Based on the tried-and-true FR4™ design, the new S5™ has been revamped to provide more of everything the FR-4 already offered: phenomenal rigidly, versatility, and precise steering.
The S5 gives you the option to convert the travel of your fork to meet your specific application: 3,4, or 5 inches of open oil bath damping provides smooth reliable performance
Submitted by
Sail
a Weekend Warrior
from Manahawkin NJ Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods MA.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
bike shop in southern CA
Strengths:
Ease of service and tuning , Quality CNC parts, Strength, Shock can be easily modified to 6 inches, Online service is very good :)
Weaknesses:
Stratoes Service can be hit or miss .Weight with second leg stack .Performance without it.
Similar Products Used:
M1 ,Mag 20 ,M3 ,Bam Z3 ,Mars ,Boxer ,Super T
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit 02, S5 with optional second leg stack and upgraded to 6 inches
Bottom Line:
These is a "Great" fork and an "Excellent" value .I am 200 +lbs. and ride 3 to 7 days a week .This fork has held up and outlived its first frame .However they do require service .I do a complete break-down every month or two .For those who complain about twisting check all torque settings ("very important")and make sure the lower leg cups (front axle goes here) are tight .Mine were loose out of the box .I do not recommend these forks to those who ride flat rolling hills or don't know how to turn a wrench .This fork was made to hammer ,bomb ,and drop .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian M
a Downhiller
from Edmonton, Canada Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ary-Al Assault
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plushest, best feeling fork I've ever ridden
Weaknesses:
Fork Twists.....read on...
Similar Products Used:
2001 Jr. T, 2002 Shiver WC,
Bike Setup:
2002 Surly Instigator, S5, Front D521, Rear 24" Mag30, Gazzaloddi's, Hayes, Block 8 cranks, etc. Weighs 45 pounds...a hardtail!!!
Bottom Line:
Well, it's probably the siffest, best feeling fork ever made....everything is CNC machined, even the internals!!! They're also handbuilt, and Straots has great customer service. However, the one weakness is that the fork will twist in it's crowns. I've bailed many times, only to stand up and notice that the fork is twisted. Then you have to go throught the process of loosening all the crown bolts, straightening the fork, and tightening everything again. Not a huge deal, but kinda of a pain when it happens. However, look for the updated 2002 model from Stratos...the spanky new LR-1!!!! I want one!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KC
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks, effective rebound adjustment, easy to overhaul, all machined parts, turning, stiffness.
Weaknesses:
Twists on every little crash(Needs a real fork brace). The air assist in the left leg is useless. It never holds any air. It only takes a few compressions for all of the air to have leaked out. Internal spring compression is a pain in the a$$ to try and tune. Stock set-up is way to soft(I weigh 175lbs). The fork just about doesn't fit the head tube on my bike. Leaks oil.
Similar Products Used:
Jr.t, Super T, Z1, Monster T, Shiver, x-vert, psylo,
Bike Setup:
brodie diablo, XT, Hayes, 24" rear wheel.
Bottom Line:
My first impression was that it was the best fork I've ever tried. A short time later I twisted it for the first time on a harmless little crash and ever since, it sucks. The air leg no longer holds air, it leaks oil and bottoms out on everything. My favorite forks are still bombers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOHN
a Weekend Warrior
from FLORIDA Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
RAZORBACK
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
STRATOS DIRECT
Strengths:
NO TWIST OR FLEX NO CAST PARTS ALL BILLIT MACHINED. ATF OIL VERY EASY TO TUNE. REBOUND THAT WORKS. LIGHT FOR BILLIT FORK. 5.3 LBS.
Weaknesses:
NOT THAT I HAVE FOUND
Similar Products Used:
RST HI 5 ANSWERX-VERT DOUBLE CLAMP
Bike Setup:
01 "JOKER" THE BEST MONO-PIVOT ON THE PLANIT. HAYS,MAVIC,XT,EASTON,CRIS KING, STRATOS XC PRO REAR SHOCK WITH HANDLE BAR LOCK OUT THE BEST. ALL HIGH DOLLAR
Bottom Line:
I HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT TUNE THIS FORK WHEN FIRST PUT IN USE 1 YEAR AGO. SUPER STRONG SET IT & FORGET IT. IPOUND THE S**T OUT OF IT BEGS FOR MORE. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT BUTTER- PLUSH IS THIS IS IT. BY THE WAY I TWISTED A JR-TTHAT I FIRST PUT ON THE JOKER. CALLED STRATOS THEY SAID NOT SURPRISED. GAVE ME 150.00 TRADE FOR S5 WHAT A DEAL. THE STRONGEST LIGHTEST FREERIDE 5 INCH FORK YOU CAN BUY. EVERY ONE WHO RIDES MY JOKER CAN NOT BLEAVE HOW SWEET IT IS. A FREND THAT HE COULD BUY A PSLYO THOUGHT HE COULD THE THE SAME KIND OF RIDE BOY DID HE MAKE A MISTAKE. IF YOU WANT STRENTH BUTTER PLUSH NO FLEX & DON'T MIND A LITTLE OVER 5 LBS THIS IS YOUR FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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