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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Korea
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | slick rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | oem | | Strengths: | They haven't broken in 4 plus years of use. | | Weaknesses: | Flex, flex, serious cold weather performance flaws, smacking knee on top of DC tubes hurts like a mother. | | Similar Products Used: | None yet | | Bike Setup: | 98 K2 5000LT, lots of new stuff | | Bottom Line: | Now that I've gained some weight (195), I've noticed alot more flex. I'm talking enough flex jumping off a curb to make my brakes bark. And after reading the other reviews, I now realize that the two worst wrecks of my career on this bike were due to cold weather (not pilot error). These things turn into pogo sticks when its cold. I just ordered a new marathon S. Even if its crap, its gonna be a serious upgrade. Man, why didn't I break down and spend some cash when I was in Utah? Not that anyone still would buy them, (although I did see a new in box one on Ebay the other day) but just don't. You'd be just as well served by stealing a huffy and using its fork. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Jedrak
a Racer
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bielany Woods (Warsaw) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Cheap, simple, nice looking, long travel | | Weaknesses: | Elastomers instead of springs, stiction in the initial part of the stroke. | | Similar Products Used: | Quadra 21R, Marzocchi Bomber, Girvin Vector. | | Bike Setup: | Full suspension 5 inches rear travel, XTR derailleur, Sachs Plasma crank, Sachs disc brake rear, Magura Julie brake front (Hayes 200mm rotor). Magura(by Sachs) hubs, SPD 636 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Good for freeriders, not so good for real downhill. At a reasonable price you get quite a lot of travel. Tips for those of you who already own a Chubby fork (or RST Hi-5):
- I have managed to achieve 6 inches of travel
- I have made an open bath damping system (it costs 1 buck to buy a special seal)
- I have replaced elastomers with custom made springs (20 bucks)
If you want such changes just mail me for details mj-foto@go2.pl | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Weadababyitsaboy
a Downhiller
from Um
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | A Happy Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | A tupid friend | | Strengths: | Some | | Weaknesses: | Few | | Similar Products Used: | Non | | Bike Setup: | Sweet | | Bottom Line: | Wow | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Royal National Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The fork performs well on big hits and is sought of smooth when running well. A lot of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Limited adjustment.. The complete lack of rebound adjustment is annoying. The boots deteriate. No way near as smooth as a Marzocchi, but the Girvin's a cheap fork. So expectations are low.
Oh yeah, I've smacked my knee numerous times on the crowns..it hurts!! | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber, Quadra 5 (delightful!), Manitou, Rock Shox Judy SL, Amp Linkage... | | Bike Setup: | '98 Giant ATX with 5" rear travel. Magura brakes, XT/LX | | Bottom Line: | The Only major problem I've had with these forks is when I managed to snap one of the drop outs.. Ok, so admittedly I did screw up the narly jump, and my bad riding was to blame...but still I didn't expect it to give way, esp. considering how strong they look. The cool guys at the LBS managed to fix it for me under warranty..sweeet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar.com | | Strengths: | Fairly beefy and has long travel for the price | | Weaknesses: | Boots cracked, elastomer stack turn to rock anytime under 60 degree weather, bouncy. | | Similar Products Used: | '98 RocShox Judy, I now have a Marzocchi Z1 MCR. | | Bike Setup: | Freeride DS | | Bottom Line: | When the fork is new, it seems like a value. The springs are bouncy instead of plush. It can feel like a pogo. The boots are one of the worst I've seen- cracked and allowed all sorts of 'stuff' in. Had to clean the stancions after every ride. Also, noticed the seals leaked a bit- NOT GOOD. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Cook
a Weekend Warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything fast and steep | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Zone | | Strengths: | Its got a lot of travel and it super plush. | | Weaknesses: | The turning radius is limited, but I dont really notice it unless I'm going like 2mph. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Magnum | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Trek 6000 w/ Girvin fork and Bontrager acces... | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a dual crown fork and want 5 inches of travel it perfect. I love the looks and the travel.
I reccomend upgrading to MountainSpeed Speedsprings if you are over 170 pounds. Overall its a great value and it works great too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Headford
a Downhiller
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Horseshoe Canada Cup DH run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | looks
5 inches of travel
price factor | | Weaknesses: | elastomer...freezes up in cold
weak construction
tunability....what?????? | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox judy xl
Rst somewhatrather | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS DH, race face cranks, 00'Marzochhi Jr T, XT/XTR drivtrian,Sun rim rhyno lites,rock shoxs coupe deluexe | | Bottom Line: | A god fork for the money. It's cheap and performs pretty well for a fork in this category. IS NOT SUITIBLE FOR DH RACING!!!!!!!!On my fitst race on it I broke the dropout. It also freezes up real bad in the cold weather. It is pretty good fork all around but if you want something that lasts save up for a decent fork, you will thank yourself. Team Ghetto rules!!!!!!!11 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred
a Weekend Warrior
from atlanta, ga.
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | bull mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | stiff | | Weaknesses: | not enough damping
bottoms easily | | Similar Products Used: | 96 judy xc 80 mm
2000 marzocchi cr 130 mm travel | | Bike Setup: | K2 5000 Lt race face cranks,rings handlebar. azonic bar ends sun ringle wheel set xtr shifter brake lever brakes 2000CR | | Bottom Line: | dont push this thing too hard IT WILL BOTTOM. tried the heaviest speed springs it helped some but.
get a marzocchi 2000 CR great fork. never bottoms super plush. i weigh 230 lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kroegs
a Weekend Warrior
from BC
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | abyss | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | stiffness | | Weaknesses: | elastomer, weight, not very smooth, like to freeze up in cold | | Similar Products Used: | Z2 BAM, Z3 QR 20 | | Bottom Line: | I dont know why everyone is giving this fork such a good review. It sucks. I have never ridden a worse fork. Everytime I dropped anything higher than 3 feet, the fork would bottom out and buzz my tire, which scared the hell out of me cause I dont enjoy sailing over the bars. I cant blame it on my weight cause i am 125lbs. Bottom line... I got rid of these forks as fast as possible. I wouldnt suggest this fork for anybody unless they want a really crappy fork that will buzz any tire over 1.95. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathaniel Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | The next one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Travel, easy maintenance | | Weaknesses: | Sure hates cold weather! Stiffens up worst than my back after a big spill. | | Similar Products Used: | Judys, White Bros | | Bike Setup: | 1998 K2proflex 5000 LT, Chubby, SmartShock | | Bottom Line: | A decent fork. Sucks in the cold weather. Wouldn't buy it again, but won't replace it 'til next Jan/Feb either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Corkill
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ravenshoe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | A good light weight dual crown fork with plenty of travel when trail riding. It has stood up to my abuse and some good wipeouts. | | Weaknesses: | I do a lot of winter riding, I'm sorry, but this shock does not stand up well in sub-zero weather. I noticed it loses around 60 to 80 mm of it's travel when out in the cold. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Joshua F3. | | Bottom Line: | A good shock for the money. I'm happy with it for all the abuse it takes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Xavier
a Downhiller
from Van Wa.
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
any where on Earth | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Hay man its got 5 inch travel for you cross country riders | | Weaknesses: |
not enough travel for down hill but yeah a stem shock from softride 2inch travel stem helps | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy Xl 99
Judy XLc 98
Judy Xc
Rst 281
RST 381
Bomber z1 | | Bike Setup: |
If you know me, i got a bunch of bikes, Ironhorse, mongoose, K2proflex, all of them are dualies, and different set up of parts every month so i realy don't know what to say. | | Bottom Line: | OH if any boody trash talks this fork, they are idiots that rides nothing. Yes i got to admit that MCU sucks but I got hydralic lock ups on rock shox during winter. Switching the MCUs w/ speed springs will make the Chubby Lt eat any Rock shox any time, any where for breakfast, Lunch, dinner, and snacks. Pipline rules, and thats the bottom line | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Mandai | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price,Responsive,Weight | | Weaknesses: |
Abit flexy,looks,elastomers | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Gt Lts,Magura Frog,xtr parts... | | Bottom Line: | A good DH fork & also a light double crown weight. It can take all the abuse despite it works on elastomers. Reliable & maintaince free. A bit of flex though. Better than Rockshox is for sure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
produde
a Weekend Warrior
from d-bar, ca
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
snow summit | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
if you can find them used they are awesome for the price | | Weaknesses: |
little heavy but all tripple clamps are. | | Similar Products Used: |
99 judy xc 80mm, rst 381 dh, marzocchi z1 z3 lt | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Trek VRX 300 w/ this dope fork | | Bottom Line: | I got this fork barely used from a guy for only $110. I was thinking about getting a z1 bam but those are $400+. This fork is super plush when you take out the bottom black bumper inside the coil spring at the bottom. All you have to do is take out the elastomer stack, unscrew the bottom cap on the 2 coil spring and take out the black bumper. A 10 minute job at most. Also relubed mine with JUDY BUTTER and they work sooooo good. Awesome fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from binghamton
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
platekill | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
reliability | | Weaknesses: |
?? | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy | | Bike Setup: |
Mt. Cycles San Andreas | | Bottom Line: | Don't have much to compare this to - I'm a roadie & this is secondary. Just wanted to say that I'm a big guy (6'4 & 235) & ride a bike like I played football & tend to break stuff, and this has been very reliable, which is something I hear can't be said for all shox. Had a few great crashes & just got up, dustd off & got back on & we're off. In short, I'm pleased with the shock. BTW - looking for a rear shock to replace my Mt. Cycles stock Aftershock DH rear - too much pedal bob for a big guy working up hills - and would appreciate comments or suggestions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jade
a Weekend Warrior
from aptos c.a.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
fall creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
resistance to flex | | Weaknesses: |
lack of dampning from air cartridge, elastomers | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shock judy xlc | | Bike Setup: |
98 k2 beast, noleen nr4 shock | | Bottom Line: | this fork works ok stock and can be better if you use 1/2 speed spring and 1/2 elastomer together with a lube consisting of 50% pj1 engine assembly lube and 50% mobil one synth motor oil mix into paste and apply sparingly to all inner parts, caution use only a film of paste on air cartridge o'rings . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rabid Willy
a Downhiller
from SLC
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Travel | | Weaknesses: |
Boots, Elastomers | | Similar Products Used: |
Judys | | Bike Setup: |
ProFlex Beast | | Bottom Line: | This fork came on my 97 ProFlex Beast. Swapped out the elastomers for Mtn Speed springs and the fork boots for Lizard Skin fork boots. The springs give you additional travel(about 1/2 inch) and the fork boots keep the stanctions clean. Great fork for the money. Have never bottomed out and I am abusive to a bike.(215 lbs) It has never let me down. (even in cold weather) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Fabulous
a weekend warrior
from Chicago, Ill
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
You guys are all joking right? I mean with reviews topping five chili's. This is the same kind of joke site the Duotrack 8002 post is, right? For those who don't know any better the Girvin Chubby is simply a RST Hi-5 with new paint. Oh yeah, that one sucks too. Go ahead and ride this fork anytime the temperature gets around freezing. Whats that? I didn't hear you, it doesn't work. Oh, that is from the magic of elastomers. They are a miracle substance brought about by captured Alien Technology which freeze up during cold weather. Other endearing features are that the performance changes do to temperature put the fork in a constant state of change. Just what you want for the next downhill run. Don't get me wrong, these arn't total sh$@, ha ha. They are available for $100-120 in the latest Mountain Bike Action. For that price they are pretty awesome, 5 of travel! Still though, in the grand scheme of things thay are probably the furthest anyone will push simple bumper technology. Lets hope so! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wild Jo
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Chubby came stock on my '97 ProFlex Animal, and I am totally satisfied! It's never bottomed-out, and works well in tandem with the NR-4 rear shock. I've crashed hard, too, and it has never broken down. You have to get used to the active suspension; sometimes the front rattles to the point you think it will fall apart, but it sucks up the humps! Get rid of the fork boots and get wipers. The boots tear easily | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrei
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best triple clamp fork for under $200 there is and ever will be. I bought mine used, with speed springs for around $150. It survived four downhill races and one cross country race. It weighs around 4.5lb, and right now I am using it for trials riding. Undestructible!!! I have maguras and me brake booster, no flex at all. GREAT FORK | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrei
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best triple clamp fork for under $200 there is and ever will be. I bought mine used, with speed springs for around $150. It survived four downhill races and one cross country race. It weighs around 4.5lb, and right now I am using it for trials riding. Undestructible!!! I have maguras and me brake booster, no flex at all. GREAT FORK | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Chubby on my 97 ProFlex Beast. It rides very well and has taken some pretty nasty hits. It has seen over 175mi. of rocky terrain and still has plenty of plush travel. The boots could be made out of more durable material but overall, the fork has survived admirably. Use a stanchion lube on all your forks!! It helps!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
2
a weekend warrior
from SF,CA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Plushest fork I ever rode. Equipped with Mtn. Speed Hi-Speed Dual Stage Coil Spring Upgrade. Too much travel for me though and my knees hate hate the dual triple clamp crowns. The ride is very smooth and plush but, the triple clamp crown sucks. Also bobs very easily because of so much travel. Overall the fork works great but just not right for my riding style. I'll still give it a 5 because if I was a downhiller it would have been perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KUJO
a downhiller
from Sun Valley, Idaho
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 97' Beast, not a costom 857 like I said in my other post. The Beast is much better. I don't think that these are as good of forks as I said in my other post, either. When I took them apart, I found a stack of shitty elastomers!!! Elastomers suck, and they always will suck. They are way too overdamped. Luckily, though, I am buying my friend's set of springs that came in his JUDY XL forks. Trust me, SPRINGS ARE MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 stars for the fork, minus 3 for the SHITTY design. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
man
a downhiller
from Washington
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey what's with that idiot that gave the chubby a one. Come on... everyone who's ridden one knows it's a great fork. Even though it's pretty light weight at 4.9lbs for a DH fork, it's pretty damn stiff. That idiots fork either broke because there was a flaw in manufacturing it or he's a big fat ass like other fat people who break everything like their cranks and stuff. I would only gave it a 4 because I don't like the bobbing during sprints. But I'd give it a five just because I own one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim
a cross-country rider
from Willougby, OH
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Chubby came stock on my '97 ProFlex Animal, and I am totally satisfied! It's never bottomed-out, and works well in tandem with the NR-4 rear shock. I've crashed hard, too, and it has never broken down. You have to get used to the active suspension; sometimes the front rattles to the point you think it will fall apart, but it sucks up the humps! Get rid of the fork boots and get wipers. The boots tear easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KUJO
a downhiller
from Sun Valley, Idaho
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork kicks ssoooooo much ass. My Chubby's came on my new custom PRO-FLEX 857-XT. I requested these forks, because a friend of mine recently purchaced a pair of RST Hi-5's, and they were the sweetest pair of forks I had ever ridden!!!!! The 5 inches of travel is plenty, and every inch is extremely plush. My bike is still being shipped, but it is worth the wait!!!Definately worth 5 chilies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg-a-bike
a weekend warrior
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: June 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork Rocks, and kicks some major $%#. I've ridden Marjochi's and Judy's
and this one kicks all of their $%#'s. Mine came stock on my 97' Beast. It has
four inches of very plush travel. It has the lowest weight and shortest stem
height of any other triple clamp, which makes it perfect for cross country-free-friding. This is the perfect fork for riders living in mountain community's. You don't feel as if your being thrown back over the back of the bike on steep
ascents, it is fairly light at just a hair over 4 lbs and it is a complete blast on the downhill. I've owned it since 8/97 without a single problem. All my buddy's that I ride with wait for me to lead the
downhill. It just sucks up everyting that is thrown it's way. When people say
to me, you're a good descender I say, it's not me, it's the chubster. The
ultimate complement. I'd definately buy another. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
askman
a weekend warrior
from beaverton, or
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
it came with my beast, and it is good solid fork. I had an extra 7 speed spring kit, and replace the spring and 2.5 elastomers with the speed spring, and now, it is an awesome performing fork. Almost impossible to bottom out, and excellent plush performance. I guess this is same fork as RST HI-5, and for what I am doing, 5 travel(with the spring kit) that I get is plenty. I still need to tune my rear to match my front plushness. good fork for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GMoney
a weekend warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Pipeline Chubby came stock on a bike I purchased. I am a pretty hefty steed (185) and I have ridden RST, Judy, Indy, and Answer, and they all have bottomed out, some real HARD. The Chubby just dosent. Yeah you can get all sorts of springs and gizmos for the rest, but the Chubby performs right out of the box, no add-on's required. With this fork, I don't have to worry about hitting anything hard. It just soaks it up, licks its chops and begs for more. The dampening is smooth, and plenty of travel. The best thing it gives is confidence, no worrys about if it can handle that rock, or flying nose down off that unseen dropoff. Seems the harder you push it, the better it performs. GREAT FORK! If you do get one, make sure your frame can take it, from what I hear, triples put more stress on the head joints. Going to put one on my Park Pizza Cutter.Wahoo! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron Holland
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall I really like these forks. I have riden a number of bikes with other shocks(and owned a bike with Mag 21s) and so far I am very impressed with the Chubby. They suck up the small stuff with no problems, but what is really amazing is how they eat up the big bumps. High speed downhilling over stuff that would have had me face-planting on my Rock Shox is no problem with the Chubbys. Also they are very precise in those nasty low-speed technical situations. I am about fairly heavy compared to the average rider, and tend to break a lot of stuff, so durability is a big issue for me...so far so good. They have sucked up anything I have dished out and are still going strong. Good Shock, great value compared to all the other high priced hardware out there! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Kanemitsu
a weekend warrior
from Kaunakakai, Hi. USA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork as an up grade for a previouse one I bought that I hated, make that didn't like.
That'll be the last time I listen to a catalog sales person when they're out of the one I really wanted.
Anyway, I got the Chubby as a recomendation from the manufacture of the frame that I bought as
one that would work well with the particular model I bought. The Chubby is one of the lightest
triple clamps around, and it can be converted from a 4 in to a 5 inch with very little trouble. The
Chubby also has one of if not the lowest hight (from lower crown to center of hub) than just about
any other on the market. It's a very smooth fork and handles small as well as the big stuff quite
adequately. I wish I would have waited though cause the pice on those things dropped from almost
$450 (which I thought was a good deal considering the prices of some of the other ones out there)
to $335. And for that price I ought to buy another one for the hell of it. But seriously, I've owned a
total of 5 suspention forks over the las 3 years. and I would have to say that this one has given me
more confidence in more critical situations than the others | | Overall Rating: |
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