Warrior
from c
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | c | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
-kH-
a Cross-Country Rider
from Subang Jaya
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush
PLush
PLush | | Weaknesses: |
Almost none
just a bit on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: |
Marzocchi xc51
Rockshox Indy | | Bike Setup: |
Peugeot Control 800
LX, XTR | | Bottom Line: | I dun geddit with u guys.This is a great fork. Value fer $$$. Whut's dis bout flex? Unless u ride DH there's no worry. None. Anyway, great fork, wonderful value........LIVE ON ROCKSHOX !!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
monkeyboy
a Cross-Country Rider
from South Dakota
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the fun kind | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This is a fly fork. I don't know what some of these guys problems are, but mine works sweet. | | Weaknesses: |
Weakness? Say What? | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou SX, indy. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 6000, 6500, and I just recently bought a vrx200, 2000 series. | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what everyone is whining about. I noticed a patern, almost all the complaints where from people the have previously used a zoch. Complaing about flex, strange noises. It is well known that these shocks make and odd noise when sitting for a while. Flex? What flex? If you are a downhiller, then you have something to worry about but this is fine for cross country. As for some of the others, like the boots don't work, maybe the boots were messed up. For the 100 mm springs, yeah, some of them probably do smoke crack there, and the do make mistakes. I am sure that zochs are good shocks, but you still can't make me renounce Rock shox!!! Five flaming bananas. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat G
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus OH
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Caeser Creek/Paint | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Relatively trouble free, weight is o.k. | | Weaknesses: |
The severe clunk on the rebound. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Mag 20's, Indy XC, Manitou. | | Bike Setup: |
Pro-Flex 856 | | Bottom Line: | This fork is o.k. Nothing to write home about. It doesn't seem very laterally stiff and tends to wash out in corners too easily. I've adjusted it every which way I can, and I'm just not satisfied with the performance. The clunking on the rebound is quite annoying. Switched to Noleen Elite w/NR2, night and day, Noleen takes the prize. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damo
a Cross-Country Rider
from BC
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
heavy
weak springs | | Similar Products Used: |
bomber z3
manitou x-vert
sid xl | | Bike Setup: |
rocky mtn element race | | Bottom Line: | I had this shock for about two weeks before I started having problems . I broke a spring in two places , and constant tuning and servicing make this a high maintainance shock. Apparently this never happens but I wouldnt buy RS again . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Steshko
a Cross-Country Rider
from Burke, VA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lake Accotink | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Can be very plush, a good buy for $300. Can be upgraded to SLs for about $40. | | Weaknesses: |
Sometimes the fork just isn't stiff enough. The boots come loose from the sliders a lot. | | Similar Products Used: |
R/S Indys, R/S INDY XC | | Bike Setup: |
99 Gary Fisher Paragon, w/ XT shifters | | Bottom Line: | Good shocks, at a good price. Nice colors, and very plush. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seng Leong
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Those few on this island | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Colour goes with bike. Takes small bumps well | | Weaknesses: |
A bit heavy.
Boots make noises and often expose sliders. | | Similar Products Used: |
rS Quadra 5
rs Indy S | | Bike Setup: |
Trek VRX 300. SRAM Plasma shifters | | Bottom Line: | Easily adjustable recoil and damping. Stupid noisy boots, but a fork good enough for an average rider. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Whiteley
a Cross-Country Rider
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Local rides around North Downs | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Trouble-free, stable, appears well-made. | | Weaknesses: |
Don't much like the plastic knobs for pre-load adjustment. Hard to get a Cateye computer close enough to its sensor... | | Similar Products Used: |
RST 281 on a previous bike (totally useless) | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh Special Products 250 Aluminium framed hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely trouble free. Seems very relaxed, well-damped and suits my local terrain, lumpy soil (wet and hard all in the same day), roots and stones. It would suit me better if it had a lock-out as per Cannondale Fatty, but then most forks do not have this - BUT that would be really useful when you have to hit a road, especially up-hill. Has anone tried the Englund air cartidges in one of these? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ray
a Downhiller
from new york city
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
everything | | Bottom Line: | These forks have been making strange noises ever since I got them. They don't perform well and are highly unpredictable so be careful with these! Do yourself a big favor and get Marzocchi's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
plush
small bump sensitivity | | Weaknesses: |
what the heck is up with the boots | | Similar Products Used: |
other rock shox | | Bike Setup: |
khs alite 4000 | | Bottom Line: | it seems awesome so far, will update when I've ridden more | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
s
a Cross-Country Rider
from s CA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | great | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gator
a Racer
from Fort Smith, AR
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Womble | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Rides smooth, Good Feel, Never been bottomed out | | Weaknesses: |
Weight, Seals leak, boots are terrible | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou, RS Indy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Paragon | | Bottom Line: | I really liked the fork for the first 6 months. The seal would leak but I called RS and they said that was normal. Well now I am having to basically have the entire fork replaced, and all I can say is they better warranty it. I'll give it 3 chilis for the good first 6 months, but I think I see a bomber in my near future. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alain Yong
a Cross-Country Rider
from Misssissauga, On.
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
n/a | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
-feels light
-relatively plush | | Weaknesses: |
-small bump sensitivity could be better
-not as buttery smooth as bomber | | Similar Products Used: |
Marzocchi Z2 Bomber | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bottom Line: | The forks are a league ahead of what Rock Shox was producing generations ago. It's no Marzocchi bomber (as in small bump sensitivity and plushness) but it works well for large bumps. Overall, i was quite surprised by the feel of the fork. I haven't bottoomed it out yet either. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
-BeeZ-
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tor Can
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
alot.. plush for one | | Weaknesses: |
heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
indies xc | | Bike Setup: |
thin blue line/lx, xt | | Bottom Line: | i like it but if it should bottom out.....!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ProDude
a Weekend Warrior
from D-Bar, CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great for XC riding. Plush with new Marzocchi style Hydracoil. | | Weaknesses: |
Plush fork but definately not for DH | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy 100, Z1, Z3long travel | | Bike Setup: |
Stock on Trek VRX 300 | | Bottom Line: | Good for but if you have a choice for an aftermarket, mid-level XC for go to a Marzocchi Z2 or Z3 or Z4. Rock Shox has barely caught up to Marzocchi. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
masaki
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
pink starfish | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
plush at first | | Weaknesses: |
fragile | | Similar Products Used: |
indy c | | Bike Setup: |
xc long travel on a Norco bike | | Bottom Line: | I thought rs were good-looking, plush bad-asses. No more. It took me 2 weeks to tweak the sh*t out of it. Only good for pansy-ass xc maniacs as far as I'm concerned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Vera
a Cross-Country Rider
from Galloway, New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Everything | | Weaknesses: |
A little mheavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Tested a bunch of crap Manitou and 1 Bomber. | | Bottom Line: | The best for price. Blows Manitou out of the water. With Aluminum casing it insures stiffness. With all coil springs it is adjustable for plushness of springs and lenght, and different oil weight. And since there all springs, not elastamors like most manitous, they don't harden in the cold. And Rock Shox uses oil, not crapy *ss grease like manitou, oil constantly lubricates parts, but grease in time moves away from moving parts, how crapy is this. For all this and disk brake compatibility at $300, don't even bother thinking about considering about perhaps getting anything else! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Granada Hills
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
harsh ride | | Bottom Line: | Decent stock shock..... Gut the puppy and replace the inards with the Englund total air cartridge and this baby will sing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spud
a Cross-Country Rider
from fonthill
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | Whoops! i recently changed my xc's oil. and to my dismay the 63mm kit was in my fork. when i bought my bike i asked to get the 80mm kit put it.(it only costed 25$)so i called my lbs up and got this sorted out. this kinda solved the problem of my fork packing up. but the flex problem is still there.maybe a brake booster.?... well anyhoo im selling it anyways..i bought a z3 LT..much better..but for the avergage xc rider the xc is not bad. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr X
a Cross-Country Rider
from Aust -
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
- | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Wicked | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
first shock ive got | | Bike Setup: |
Atx 890 | | Bottom Line: | I got a 1998 XC with my bike but it is very pluch and i love it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bitchen
a Cross-Country Rider
from toronto
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
its plusher than the older rs. | | Weaknesses: |
im very dissapointed in RS. i mean ,come on! first problem came when going down a small dh,(going 25kmh)and the fork locks up half way through its travel...hydraulic spike.....i could see this happening while going fast as hell but at 25!!!??!!!..the oil was extra light... the second problem was water in the oil. your probably saying he wasnt using the boots..but i was..the fork got some water on it..while riding through a puddle! if you can't design a descent fork boot, then you shouldn't be building suspension! next problem is about all RS forks..the brace and stanction tube sizes..they are so freakin small its not funny! this leads to major flex on drops ,at speed or when riding technical trails. | | Similar Products Used: |
marzocchi z2and a z3 LT they are so better their not really similar.. | | Bike Setup: |
99' trek 7000 | | Bottom Line: | if you want to waist your time and money buy this fork. if you want top quality buy a bomber or..even a manitou..there now you know the truth about rs.(that they are shit) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl King
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cleveland National Forest area | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Plush, low maintenance, reliable | | Weaknesses: |
Kind of heavy for a Ti X Country mount | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy T2, Judy SL | | Bike Setup: |
1-2 turns of preload adjusters that's all. | | Bottom Line: | A good reliable fork for riders that don't want to even take the chance of blown air cartridges.I do agree with Bikeguy who says they don't have the dead feel of elastomers--they don't.I could probably lighten the front end of my bike by at least a pound by going with a SID or similar, but I'm afraid they aren't as reliable.A GOOD FORK FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO RIDE AND RIDE AND NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE AND PROBLEMS BS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor Gan
a Downhiller
from Malaysia , Muar
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pagoh | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Soft ...! Nice feeling and nice design too | | Weaknesses: |
It's quite heavy but it doesn't matter at all i think | | Similar Products Used: |
RockShox SID XL
SR Suntour MG90
RockShox INDY XC
Manitou Xvert X | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX (first model)
SID XL.. | | Bottom Line: | It's a very good fork so try it out...!
The price is quite cheap and it's worth it after all..!
Email me to know more about it and also my other forks too ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Plush | | Weaknesses: |
none so far | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshox Mag20
other Judy's | | Bottom Line: | The fork is really plush, like a Marzocchi. It's much better than all previous Judy's, which to me, felt really stiff both on compression and rebound. I've only had it for a week so far but it performs great on the trail. Haven't had any problems with rebound damping. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spud
a Cross-Country Rider
from fonthill
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Weaknesses: |
flexy.flexy.flexy..packs up on washboadrds | | Bottom Line: | dont buy.dont buy.dont buy.it flexes so much.and it cant handle many hits at one time.save your money for a real fork;like a z2 bomber.rs are more like toys because of their lack in quality and preformance..and to the guy that said rs was more advanced; have you een the inside of a rs? its so simple,no wonder its such a bad fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JohnChiu
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | The fork come with my Specialized FSR Comp, it bounces every where on rocky trail, it gave me a hard time from the beginning. i open up the cap and i found there is a soft spring and a medium spring, i weight 140 lbs and i try my best to setup the preload, but nothing work. my wrist got hurt from the bouncing spring after a few ride.
Finally, i changed the spring to 2 soft 100mm spring without the spring spacer, then the whole world changed. Now i can go anywhere and my wrist feel easy. What i want to say is, the right spring make the right fork. Good Luck. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benn Schecter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
topanga canyon/whoopdee doo's | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
A great shock. Takes all the hits you can give it. I've never had it bottom out and it extends well too on those holes. | | Weaknesses: |
can't find any | | Similar Products Used: |
indy xc, marzochi z3, indy s | | Bike Setup: |
Extremely modified Trek 820 | | Bottom Line: | This is a kick ass shock, period. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stocholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The plushness. No cartridge that can f**k up. Needs little maintenance. | | Weaknesses: |
The lack of rebound adjustment, you have to change oil to adjust rebound. But for me it was perfect set up from factory (I weigh about 170 lbs). | | Similar Products Used: |
RockShox Indy XC, Indy SL, Judy XC '97, Manitou Spyder R '98 | | Bike Setup: |
Crescent “Freke” (Swedish brand), Frame:Kinesis Al 7005-T6, Derailleurs:XTR(rear), STX-RC(front), Cassette, Levers, Brakes:XT, Crank, Hubs:LX, Rims:Mavic X517, Tires:Geax Sedona … | | Bottom Line: | I replaced my Spyder R with this one, and it really made a noticeable improvement to the riding quality of my bike, (though the Spyder was good compared to the Indys). The ’99 Judy XC is just SO smooth in action, it soaks up the small bumps as well as it takes the big hits. In my opinion (unlike some others here) the rebound dampening works really well too (I guess it’s a matter of setup of oil-height/weight). It also needs less maintenance. I’ve been riding this fork for four months and some 1800 kilometers now, and the only maintenance I’ve done is pulling up the fork boots occasionally, wipe the legs clean and spray some teflon oil on them. And it’s still EXACTLY as smooth as out of the box. The Spyder I had to take apart and grease up at least once a month or it would go way too sticky. I’ve seen that some complain about the weight of this fork, but the after market version (with Al steerer tube) does in fact not weigh more than a Manitou SX (1,65 kg), and it’s lighter than the Bombers at this price. All in all the ’99 Judy XC is real bargain at it’s price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross-Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
looks good, published weight is correct. Mine weighed 3lbs. 13oz. cut | | Weaknesses: |
No rebound dampening. Loud clunk when topping out. | | Similar Products Used: |
98 Manitou SX-R White Brothers SC70 | | Bike Setup: |
Yo Eddy | | Bottom Line: | This fork is very plush but bounces all over the place when the going gets rough. Save your money and buy a 98 Manitou SX-R on closeout for $169.00. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from minneapolis, mn
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
bloomington river bottoms | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
plush, plush, plush
solid construction
value | | Weaknesses: |
no rebound adjustment (although i've never needed to adjust it anyway)
color | | Similar Products Used: |
previous judy's
headshock | | Bike Setup: |
cannondale m900
time alium | | Bottom Line: | the first shock i've ever owned, but i've ridden enough other shocks to know this one is worth it. handles the small to medium hits great...the big ones..not too bad either. rock shox says this fork was tuned at the factory for a 140-180 lb rider. i weight 170 and this fork feels like it was designed for me. this is a very affordable cross country fork that can handle just about anything you throw at it. rating..well actually 4.5, but thats not an option so... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
S.O.R.C.C.'s home track | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
After having Polymer Forks which the bike came with I find these incredibly plush and smooth on fast downhills. | | Weaknesses: |
They tend to be a little too forgiving on tight technical trails and ugly dropoffs. | | Bike Setup: |
Go well on my Barra XX team | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is good travel and smooth ride I love em' | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bangor,Maine
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
rides awesome | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shox quadra | | Bike Setup: |
Trek ZX6000 | | Bottom Line: | Great fork, awesome travel, rides great. I thought about buying a Marzoochi but for the price this fork was a way better deal and its way lighter than a bomber. There isn't a bomber for 300 that rides as good as the Judy. The fork does seem to vibrate quite a bit and one of the boots keeps coming loose. Great shock for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian
a Cross-Country Rider
from sydney
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Paragon | | Bottom Line: | After 2 weeks realised on seal was installed wrong from factory,too late one leg needs replacing.100 hours before servicing is a load of crap as i pull them to bits after every race (lucky thats so easy)and they usually have water and crud inside.the boots are more or less a waste of time because they never stay in place.bit heavy but for the price not to bad.performance wise,i'm 90 kilos,and they take it quite happily.pity the build quality wasn't better | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | the people at rock shox are smoking crack. i bought an after market (judy xc), i found it quite stiff so i took the springs out and found two full length firm/black judy 100 springs. it is supposed to have one med and one soft and two spring spacers according to the manual. so i went back to the store i bought them from and they opened another judy 100, it had two soft springs and the third fork a judy xc had the right ones.i will give this fork one star because fock shox is so stupid. i will review it again when they send me the right parts | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tacoma
a Cross-Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
? nice graphics, I guess | | Weaknesses: |
crappy elastomers
no damping
flexy
vague manual
cheesy knobs | | Similar Products Used: |
Marzocchi Z1
'95 Judy (just as bad as the new ones..)
White Bros SC90 | | Bike Setup: |
it's on my wife's Stumpjumper. | | Bottom Line: | These forks are pretty good for your first fork, but...
This fork is just such a disappointment. Rock Shox started out on the right track with the Judy, but instead of fixing the leaky cartridges and lame elastomers they introduced more of the same, and the worst of them all, the T2. Flexy, lame forks. Glad to see a lot of companies using Manitou instead now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Racer
from oregon
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
everything | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
98 x-vert | | Bike Setup: |
99 mongoose nx 8.1 | | Bottom Line: | this is the best shock ever | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tadeusz Jerzy Korsak
a Weekend Warrior
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Perfect manufacturing, best american technology | | Weaknesses: |
Manual not up to date, no optional springs in dealer inventory | | Similar Products Used: |
none (becouse of prohibitive cost) | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 6000 with Rock Shox Judy XC, aftermarket model | | Bottom Line: | For me,as a weekend warrior, this shock is a perfect solution of bicycle front suspension. Product is perfectly designed, with consideration of structure deflection under load (look at the long single bearing in Marzocchi forks). My Judy XC AM model has 250 mm black progressive springs, and I cannot bottom my fork in normal use (I weight about 200 lbs). Before every ride I use a drop of Finish Line Dry Lube on every leg and stiction in non existent. With aluminum steerer and demountable crown, fork is much more advanced and cheaper than Marzocchi. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smart Guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Would all you silly!heads out there who always say
dampening, please note that the controlling of a spring of some kind is usually performed by a 'DAMPER', ok? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
off the back
a Cross-Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
waco provo cyn area | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very plush | | Weaknesses: |
negligible rebound dampening | | Similar Products Used: |
RS Mag 21 | | Bike Setup: |
Slingshot Mt-4 | | Bottom Line: | Really soo plush that it makes up for the weight penalty. On the downside, its has already sprung an oil leak around the seals on the preload adjusters and can't tell whether it has ANY rebound dampening. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte,NC
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cane Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
good dampining and very plush for the moola. | | Weaknesses: |
Weight. Also i'm scared as crap adjusting the thing due to the fact that i don't want to screw it up, which is easily done. | | Similar Products Used: |
Indy SL long travel
Manitou Spyder R | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bottom Line: | Great shock for the money but a little on the heavy side | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Barberton, OH
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Very plush, yet it still let you feel the terrain. | | Weaknesses: |
Kind of heavy, but not heavy compared to the Marzocchi's in this price range. | | Bike Setup: |
On a Trek VRX 300 | | Bottom Line: | This fork seemed very smooth. It might be a little to firm for people wanting a super smooth ride but it is still good. Seeing as I like a rigid fork better (and I ride it all the time) I can't give this a great rating, but it is very good. Maybe I'll get one.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross-Country Rider
from Neenah, WI
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Calumet County Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Excellent Dampening and Rebound. Easily adusted and VERY plush | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Quadra 21R | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value, very plush, a little on the hefty side, but definately worth the sacrifice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ann
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenwood, In
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great feel on the trail. Smooths out the rough. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Low end Rock Shox, Manitou SX Ti | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bottom Line: | The Best fork I've used for the money. You should get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob Jenson
a cross-country rider
from lakeside, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Rad fork. The price is good for what you recieve. Good xc fork and little crazy down hill fork. The fork also looks cool and sounds high tech to show off to non.mtb riding friends. A good fork for a daily rider or a once a week rider. BUY IT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikeguy
a cross-country rider
from calgary,ab,canada
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork rocks. got rid of my bombers this year cause i kept blowing seals.
got the new xc cause it was kinda the same system (hydracoil design) and i liked the way that my bombers rode. These ride better, and are almost a pound lighter too.They don't have that dead mcu feel to them either. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Indiana,Pa USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased the 99 Judy XC as my first venture into suspension. I am a big guy pushing 250 lbs. and the Judy has so far taken everything that my big ass can dish out. The new oil bath and hydra-coil are the ticket. The only modification that I made was to put the firm springs in before even riding. If you are looking for a fat guy proof shock at a bargain price, this is the one for you. | | Overall Rating: |
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