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Hevn
Racing Components Superstruts
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Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Tampa FL USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | ******************************
*** Quadra 21R Rebuild Kit ***
******************************
http://www.geocities.com/quadra_21r/ Rebuild.html | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Pardini
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Kamakazi, Mamoth Mt. | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Please read earlier reviews | | Bottom Line: | Hello Fellow Mountainbikers:My name is Mike, and I designed and marketed the SuperStruts, along with the help of many others. This page is for reveiws only, but it is also my only way to say thanks to my customers. So I am going to stick my neck out...I first have to announce that HEVN Racing is no longer manufacturing the SuperStruts. I do have about 10 sets left if anyone would like to buy them before they are gone for good. 408-255-8644.I would like to say thank you to every person who bought the SuperStruts and especialy each of you who gave us a review. You each have helped us in our marketing effort and have given the SuperStruts the highest review for 2 years.My background (If anyone cares): I used to work for RockShox and had so much fun I developed an entirely new approach to suspension damping. Unfortunately, the cost to manufacture the SuperStruts Damping polymer is very expensive and made distributing them almost impossible except through direct sales. Every SuperStrut and advertising effort was financed by credit card. So basily, HEVN Racing represents every mountainbiker out on the trail who ever said I could design a part or a bike better than that! HEVN Racing has been a lot of fun, even more hard work. Its been a thrill to see all the enthusiastic reveiws on MTBR and that is our reward. Sucess is not measured in dollars, though it is easy to forget here in Silicon Valley. Thank you, each of you, for taking the time to call and talk with us. Thank you MTBR.com (Francis) for being such a huge part of our marketing effort and PR. Thank you John, Jeff and Ed for your involvement in HEVN Racing. Ride Hard, Take Chances!
Michael Pardini
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREG
a Cross-Country Rider
from WESTLAND, MI
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
PONTIAC LAKE | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Similar Products Used: |
MANITOU FS
JUDY XC | | Bike Setup: |
98 M2 STUMPJUMPER | | Bottom Line: | I PURCHASED THE BASE STUMPJUMPER BECAUSE I WANTED TO SETUP THE BIKE TO SUIT ME AND THE TERRAIN I RIDE. AFTER THE TIRES I CONSIDERED CHANGING OUT THE JUDY T2 FORK BECAUSE IT WOULD POGO WHEN THE TRAIL GOT ROUGH. I HAD MY EYE ON THE MARZOCCHI ATOMB BOMB OR Z2 BAM BECAUSE OF THEIR RIDE QUALITY AND STRENGTH, BUT BEFORE I DROPPED THE CASH I DECIDED TO TRY A SPRING AND DAMPER CARTRIDGE TO IMPROVE THE T2. I LOOKED INTO EVERY SPRING AND DAMPER I COULD FIND AND DECIDED THAT 1. THE SUPER STRUTS WERE THE EASIEST TO INSTALL AND SERVICE, 2. APPEARED DURABLE (NO CART TO REPLACE) AND 3. OFFERED SOME AMOUNT OF COMPRESSION AND REBOUND DAMPING. SO FAR ALL I CAN SAY ARE GOOD THINGS ABOUT ITS PERFORMANCE. IT WORKS GOOD ON THE STUTTER BUMPS AND MEDIUM DROPOFFS WHICH I RIDE HERE IN MICHIGAN. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE SUPER STRUTS HAVE GIVEN MY T2 FORK A SMOOTHER RIDE AND BETTER HANDLING BECAUSE OF THE CONTROLLED FRONT END. NOW I DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT THE FRONT END BECAUSE THE FORK IS WORKING SO WELL THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE DOING THERE JOB. GOTTA GO BECAUSE IM ON CO. TIME | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Palos Colorados | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
An effective no-maintenance upgrade.
A noticable improvement.
Local guys make this great product. | | Weaknesses: |
Expensive $119, but cheaper than SID. Less vicious too! | | Similar Products Used: |
TPC in a Manitou SX Ti., Air/Oil in my old Mag 20. Elastomers in the original Manitou Magnum. | | Bike Setup: |
NukeProof Ti frame w/ a Manitou Magnum. Hevn Super Struts. | | Bottom Line: | The cost kept me from getting these right away, but they are 5 x's less than a new top of the line fork.
Considering the simplicity and ability to utilize a very light weight fork (manitou magmnum aprox. 3 lbs) it was worth it.
Performance wise, it is noticable immediately. I am able to run less pre-load without bottoming out. So the ripples are less harsh and there is little to no packing up.
Big hits are big hits and without 5-6 inches of travel I'm sure all forks give you a jolt. But my trusty zip tie is telling me that I haven't bottomed out in a while, despite some pretty hard drops.
I like the simplicity thing. Just load them in and rock & roll. This is a A+++++ upgrade for owners of older manitous (ie. Comp, Magnum, M series)
Great product guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marjan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very plush, improves performance, zero maintenance!!! | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
MCUs | | Bike Setup: |
hardtail, Quadra 21R | | Bottom Line: | The best upgrade, I've used it for a year and it works like at the begining! BUT I AM GETTING A NEW BIKE, SO I AM SELLING THE YELLOW SUPER STRUTS FOR US$ 50 INCLUDING P&P!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have not tried this product, but I did request and receive a brochure about them. Although the product is a great idea, I think the price is way too high for what you get. Here is what I am wondering: I already have modifid an old quadra fork by adding a hardware store spring (3 inch spring) and a small piece of manitou elastomer. I wonder if I could make a similar device myself. How hard could it be? Does anyone know if elastomers can be melted down? Would they retain their shock absorbing properties once they cooled down? What about a rubberized tape? Maybe heat-shrink tape? Any ideas out there? I am going to try and make my own struts thingies with springs coated in urethane... It will make a fun project...Certainly more fun AND economical than buying this overpriced product.... | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Karp
a weekend warrior
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Back to say that the yellow struts installed in the '97 Manitou Pro on my Stumpjumper make a really big difference in performance and handling. I was so tired of bottoming out that I was looking at replacing the shocks with something more expensive. After a few months of riding, I don't need to do anything except ride my little heart out. I'll get the shock upgrade when I upgrade to a dual suspension bike sometime this year! I give this produst another 5 chilis and thanks to Mike for a great product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These things have made just a hell of a difference in my Manitou Pro '97 fork. I wasn't satisfied with the travel or the dead feeling of a stack of the blue (soft) elastomers, but when I dropped in the yellow (stiff) Hevn units, the feel of the ground came alive, along with much better travel and great dampening. I used a one inch piece of blue elastomer and a stock nylon washer/spacer below that, dremeled-out slightly to form a flat area for the top of the strut to sit in. I weigh 190 pounds, and after a couple of hundred miles, I'm super pleased with the (no-maintenance) great feedback feeling that came with these units. Definitely a top rating from my experience... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warthog
a weekend warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent upgrade that has turned my Judy T2 into something useful. The benefits were immediate: real, bona-fide damping instead of pogostick-like return. Overall ride is vastly better. Climbing, especially technical climbs on the short, steep, rooty stuff we ge here in Florida, is a hell of a lot more fun now that I'm not getting boing-ed back each time I hit a little bump. My Stumpjumper is now the ass-kicking climber it was meant to be. Cornering is much improved, too: Weigh-shifting is much easier to judge because of the added sensitivity of the Hevn-ed front end. Downhill stuff is much more agreeable,too, but the real improvements are in the above. I'm 5'8, 164lbs., and decided to go with the stiffer yellows. On a medium-soft setting, the Hevn's are just right for me. If you have a stock T2 or similar piece of junk, I highly recommend an upgrade with Superstruts- make ya feel alright... Five smokin' chilis washed down with the amber beverage... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Karp
a weekend warrior
from Emeryville, CA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just upgraded my Manitou Pro fork on my '97 Stumpjumper with the yellow struts and took it out for a ride for a couple of hours. I could tell the difference in the handling immediately. I used the 1 stock red elastomer as a shim and applied lots of Judy butter. The upgrade was easy. Can't wait to get home tonight for more riding. I give this product 5 chilis, will come back later after I play with these for awhile. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After trying the original MCU's, Judd springs, and Enlugnd Total Air cartridges, I finally settled on Hevn Racing Super Struts last year for my tricked out Judy FSX. They have outperformed everything else: they are more active and responsive than MCU's while not being as annoyingly bouncy as straight springs. I think they have a better feel than Englunds, and are definately more realiable. Considering you don't need to use the oil damper with Super Struts, the weight comes out much less than springs, closer to Englunds. I weigh 165, and the red springs are a little softer than I was used to, but I quickly grew accustomed to the feeling, and enjoy the responsiveness to bumps and dips of all sizes. They're not the cheapest, but can make a $250 dollar fork feel like one that costs twice as much, or a $350 fork perform like it should. My Judy feels so good I haven't really felt the need to buy into all the latest and greatest forks that have come out over the past two years. A great investment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Rauker
a weekend warrior
from Boise ID
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the yellow superstruts in August 97, put them in some old 21Rs and wow, what a difference! Over a year later and no problems, hope the rest of fork holds up as well. It's a great, inexpensive upgrade that require virtually no upkeep. Call Mike at Hevn and give them a try,you'll be pleased! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donald Myers
a cross-country rider
from W. Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
SuperStruts: I installed them in a Mag 21R, to replace the original elastomers. They work very well on the small pumps, much more fluid, and they don't seem to compact as much on the big bumbs. The elastomer system would sometimes just give up during a particularly fierce stretch down a rock field. By the time I'd get to the end they would be almost as hard as a rigid fork. The Superstruts, however, continue to provide good absorption and adequate damping.I think that they probably aren't much use for a high end replacement, but all of us with older shocks and heavy like me (210 lbs) could really use a pair of these. The price seems a bit high, but that's probably what it costs us to keep innovation coming in our sport. I had a small problem with my order (they lost it), but they made good on it, and were very nice to speak with. I'm Glad the're on our side. Don Myers | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastien
a racer
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I initially purchased this product in an attempt to improve the overall performance of my 96 Judy SL and to reduce weight as compared to other options (i.e. SpeedSprings and dampening cartridge). The SuperStrutts are lighter than the SpeedSpring and dampening cartridge combination and they do absorb shock better than the stock MCU's that came with the Judy's. They do not though, in my experience, provide the same amount of travel as the stock internals. Therefore, the increase in performance was marginal as compared to the cost of the upgrade ($200+ Canadian). SuperStrutts did not provide the travel that was advertised. The most I could get out of my first set of yellow Strutts was a bit shy of 2.25. I sent these back and got the new version which was supposed to give the over of 2.5. After a month and a half wearing-in period, these new Strutts still gave only about 2 of travel. I weigh 150 lbs., so it could be argued that because of my weight I don't go through the whole travel. Therefore I had my 200+ lb. try out the shocks. He couldn't get any more than 2.25. A quarter of an inch may not seem like much, but it certainly is enough to significantly reduce impact, and therefore overall fatigue, during the greuling 2.5 hour races in which I participate. It may not make a difference for the recreational rider, but it makes a HUGE difference for anybody racing seriously.For a $200+ Canadian that it cost for this upgrade, it should have performed as was advertised. If the REAL amount of travel was advertised, I could have at least saved the $80+ on the purchase of longer travel neutral shafts. The performance of the Superstrutts was no better than that of SpeedSprings or other coil spring upgrade. This upgrade WILL NOT make your Judy's feel like Bombers, as was written in a few other reviews. Shock performance using SuperStrutts falls short of that of Bombers due to the lack of travel and the lower overall stiffness of the Judy's. If you want to improve the performance of your lower to mid-range shock, this may be a good upgrade. If, on the other hand, you want to upgrade a high end shock (T2 and above), I suggest you spend your money on some other upgrade such as Speedsprings or Rockshox Type 3 springs. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a cross-country rider
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Follow up review after hard trail and road riding. They were great on the trail, especially absorbing small bumps. They react much more quickly than the stock Indy. There is a tradeoff, though. On hard, smooth surfaces, trail or the occasional road (I like to ride mountain roads on my mountain bike, too), they are really bouncy. Climbing slowly, they move about 1 of travel, and hard out of the saddle a good 2 of travel on a smooth surface. It's as if there is no damping whatsoever on the smooth surfaces. This is with the yellows (the stiffer ones), and I am 165 lbs., on a 97 Specialized Ground Control (dual suspension), with the preload on the forks all the way tight. On rough trails, they work great, on road or smooth trail, they are really boingy. But, I suppose they are intended for the trails, anyway. For an inexpensive upgrade, I would recommend them. However, for overall use, I would go with a good adjustably damped fork, if money is not the issue. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyke Mac
a cross-country rider
from Manchester, Mo (USA)
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a RS Quadra 5 and hated the performance. But now with Super Strutts, my Quadra feels kina' like my freinds Marzocchi Bomber. These struts just work great. the plushness is extremely enjoyable and the damping is decent. and the strutts have also made my Quadra lighter and it has more travel. Now I love my Bomber.....I mean Quadra. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a cross-country rider
from Fresno CA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the struts. Haven't ridden the trails yet, but installation was a breeze. Interestingly, disassembly of the Indy C showed that the purple rubbery stuff inside was coming apart, and the bike is only 6 months old. Short test rides make me think that there is more travel and better response, although damping might be questionable compared to the Indy. Will report following gruelling trail ride this weekend. Five stars for installation and service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus
a cross-country rider
from Palatine, IL
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the red superstruts in my Judy T2 now for a couple of weeks, put about 100 miles on them and I have to say they have significantly improved the performance of my fork. I almost bought Englund Air Cart. and am so glad I did't. I have not touched them since I installed them which can't be said for Air Carts.
These things have made my T2 plush and have added adequate rebound damping. The travel seems greater than with the coil/mcu stack and no more racheting. I weight 170lbs and the red seem just right. Thank you Hevn and Mike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Holbrook
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just put the 'Super Struts' in my Judy T-2 Long Travel suspension fork.
The performance of this fork is now much better than the very top end Judy suspension fork. These things are the true meaning of an upgrade; I spent $120.00 and now my bottom of the line fork is better than the top of the line $600.00 fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Estok
a weekend warrior
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Man, these things are sweet!! They've just extended the life of my Manitou 4
by a long shot, and it feels better than ever. A buddy of mine tried the Speed
Springs in his M4...too boingy. The sheeth on the SuperStruts makes a huge
difference.My M4 not only feels better, but I could swear I'm getting more travel. Maybe
it's purely psychological, but what they hey? It works!Plush, smooth, sweet, simple. What more could you want?Kudos to Mike and the boys at Hevn. They know suspension! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
walter
a racer
from Detroit, MI
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
upgraded my Q21Rs from stock elastomers to the yellow superstruts because the OEMs just didnt hack it - not very compliant and they'd pack up on stutter bumps. i was very skeptical at first of the superstruts, but did a brutal race last weekend and now i'm sold. very supple and smooth and i use just phil wood to lube up my forks. soaked up the big hits and let me fly down the roughest, gnarliest downhills the course could muster. i cant complain.ps. only 4 stars 'cause there's always room for improvement! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Fass
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I received my Superstruts a few days ago, installed and rode over the weekend with them. They are as good as you claim. I started with OEM Indy C's which were useless, then installed the MCU stack for the Indy XC, which is compatible. It got marginally better.There is no comparison between stock Indy and the Superstruts. The ride is very controlled and take both large and small bumps very nicely. The stock Indys work much less well, like big foam pogos by comparison. My ability to track a line (such as it is...) improved because the shocks are now highly responsive instead of flapping all over the place.Superstruts are a major upgrade, all the more because they're practical and not some zilly hi-zoot racy looking things.Many chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FOR SALE
a cross-country rider
from Pa
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yellow firm 'struts, good condition, $60 inc postage.
Selling to fund SID purchase as Im getting into racing bigtime. Big improvement
in my old judy, but want a lighter fork.
Email daw6@lehigh.edu
dave
dumb 50 word count yada yada yada blah blah blah blah yada yada Ni patang wom
non shall pass your a loony what is your quest run away run away or I shall
taunt you a second timea | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marjan
a cross-country rider
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When I bought my QUADRA 21R it worked fine for a month or so. Then it became more firm, especially during the winter when it didn't work at all. In order to solve this problem I replaced the original MCUs with all reds. Then it was OK for a while but after that all the same...So I realised that these things wear out pretty quickly.
I've read about the Hevn Super Struts upgrade in the Mountain Biking (Feb.98). I must say they are SUPERB upgrade!!! Thay work! And even at low temperatures.
My weight is 152lbs and I've ordered red super struts. I was affraid that yellow would be too firm. But to my surprise I received yellow ones. Mike told me to try them out and that I can change them for red ones if I want to. But to my surprise again they are not too firm. They are just right. The struts themselves, the service (prompt e-mails) and the materials, everything deserves five stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
An Nguyen
a weekend warrior
from Fremont, California
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have opportunity to read many reviews of different upgraded suspesion. I
suggest to all the warrior out there to consider the following factors before buying
an upgraded suspension. I am an engineer and specialized in shock and vibration controls and I would like to share some of my knowledge to mountain
bikers. I will look for the following factors:
1)Performance 2)Reliability 3)Product Safety 4)Price 5)How easy installing 6)
maintenance cost.
Performance: Bare Coil spring in any shape and size is an energy storage system
with little to no damping.
It means the more energy you put in then the harder it will rebound and the result
is the energy stored transmitting to your arms and you will feel big shock with
washboard and tiring with long distance ride. Coil spring is reliable product but
it will rough on your fork and reduce the wall thickness of your fork and later it
will create safety concern on the fork's strength. it 's better to wrap your coil spring
with some elastomer product.Oil Damper by itself is a useless mechanism because it has no muscle to return
to its original position after being compressed that is why it has to be connected
to coil spring. The performance of oil damper and coil spring connected can create a good damping system that can absorb a big hit but it will bottom out
after a series of big hits due to slowly response of oil flowing throught valves.
Oil damper is not a reliable product caused by explose of oil seal. You imagine
dropping down your bike from 4 to 5 feet height and your seal bursted due to extremly high pressure exerted on the seal then the damping of your fork is gone then safety becomes an important factor. I suggest that with oil damper or air
damper you should avoid hard hits and washboard. Super Strut shows good performance, respond quickly to big hits and small hits and showed no bottom out, reliable product because no leaking oil or air. It is simple design and required almost no maintenance and it is a safe product.
The high damping polymer bonded very well to the coil spring and control both
up and down motions.
I enjoy the performance of Super Strut and the reliability plus free maintenance and the safety of product but I do not like the price $119. I would want to see this product at 75-$85 ranges retail price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Breakey
a weekend warrior
from Kamloops,BC
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The struts have gotten much better over the last few rides. I got a few responses about the colder weather and have decided to stay with the yellows. The seem to suck up the washboard really well. They will not make your fork into a Z1, but if you don't have $900 then buy the Super Struts. If you have $900 extra just lying aroung I suggest you go down to your nearest bike store and buy that Z1 BAM before they are all gone. They don't compare to my Chubby LT on my 98 K2 Beast, but for good XC riding I wouldn't even ride a f/s bike without them. So quickly phone Hevn and tell them you need the struts. They are very nice and helpful people, talk to Mike.overall rating for an upgrade in a XC fork= 6 chilies | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Breakey
a weekend warrior
from Kamloops,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like the ease of the install. So simple, just drop in and ride. They seem to be better than my elastomers that were in my Indy XC, but I seem to have lost some travel. I have the yellows and I was wondering if anyone else rides where it is cold during most of the year?(only 10 degrees celcuis today). Has anyone experienced a break-in period or are they stiff the hole time. I wanted to know if anyone that lives in a colder climate suggests the yellows or the reds? I weigh about 210 lbs with full camelback. I will review again when I get a response and I ride them some more.customer service= 5 chilies
install= 5 chilies
review= 3 chilies until next review
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Cutler
a cross-country rider
from Hingham, MA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I dub myself as a cross-country rider only because I ride probably between 60 and 100 times a year and don't really fit into the weekend warrior designation. With that in mind, I swapped my Q21R elastomers for the Super Struts and was immediately impressed. Even though I got the yellow ones (too stiff overall for my weight - but being swapped priority mail by Mike at Hevn Racing as we speak) I was astounded that my fork gobbled up bumps better than I'd ever seen. I even rode the bike straight into a cinderblock wall to see how it would respond and it rolled right up an over (wall was only one block high, these things aren't that mystical). Love the product, super pleased with the service. If every upgrade were this easy to install and enjoy I'd have only my frame left as original! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Northern New Mexico
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought these stuts to upgrade my Q21r's that came on my 96 Joshua X. Was interested in the concept. We start here in February and it is nice to not have the fork cold and stiff like MCU's. Also like the fact that they are bullet proof and a one time fix. MCU's are worn out in a year. Got the yellow ones and they were a little stiffer than I thought they would be (I'm 185 lbs). Enjoy not hearing them scratch around inside the fork legs. Good product thus far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a cross-country rider
from Washinton, DC
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I too love the upgrade, but I got my hands on some Sweet Manitou SX ti.
My quadra 21r's rocked after the upgrade. I just wished the quadras were
stiffer, but that's not the superstrut's fault. Anyways, I have a pair
of yellow (stiff) shocks with original instructions and all that jazz for
$60. If interested drop me a line. Max
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Old Yeller
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these SuperStruts to put in my '96 Judy XC's. I left the internal dampener in the shock for added dampening. These things performed great! Really plush, even in the below freezing temperature. These things are super responsibe over big and small bumps, especially after they get a little warm from friction. For their price, a great deal! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a racer
from cupertino ca
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I reaaly like the superstruts. I recently purchased a bike with the judy T2 shock and it sucked because there is no dampening system in them. Every time I would hit a fat jump I could feel the shock smack on the rebound. The Superstruts make it fell so much smother, and my shock doesn't smack on the rebound anymore because the superstruts have the built in dampening. I think that everyone is making a big deal out of the speed springs but I don't think that they compare to the superstruts. Spend the extra dow it's worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a pair of indyc's and i like them, although they aren't very plush. i've looked at the englunds, but i don't like that they leak, and the speed springs seem to bouncy. what do you guys think about me buying a pair? would it be a good decision? i way about 145 lbs. tell me what you think at dyrsae@hotmail.com . just from what i hear about them, i am going to give them a four-star rating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the babies about 2 months ago and installed them on my 97 Judy XC's. The springs really seemed to make a different on rebound, but I've seemed to have lost some of my travel. The forks work great on washboards and big hits, but don't seem as plush as my speed springs. I contacted HVEN yesterday regarding this issue, and while they don't have an immediate fix, they did inform me that they'll exchange the springs for the new verison to be released in April 98. Hven springs = 4 chilis
Customer Service = 5 chilisGotta love a company with such awesome service!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
walter
a racer
from detroit, mi
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
just bought a pair of yellows to upgrade my Q21Rs for $109. i'm really hoping
they work as well as everyone says, cause i just saw an ad in colorado cyclist
for a pair of manitou SX-Tis for $149.95...doh!ps. i'm adding some useless verbiage so that this site will accept my useless post. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a cross-country rider
from Marin
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I saw them, I tried them, I liked them, I bought them! How did they get something that looks so simple to work this well. These things work GREAT in my Indy XC. A buddy of mine put them in his Quadra 21R and he loves them.The Super Struts have a nice preditable rebound, are reasonably light, and work well on the litte stuff. They handle the hard hits very well with good rebound.
As far as the last guys review, it does not sound like he has even tried the Super Struts yet! Ignorance is bliss...comparing the Dampflex polymer to rubber is like comparing Kevlar or Carbon Fiber to plastic! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Blenio - Hevn Racing Components
a weekend warrior
from Los Gatos, California, United States of America
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi: I want to thank all those who have purchased a set of SuperStruts and reviewed them on the MTBR web site. It's great to see that some of you are satisfied with our product. We appreciate and consider all of the feedback we get. We understand that some of you will like the SuperStruts and some of you may not. Please feel free to share your reasons with us...both good and bad. We view this page often and look forward to seeing more of your comments. My partners and I are striving toward one goal...To give *you*, the bicycle enthusiast, many of the best bike products on the market.We've got a lot of ideas and are doing our best to implement them. On the drawing board is a new monoshock full suspension frame, a really awesome Concept bike, a stem (with integrated cyclometer), mountain bike and BMX cranks, and more.You Guys and Girls are awesome. Keep telling us what you think about the SuperStruts. With help from you, the SuperStruts and other products we develop will only get better.Let's go riding,John Blenio
Hevn Racing Components
PS... (4 chiles) There is always room for improvement | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a cross-country rider
from Scarsdale, NY
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
these things rule... i have a 95 judy xc, and before the upgrade, the judy sucked... now its amazingly plush and responsive. buy them!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Marin, CA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Super Struts are the best upgrade I have used for my INDY XCs. I am very pleased with the way they soak up the little bumps and how well they handle very hard hits. The rebound is very predictable and smooth. The Super Struts are a sinch to install. For a dealer cost of $119.00 plus am very pleased with them. (Believe me , I have tried the other options). So far I have 450 miles on these.I'm no expert, but if Super Struts are simply cheap rubber over coil springs, then why has it taken so long for anyone to come to the market with this simple upgrade? After talking with the guys at HEVN (Mike & John), I think there is a little more going on than what the Super Struts simply look like, chemistry wise I mean. I recommend these with full confidence!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a weekend warrior
from pa
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
follow up to post below:-
What do you think rubber is if it isnt a polymer? Just 'cos marketing
men give stuff fancy technical names doesnt mean shit. Oakleys plutonite
is just the same polycarbonate that 50cent sunglasses are made of.
Thermoplastic is just a plastic, and special low density polymer with
damping characteristics is a pretty accurate discription of rubber.
Ive already praised these products, I just the previous poster needs to
wise up and turn up his bullshit detector.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Allens
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I put these things in my Indy and they feel great. Some of you other guys think these are expensive. For the ride I'm getting, I don't think they are at all. I called up their office and talked to a fellow named Mike. He explained how they work. It seems that others out there are mistaken. They are not springs coated in rubber. The way I understand it, they are springs with a special polymer material that Hevn has had developed. This polymer makes for the plush feel and damping. Mike told me they will be reviewed in some magazines soon, so for those of you who rely on that stuff, look forward to it. I'm sold on them, just from my last two rides.
These guys are cool too. They are sending me free decals of their cool wing logo.
That's my two cents. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Serl
a weekend warrior
from Chino, CA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I weigh 160 and bought the reds because I wanted a plusher ride. I probably would of been better off with the yellows. They are expensive for what they are made of. They are, however, a dramatic improvement over the elastomer that came in my Quadra 5's. But don't kid yourself. They will not make the fork perform like a Z2 bomber which is what I have now. (Anyone what to buy a pair of red Superstruts.) They do get it about halfway there though. The short comings are still a lack of travel, fork action and tunability. I would definetly recommend this upgrade for those on a budget. After the first ride you will realize how silly a solid piece of rubber inside a shock tube is for suspension. Springs work so much better.
The price makes it hard to give it 5 stars. But I will anyway | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a racer
from Pa
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Follow up from original review.I have had the firm yellows installed for a while now. I hate to say it,
but theyre GREAT. Who'd have thought something so simple could work?!
Very plush, smooth, noticeable damping, and if i dump the damping cart
in my judy i can get more travel. These are good enough that i cancelled
an order on a Z2 atom bomb.The only poss downer is that the damping is obviously unadjustable, but
that doesnt bother me as i like the fork action as it is.The only reason I'm not giving 5 chilies is 'cos I still think $100 is
too much for 2 steel springs encased in rubber and wrapped in plastic. If they
charged a reasonable price (like $50) theyd clean up and mountain speed
and englund would be out of business. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
When I got my bike with a RS Q10 the single elastomer was so stiff it was like not having a shock at all except for big drop-offs. I replaced the single blue elastomer with the red and blues MCUs that go in the Q21R. Things were much plusher and the fork worked on smaller stuff, but it tended to pack down on high frequency stuff. I then tried the superstruts and the difference was fantastic. The first thing I noticed on the trail is how the front wheel stays in contact with the ground due to the two stage system and inherent damping. The struts work great on big and small, especially roots and rocks all within the Q10's 1.7 of travel. Got mine direct for about $75. The guys at Hevn were great about swapping soft version for firm at no charge. These things are built to last a lifetime! Q5, Q10 and Q21R owners look no further! Great product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Baker
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using my SuperStruts for about two months now. I have a Quadra 21R and these things are awesome. I use to have SpeedSprings, but they were way too bouncy. I then bought the Englund, but the air kept leaking out. I saw an ad in MBA that made a really bold statement about improving Quadras. Well, these guys are right. The damping is great, I've got more travel, and overall I have no complaints. I was considering buying a Judy, but was balking over the price. I got these SuperStruts and I don't need to spend anymore money. Apparently these things work pretty well in Indy's too, so I think I may still buy an Indy (since it's so light), but only because I can put my SuperStruts in them. Good job Hevn. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a weekend warrior
from Pa
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
HEVN is a small company, so they take the time to answer calls/email, which is nice. I got the red ones, for riders 100-160lbs. I'm 145 with full camelbak and theyre way too soft. Felt plush tho. Hevn are swapping them for the harder ones at no charge-cant wait to get on them.$100 may seem like a sting for 2 springs wrapped in plastic, but the price is on a par with other fork upgrades. And they seem to work. Giving them 3 chillies, which may go up if the stiffer ones work! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Cupertino CA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
BUY 'EM! These boingies are schwing! I've been beating the crap out of my speed springs for four months and they scream (barkalounger, that is).
Their innovative design with built in damper provides for a superior ride. I weigh 180, put in 30+ miles/week (have over 600 miles on 'em already), and am riding the yellows inside Judy XC forks. Still look & ride like new. They bolt in with 1 additional MCU which allows additional springrate control over the top adjustments. They're plush over washboard at speed, take big hits like Holyfield, and bite like Mike. Excellent traction and control over all terrain. Superstruts design is bomb proof for a lifetime, no more oil changes or MCU swaps - ride 'em till you croak. This is an awesome new product, so buy 'em:
You will be stoked.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Q21R fork and bought a set of Superstruts to replace the Englund
air cartridges that had replaced the original elastomer stack. The Englund
carts were ok, they offered a wide range of adjustability which was useful
since I lost a bit of weight when I started riding more seriously. For suspension action,
however, the Superstruts are far superior to the Englunds
and I also prefer them over the elastomers. I am about 210lbs with Camelbak
and tools, so I ride with full preload and an extra one half red elastomer
spacer (In the Q21R (and the Judy, I think) Hevn recommends using just one red elastomer as
a spacer). Still, the ride is much nicer all-around and, dare I say it, fairly plush. The coil springs
soak up all sizes of bumps, even at speed - where the Englunds were slow to respond. On
steep, rocky downhills the Superstruts will mash down a bit, but they retain some usable travel,
whereas
the Englunds would just stay squashed. I have no experience with Judys, Bombers
and the like, but for my Q21R, Superstruts are the best upgrade I have made.Btw, I happen to live near the HEVN offices and when I called to inquire about
ordering I asked if I could stop by on my bike and test ride a set. They said
no problem. I didn't have the time, but I felt better about buying knowing that
they had faith in their product. Disclaimer: I have no personal relationship
with HEVN Racing Components, I am just a very satisfied customer. | | Overall Rating: |
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