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Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | White Rep | | Strengths: | Durable, light, low maintenance, stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Not as light as claimed, screws can come loose, expensive for such a simple fork, not 70mm. | | Similar Products Used: | SID | | Bike Setup: | Superlight, XTR, Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | I've had this fork since 99. I would have to say this is the best light weight, cross country fork made in years. I had it so long because I simply could not find a better fork! It was raced, ridden recreationally, crashed, ridden in the rain, ridden in the snow, and it always performend perfectly. This fork is stiff! A SID is a wet noodle compared to this fork. Even as old as it is, it's still stiffer than any current fork I've tested (maybe not Fox, haven't tried them yet). But don't let stiffness confuse you. It's still a smooth fork. Total air really works great. The fork has some flaws. It's not as light as White would have you believe. Still 3lbs. is pretty darn light. Also, it surely does not have 70mm of travel. More like 65mm. However, all commapies tout their stuff a little better than they really are. And I must give props to White Brothers, they did put out one heck of a fork. So why review this if they don't make it anymore. Well, if you find one on ebay then you know it's still good. Maybe better than that SID you've been looking at. And cheaper to boot. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Jackson, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Strengths: | Zero leaks, super smooth, low maint., sleak look... | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any... | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Sid XC, 00 Mars C, 99 SX Ti, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Been ridding mine for 3 seasons now, still no air leaks (anyone who complains about loosing air through the valve needs to pay attention to what the heck they are doing - ie - make sure the valve is threaded all the way in before you attach the pump?). Ride it much harder than an "XC" fork is ever designed to be ridden - laterally stiff, even under extreme braking, hard corrnering, etc., yet nice controlled compression and rebound. No boots + muddy conditions, and still no crap on the internals the 2 times I have taken her apart (end of the 98 and 99 season - just to look/lube - not because I needed to). I don't know, wouldn't normally wast my time typing this yet have tried a SID and a Mars over the last 2 years on my other bike, and they don't compare (don't hold air, don't "feel" as good - this feels more like an spring/oil fork, and are way to flexy). Looking for a sub 3 lb. fork that has the ride quality of a 4 lb one...this is it - still don't think there is a better XC fork out there - even in the 2001 stuff...Awesome job White Bros! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tuomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Luovi | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Soft action, rigidity, adjustability, easy to maintenance,
looks, weight, the brand, | | Weaknesses: | valves leak, but not much compared to the SID | | Bike Setup: | Finnpeak CC-02 | | Bottom Line: | This is absolutely fabulous racing-fork, although it's just as good in weekend riding. How can a racing-fork be so plush? Its the adjustability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Mckenzie | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiffness
Looks
Adjustibility | | Weaknesses: |
Stiction
No boots?
Leaky air catridges
White Brother's Service | | Similar Products Used: |
All of 'em: SID, Superfly, and Carbon Manitou. | | Bike Setup: |
Steel HT | | Bottom Line: | This is a decent race fork! It may be the stiffest race fork on the market, and it is well built. However, I sent the fork to White Brothers to have the fork steerer replaced due to a recall. I hand delivered fork in mid July and did not get it back until late August. I entered the White Bros. store in Yorba Linda, Ca. and heard two goofballs fighting over something. The guy who helped me proceeded to tell me how some guy had just tried to screw him by bringing a broken fork to him. He referred to him as a goofball. These guys suck. They also charted me for shipping and handling along with almost $70 to replace the bushings and put in that goofy oil bath system. It was unbelievable! Decent fork, but White Bros. is such a goofy company I will never buy another one of their forks. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike the bike guy...
a Cross-Country Rider
from Leesburg VA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
local NO VA | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Do looks count?
I'll give them that one... | | Weaknesses: |
poor tech customer service dept,
crappy seals,
no boots,
bolts come undone, over priced | | Similar Products Used: |
Marzocchi SuperFly
XMO O2 | | Bike Setup: |
Team riders...
Ellsworth, Dean, RVT | | Bottom Line: | We most have the bad luck. Our whole team has had problems with this fork... (four of them).
They all developed stiction within a few months.
Two of them have had the air cartridge blow.
Three of them have had misc bolts come undone durng a ride (inside and out).
On one fork, the fork leg's coating came off during one race which was sorta muddy.
We find the weight to be heavier than listed in the WB ads.
The service and tech people are rude.
Frankly, if you think about it, there's not much material in a mountain bike fork. To fork out (pardon the pun) five bills... we think the fork should be somewhat bomb proof. They're not.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a Racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Catoctin at Gambrill | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Tuneability
Weight
Customer Service | | Weaknesses: |
Servicability/replacement of bushings
Explanation in owners manual of necessary maintenance/ how to / when | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou 1
Manitou Mach 5
Manitou SX TI
Manitou TPC
RockShox Mag 21 | | Bike Setup: |
Turner Stinger | | Bottom Line: | Well ... Here goes my third post to this review site, and this time I feel my boys at White Brothers need a litlle defending. I have owned this fork for about a year and a half and have a put in 3000 tough offroad miles in all conditions. First, let me say that the fork has not been maintenance free - far from it. Like any precision racing piece of equipment on your bike, this fork needs attention! Drop the lowers every month (see my previos post on how), clean out the wipers, relube the whole mess, and don't forget to put about a couple of ccs of 10wt shock oil on the foam gaskets just under the top seals. These foam gaskets keep a thin coat of lube on the stanchions as they slide thru the seals. If these foam gaskets become really gunked up, you can safely clean them in a Safety Kleen parts washer. Just like the rest of your bike, make sure everything is tightened on a regular basis - believe it or not, bolts can rattle loose on any part of your bike.Like the previous post - I too blew out the seals in the Englund cartridges. BPP, the distributor for the carts, sent me two free replacements in two days! I was very pleased with the level of customer service from White (gave me the right # to call) and BPP (responded quickly and sent me replacements). Only one side was blown, but I sent both sides back, and they sent me two new ones.Another issue with the fork that is not addressed in the owner's manual (see weaknesses) is that the upper and lower teflon bushings not only wear out in a year, but can cause the sliders to gouge (and ruin) the anodizing on the stanchion tubes. Unfortunately, this type of wear is only visible when dropping the sliders (or lowers) off the fork for routine maintenance. The bushings are available from White, but you either need to have them do the work, or buy a $75 toolkit to do it yourself (ouch!). I opted to send the whole thing back. They quickly did the work and returned the fork in a week.Note to current owners: According to Steve (x 238) in the warranty service dept -- YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE SOONER OR LATER. I advise if you have had this fork at least a year to get it done immediately!!! Also, the original silver steerer tubes on the 1998 SC70ULs were recalled -- they will install free of charge a nice black annodized Easton one -- so if you need that done, its probably a good time to get the whole fork serviced (seals, wipers, upper/lower bushings). This should run no more than $50.Final thoughts -- If you thought for $600 you were getting a maintenance free fork -- you're dead wrong. My 13 years in MTB racing has taught me top of the line performance products always need extra TLC (I mean, you spent the cash - take care of the damn thing!). If you want maintenance free -- get a rigid fork. I recommend that the guy who posted the previous review never buy a Porsche or Ferrari -- he'd be much happier with a Honda Accord. Taking care of quality equipment is evidently over his head.Still extremely happy after 18+ months. Five flaming rats.PS - Heres a tip thats pretty obvious to most of us -- The customer service you receive in any situation is a direct result of your attitude. Reasonable requests and calm demeanors are always met with the best results. Enough said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a Racer
from Boiling Springs, VA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Gold anodizing. | | Weaknesses: |
Company support and consumer relations. Not as light as claimed. Travel not as advertised. Bolts not loctited. Seals blow. Bushings blow. Ride blows. Fork is too tall for short (64mm) travel. | | Similar Products Used: |
RS1, Mag 20, Mag 21, Judy XC, SID, Girvin, Manitou SX-Ti. | | Bike Setup: |
Titanium racing rig. | | Bottom Line: | It all began with a company that wouldn't allow a shop to order it's items without a lengthy US Mail dealer application process (no faxes nor emails here). Prior to ordering, I called to get the actual weight of the fork with full steerer. The advertised weight was 2.8 pounds, and the dude(the technical department is really a passle of dudes, dude)at White Brothers assured me that, yes, 2.8 pounds is the correct weight. Guess what? 3 pounds 1 ounce on state inspected scales. No big deal, I guess, but when you ante up $600 bills and you call, somehow, someway, the the truth should be out there. So no big wup, but now this fancy fork weighs the same as my Rock Shox RS 1, circa 1992! Soon, I would find out, it worked about as well as that old RS 1, too!First ride: the damn titanium bolts that hold on the brace rattled entirely loose, with one falling to the trail somewhere. I call the dudes to ask whut's up with that? Oops, he said. I'll send you a new ti bolt. But don't worry, they won't 2 day it like Rock Shox excellently does. In fact, they won't even SEND IT, that is til you call dude back and get on his ass about it.In a week, I noticed one of my air units losing too much air. Oh no! I had to call dude back again! No problem, though, dude tells me, 'cause White Brothers doesn't even handle the cartridges they put in their own forks! Dude gives me the number of BPP, so I call one of their dudes (who were helpful, actually). Imagine if you bought a new Ford Taurus, and the wiper motor went on it. Then imagine Ford sending you to the wiper motor manufacturer for a replacement! I DON'T THINK SO.So I strap a zip tie on the leg of this so-called jewel, where it remains for our lives together. I don't care who you are, how hard you hit bottom off the highest jump, but you will never, never, never get 70mm, as advertised, out of this thing. Most I got was 65mm, and I go over 200 pounds. With this White Brothers thing, we still seek the truth.After a month, White Brothers sent me a reinforcement piece to pound into the crown. This was a recall, but do you think they offered to replace or repair the fork? Hell no! Fix it yourself, buddy.And not only is the fork's travel wimpy, it's tall enough to have 80 mm of travel! Height from center of axle to crown is 17.5 which is the same as a Manitou sx-Ti 80. Many bikes, like mine, chopper out, not hurting descents that much, but making steep grunts a wrestling job with the front end. That was certainly the case here. If your fork is going to be THIS tall, put some travel in it.Not much about the fork's ride was sweet, certainly not after 8 months when the bushings and seals went south. We ride nearly mud free, so it wasn't slop and misuse that kills this product so much as poor desigh and shoddy execution.So I call dude about this bushing issue. Dude, we can FIX IT. How long? About 2 weeks, plus of course the week to them and the week back. Less than a year old, and guess what, your fork needs a month's worth of work? Plus the cost, which dude says it about $4 parts, $25 labor, plus shipping there, shipping back. How much did I pay for this thing?There are at least 2 other instances I shall spare you. Had I known the story behind White Brothers, I would have bought a rigid fork. It's a hell of a lot less maintenance, and, does what it's supposed to do far better than the sc70 (64)UL does anything. And one of my favorite things about Rock Shox, besides CREATING the suspension market for bicycles, is their quality, care, and speed of service. These are issues that White Brothers doesn't allow themselves to get too worked up over.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doyle
a Racer
from memphis, tn
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Weight and looks | | Weaknesses: |
Performance as compared to a bomber. Odd squeaking noise as well | | Similar Products Used: |
Just about everything excluding downhill forks | | Bike Setup: |
Lightspeed Unicoi, full xtr, syncros and crossmax. | | Bottom Line: | I left my bomber behind thinking that performance was relative and weight was key in reference to racing. But when you think about it, how much time do you spend racing as compared to training or just out enjoying a trail? This fork is so high maintenance that I would just take my road bike out than to go through relubing the assembly time after time. Although this fork has plenty of travel, it can still be really harsh even with low air pressure. I have spent a year trying to convince myself that I love this fork because I paid so much for it. I am not riding offroad as much, partly because I am tired of getting the crap beat out of me. Well I just broke down and bought another atom bomb ( $259 from Colorado cyclist!) and can not wait to get back out on a little heavier, but much more comfortable and enjoyable ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
McKenzie | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiffness
Adjustibility
Looks
Easy to maintain | | Weaknesses: |
Weight for race fork
The company
Lack of boots
Leaky cartridges
High maintenance
Recall! | | Similar Products Used: |
SID
Judy w/Englunds | | Bike Setup: |
IF
XTR
Syncros | | Bottom Line: | Decent fork for racing, but for trail riding it sucks. My own fault! I should have just bought a Bomber for the type of riding I do. Less hassle for a 3/4 pound weight penalty. I had warranty problems with the lying bozos are White Brothers (long boring story). Be careful! These guys are really borderline unethical, and will charge the heck of you. Good fork though. Watch out for the bushings wearings, as that will destroy the stanchions. Also, these forks are on recall due to stanchion and crown seperating. I give this fork 3 stars due to noted problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Rigid
Easily Tunable
Nice Looking | | Weaknesses: |
Easily contaminated
Air Leakage | | Similar Products Used: |
SID
RS Judy w/Englunds | | Bike Setup: |
Curtlo Mountaineer | | Bottom Line: | This fork is a good race fork; however, for trail riding I would not advice it. Why? First, it takes lots of maintenance due to exposed stanchions (no boots). Plus, stiction is a problem if you don't keep it real well lubed (as with any Englund system). However, that said, I'm impressed by the rigidity of the fork, the workmanship is nice, and the fork is easy to service. White Brothers is not the most professional outfit out there. The 70UL was recalled due to stanchion/crown problems (mine had creaking due to the stanchion loosening up in the crown). When I called WBs, they told me my fork would be back in two weeks or so (we shall see?). I actually dropped it off at their headquaters in Yorba Linda. They referred to me as bro and acted like a bunch of punks. It was not confidents inspiring. Good race fork, but there are better choices for trial riding (eg Judy XC, Manitou SX, and my favorite, Marozochi). I give it four stars due to customer service and recall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This fork handles veyy well. It is extremly adjustable, and for its weight, has great ride characteristcs. | | Weaknesses: |
It is not as smooth as the coil spring forks WB makes. MAJOR WEAKNESS: THE WB SERVICE DEPT. STINKS!!!
I had to return my fork because the inner tubes wore down on the teflon bushings (that wore away!) The service dept. is inept. They are cocky and don't help. The tell you that are going to call back/do the work/get an estimate/talk to higher powers, but they never do. The fork should never have worn in the 1st place. I would have given this product a 5 rating, but there is no excuse for the fork to break and then for the service people to do nothing. After making prevoise claims on Answer products, I regret not buying one of their forks. | | Similar Products Used: |
Answer Mach 5
WB SC 90
WB SC 70
RS SID | | Bike Setup: |
I use this on a Manatou HT with the air pressure at my own weight + 5psi, and the fastest valves turned almost all the way out. | | Bottom Line: | Great Fork + poor service = won't buy again | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a Racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Whitetail Ski resort | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Here's another technical advice email I sent last week. Hope it helps ...The Englund Air carts should require no regular maintenance apart from wiping old grease off the shaft and reapplying some of the White Bros. lube (Englund Slick Honey) in a thin coat.One tip about disassembling and reassembling the fork is to make sure the cartridges have pressure in them. This provides resistance for when unscrewing the lower bolts (they are threaded into the cartridge shaft and will spin freely otherwise) and helps you line up the threads when reinstalling.I recently blew out one of the cartridges. It made a strange clicking sound when it was compressed (when removed from the shock). I wasn't able to hear it when it was installed, but the compression/rebound felt like $%&#. I called White Bros. and they gave me the warranty phone number for Englund (Bicycle Parts Pacific (BPP)) and they sent me two brand spanking new cartridges within two days of receiving the old ones! Excellent customer service from both companies, I'd say.Since I wrote the article for MTBR, I've switched back to the #2 rebound adjuster and I run a little less pressure for a softer feel. That combined with running my tires at a higher pressure has yielded the same overall ride-feel but no flats in races for over three months! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light
Stiff
Easy to maintain
Easy adjustment
Nice looking | | Weaknesses: |
Short on trave
Less plush than air/coil
Expensive | | Similar Products Used: |
SID | | Bike Setup: |
Curtlo frame
XT parts
King wheelset | | Bottom Line: | This is the best Air Englund fork on the market today, in my opinion. I also belive it is better than the SID, however, the new SID looks pretty good and is lighter than this fork. It is so easy to tune and maintain. It is a great race fork! The build is high quatlity. I give it five stars for being a supremely good race fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
tracking in corners | | Weaknesses: |
cartridges leak
blew cartridge's damping
top-out | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy SL 95-98
Girvin Crosslink '98
Manitou SX Ti, X-vert
Marzocchi Bomber Z1,2 | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Full susp. w/ Risse rear air/oil shock | | Bottom Line: | Had good luck with the fork for the first four months and then the cartridges began to top out and blow through their damping in both compression and rebound. I called White Bros. but they had no clue (two different occasions). He said that, air forks are bound to leak and you should do whatever is necessary to stop it. Try some teflon tape of loctite. I wasn't happy with the answer so I called BPP who make the total air kit and he said that he could fix my old ones, but he said I was using too much pressure, blah, blah, blah. I only use 175lbs. of pressure and the #2 damper. It was fine for the first four months so I know they are full of it. Anyway, I just sent back the cartridges to be rebuilt, but it seems like a lot of hassle compared to the cust. service that Rock Shox gives me. They would have sent me a new fork by now- not offer to rebuild my old cartridges! I spent $700 on my fork and I expect a heck of a lot better customer service by both companies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pentti
a Weekend Warrior
from perähikiä
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | This is first suspension fork I've had and I have been VERY pleased with it.
It works like a dream. I'ts conciderebly stiffers than the SID and with its adjustability it completely smokes it. Don't make an expensive mistake, buy the SC70UL (or SC72UL). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tuomas
a Cross-Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Luovi | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bike Setup: |
Finnpeak CC-02 | | Bottom Line: | I have nothing to add. Go For The Gold. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a Racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Porcupine Rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiffness
ease of adjustment | | Weaknesses: |
Tighten them bolts! | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitous (they all stink) | | Bike Setup: |
Turner Stinger -- this fork is a nice match for the Fox Air R | | Bottom Line: | Here's an email I recently sent to a 150 lb rider about set up - Hope it helps!Read the included Englund Air Cartridge instructions -- they're very easy to follow. Make sure to remove the air cartridges from the fork before making any adjustments as its much easier to deal with. The White fork like most on the market is adjustable in three ways. Rebound (how quick the fork recovers from a hit), compression (how quickly and how deeply into the travel a fork will dive based on a given impact), and preload (the amount of force that is required to make the fork begin to compress).The fork has three rebound settings -- fast, med., and slow. A slow rebound works best for downhillers who are worried about their fork being too bouncy. The med. setting is the factory preset. A fast rebound makes the fork more active (springy) and in the XC, less likely to pack up over stutter bumps. The adjustment is accomplished by changing the included screw in adjusters. The fork comes set up with #2 adjuster. For a 150 LB XC rider (like myself), I'd use adjuster #3 -- the fastest rebound adjustment. The fork compression rate is adjusted by how far you screw in the rebound adjuster. Two turns in lets the fork be very plush (easily compressed) for a 150 LB rider.Finally, I preload the shock with 175 PSI air pressure so that suspension does not begin engaging until you start to need it (the bigger hits). What you will find with the Englund air carts is that if you run the air preload too low with the compression set to a plush setting, there is a dead spot at the top of the fork travel where the fork will negatively compression under the rider's weight. If you wish to run to fork at a more active setting, reduce the preload, and screw in the adjusters 3 more turns.One word of caution: White Bros forks are notorious for not being snugly bolted together. Make double sure that you remove the brake brace bolts, loctite them, and reinstall. Teflon tape works well too. Be sure to thoroughly grease the threads where the cartridges and the crown meet.Still five chiles after a year! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Tight'n Twisty | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong and light, no flex, adjustability is very good. | | Weaknesses: |
Need to add air frequently, fork bleeds down to under 150 psi within several days | | Similar Products Used: |
Sid, Mach 5 sx, Judy Judy Judy | | Bike Setup: |
Custom NORCO Torrent | | Bottom Line: | Quite like the fork but make sure you buy a high pressure air pump. I have to add air every couple of weeks and or before every race to keep consistant | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kathy
a cross-country rider
from Northeast
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought one of these slightly used at great savings. What a total deal! I had Englund cartridges in my previous fork, so I knew what to expect from the ride. I also expected less flex and was not disappointed there. I spend a lot less time on my brakes on rocky descents and have a lot more confidence that my bike will go where I point it through the rough stuff like rock gardens. The only problem I encountered is that this fork is taller than its predecessor and I was having trouble keeping the front end weighted on steep climbs. I flipped my stem over (+/-6 deg. stem) and it worked like a charm. I love this fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mountain Man
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
All I can say is wow! This fork made me see what was wrong with all the others. My Sid leaks air all day long, my Manitou leaks oil and my zokes weighs 600 pounds. The three big boys are fooling everyone and you pay for their huge scam/advertising budget. Do not be fooled by all thier hype. They suck! get the WB and be done with the headaches. Super plush, easy to maintaine, and egads of adjustibility, and stiffer than anything on the market today. If you look around you can find a good deal on these rather expensive forks. You will easilly see that they are worth every penny. I am very pleased. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Hoffman
a racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I went from a Manitou mach 5 SX with speed springs to this fork. The first thing I noticed right off the bat was that the steering was super precise compared to my old fork and the front end of my litespeed felt like it was way lighter. They are lying about the weight as most manufactueres do, the fork actually weighs 3 lbs with the steerer tube cut to length. (I have a super precise scale) Oh well, I still dropped 3/4 of a pound off the old fork weight. One thing I will warn you about is that several bolts, including some internal bolts were very loose right out of the box. A freind and I got our forks at the same time and after finding the loose items on my fork, I took his apart also. I found basically the same thing in both forks. Make sure you check the white plastic knob that the air cartridge sits on top of. Mine fell out of the fork when I had the bike upside down with the air cartridge out. My friends was only threaded in about 3 turns. The brake arch bolts were very loose also. I like the fork alot, but I must say that the assembly was very sloppy. It is a good thing I checked my fork before riding it the first time, there could have been some serious damage done to the air cartridge. Don't be afraid to take them apart and check them, they are a very simple fork and extremely east to maintain. I added a little grease also because they looked a little on the dry side. It works like a charm now and I am happy with the performance, lets see how it does in the long term. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Mudman
a cross-country rider
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Oh my F**king God. These forks are the future now. Get yourself a second job, rob a bank, just do whatever you have to do to get these forks. You will not believe the ride or control you will have. Rock shocks leak and blow seals all the time, Zokes are really boat anchors, and Manitous are just plain lazy. Do not fall into their hype or believe there flashy adds. If you want solid plush control with infinite adjustability, easy maintinence (half hour) then you will not be disapointed. White brothers have been making suspension before most of us were even born. They got it right. I dig these forks so will you. worth every cent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skip
a weekend warrior
from Moab
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got one on my Klein attitude and can definetly say this fork teamed with the Klein (or any other) frame is nothing less than awesome. The most tuneable, easily repairable, stiff, and light fork on the market, forget the Zokes or the SID, tryed em both, don't even compair... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a cross-country rider
from Falls Church Va
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is not a review, but some info. Those who find this shock too expensive should contact www.speedgoat.com. They have been building Judys with the TotalAir long before White produced their version. You can get a good fork for $350, though not a rigid as the White. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Holy S#!T.....is all I can say! I thought this baby was sweet right from the box. After riding it now for 3 weeks it is breaking in and getting much better. Thought that was it...Then I started to adjust the bad boy....rebound and such..WOW this shock really is amazing.....looks so cool also. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Nielsen
a racer
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have at least 1,500 hard miles on this fork, and it has performed admirably. Be prepared to tinker around with the settings for the first few weeks -- I have found that the best setting is using rebound insert #3 (fastest), the compression set at 7.5-8 turns out (plushest) and the air pressure extremely firm (1:1 ratio - fork air pressure:my weight). This gets the maximum travel out of the fork without any dive in the small stuff that Englund Air Cartridges are known for. If you're thinking about buying this fork and all these adjustments sound intimidating, the fork is super easy to tune and the instructions are thorough and easy to follow. The fork carves well thru very technical singletrack and has been maintenance free. I have a Fox Vanilla Air R in the rear and the two shocks are very nicely matched. Considering that the last three forks I've had (all Manitous) have needed a rebuild every month to keep up performance (not to mention the oil level) I give these forks five chiles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Stodelle
a racer
from Yucaipa, CA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Judging by some of the complaints, many of you are not aware that White Bros is aware of the steer tube problem. In fact, they have a special plug that goes into the bottom to add strength. This is only on the older models, as the newer ones have been redesigned. White Bros has some of the best customer service and will go out of their way to fix any problems you have. I don't work for the, either, but they are a sponsor. I use it and I love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chuck
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Anyone notice what a f**king pain in the ass it is when you're going REEEEEAl fast and the steerer tube comes loose from the crown it's bonded to? Not saying it WILL happen, but it has happened before. UGLY | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Holden
a weekend warrior
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just picked up a great deal on a 98 SC70UL, and am I glad I did. This is defenitly the best fork I have ever ridden (or looked at). I have always ridden answere products and was happy with there's (even over my friends Judy's and Z2's), but this fork beats them all at what they are best at!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Scottsdale,AZ
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just replaced my Indy SL with a SC70 UL and can't believe that I waited so
long to upgrade. I have only riden with the new SC70 UL 3 times so far but
I am totally sold on it and will have difficulty buying a differnt brand next
time I buy a fork | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sammy
a weekend warrior
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Have one hooked up to my Klein Attitude Race. Let me start by saying this for replaced the Marzocchi Z2 BAM, which replaced the Manitou SX-R that came with the bike. This fork has the best combination of lateral stiffness, light weight, adjustability, plushness, cool looks, etc. of any fork out there. Don't make a costly mistake like I did, go for the Whitey out of the gate, you can't miss!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fast Bob
a racer
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
You can waste your time with those other forks: Manitous, Marzok, and be like everyone else who is obviously more concerned with buying into all their hype (manufacture and other users - some of these Zokers are cultists, regardless if their 2 ton fork dives like a missle, oh wait thats PLUSH???), Or spend your hard earned money on something that works (flawlessly in all respects after two seasons of hard racing and riding), is a piece of cake to maintain, is by far the best overall fork out there. Hands down. Read the reviews in the mags, come to a couple of races and talk to some people. You'll save yourself a costly mistake...buying any other fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a racer
from TN
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Stop reading,grab your wallet,go get this fork if you don't have one already.
It works better than any other on the market,and it's light.You will get a flex free ride that is easily tuneable.If you ever have to service it you will find it is a simple design with seals that actually keep out dirt and water.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a racer
from Bolder
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the only fork Ive owened besides my Manitou Mach 5 XC, but I ridden others bikes with not only the latest and greatest Manitou stuff (SX Ti) but also that other heavy ass brand that sinks like a submarine (ya, thats plush???). Very ridgid laterally for great control with no noticeable flex, super smooth on compression and rebound, very adjustable and serviceable. The best thing out there!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff
a racer
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork (SC70UL) will be the best purchase you can make. Don't waste your time with all the hipe and bandwagoning the others (you know the ones, they are all posted right above this one on the ratings page!). When looking at the big picture (performance, adjustability, maintanence, etc.) there is nothing out there that beats this fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Palnick
a racer
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have tried all the brands out there and as Mark says, this fork (SC70UL)is by far the best I have ever used. Super light (2.7 lbs on my scale), tracks great since it is so stiff laterally, easy air dampening that not only works (dosent leak), but is easy to use, any replacement parts (if any o-rings at the most?) easly available. Worth the few extra dollars I spent it over my Marzok. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bar nun, the best fork you can buy. Just ride somones bike who has one, nuff said. Bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla. Yada, yada, yada, yada, yada, yada, yada. Just freaken get one!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After trying Judys, Manitous, and Zokes, I can say that my 98 SC70 UL is buy far the best of the bunch. It is super light, responsive, stiff and extremely tuneable. I weigh 185 lbs. and ride everything from road, to as close to DH as you can get in the midwest, and there is not a place this fork falters. Requires minimal maintanence (so far no brake arch probs, and only has needed minor lubrication). Save up the extra cash and get one!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a cross-country rider
from Corvallis OR
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
At my age anything that is rigid is a good thing. I rode the Judy but found it too noodly, then the Girvin CrossLink, which I liked) but had it stolen, then my bud's White SC70 but then I had to have one, only better than his. I liked the peelable decals, it's weight, construction and flexless steering precision. All adjustments I have made were noticable without being drastic. I usually ride with just a little sag and stiff over thel small stuff but found the SC70UL's travel and bottom-out to be smooth, predictable and progressive while being adjusted soft. Waiting for my Moots frame to arrive I took it apart and found two pieces of metal drillings stuck to the lube near the top-out bumper..Unlike EVERY single Judy I have fixed (lubed properly) for friends (many), this fork was assembled and lubed correctly.As Woody would say If you don't have one, get one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a weekend warrior
from Isle Of Wight
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd barely heard of White Brothers before I was offered these forks as a free upgrade for my new bike (the shop had sold the pair I ordered). I checked out this page and said YES! Not a bad decision as it turned out.
This is my first hardtail and I don't have much to compare the forks with. All I can say is that I now have more confidence and can go everywhere faster and with more control than I ever did before. I haven't noticed any of the problems mentioned by some of the less impressed reviewers here - stiction, stoption, flexion and the like. In fact I seem to notice a lot of things rather less than before; roots, bumps and rocks included. The bike just goes where I point it, smoothly and with no fuss. The forks seem very easy to live with. I haven't messed about with the settings at all, just got on with the riding.
The bottom line - it would take a lot of persuading to make me change these forks for something else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OR
a racer
from ISRAEL
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my white bros. three monthes ago and a week ago I have discovered a play back and forth in the fork's leg.look's like I'm going to give this fork a minus grade right?WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! altough their is a problem with the fork,it doesnt change the fact that this is the best xc frok to suspend on this planet.I have already conected to the factory and they'l fix it for free.
all aside , this fork is very smooth , very flexfree and very tuneable.
I have never understood this gram counting , rockshox sid buyers- its more expensive , much more flexible and blows up every second ride.
since I bought this fork , my riding on dificult terrain has improved alot and now I can hold my own against almost every rider here.
If you consider yourself a xc racer but with a brains inside your bitten scall,you will buy nothing but the WHITE BROTHERS SC70UL racing fork.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey
a racer
from Orlando,FL
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a manitou that leaked oil after having rebuilt 4 times! I refused to buy a
Rock Shox because after all these years, they STILL can't figure out why their cartridges are blowing??!!! I bought this fork, and set it up exactly like Mountain Bike Action said, and it works perfect. I've let everyone ride it, and everyone can't believe how well it works, yet how supple it is. My brother who now rides a Judy XC, is saving up for this fork. Buy One. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a racer
from Castle Rock, CO
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Never totally understood what flex was until I did not have it. Had a Judy DH and just assumed all forks pogoed. Certainly, all of 'em ar springy and bouncy, right??? Wrong!!! Englund air takes a lot of hits, but I really like the way it feels, and the Brothers SC70UL is a totally amazing package to put it in. Very strong, light and controlable.By the way, I got my fork from Hi Tech Bikes for 450 clams. Good deal. Hank is cool to work with. Also got my Litespeed Unicoi from him. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MTB Chick
a racer
from Breckenridge, CO
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Not totally sold on this product. Had two weeks to test ride it and found that at speeds on drops, the fork stops forward momentum. You sorta have to drive forward with your arms to keep everything moving. Still working on adjustments, but for the price, I don't want to have to be playing with this thing for much longer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a
from nj
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
what else can i say but this is awesome!!! really preformed great! THERE IS NO OTER CHOICE, NOTHING ELSE COMPARES. THIS FORK IS AWESOME!!!!!!AWESOME!!!!!!AWESOME!!!!!! IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A SMOOTH RIDE GET THE SC70 , BUT FOR WEIGHT GET THE SC70UL! AWESOME. MUCH BETTER THAN THE SID, OR ANY ROCK SHOX. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Carpenter
a cross-country rider
from Oakland, Ca
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is very light, supple, and adjustable! It tracks beautifully, takes bottoming (from poor jumping techique;-) with aplomb. My only complaint is that I'd love another inch of travel (to better match the 4 of rear travel on my Heckler) w/o jacking up the front end. Still for me this fork gets the max rating! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
. i just test rode these forks today and boy are they sweet. excellent travel and they are soo soft and smooth it is just great. i didn't ride in a challenging way but i put them to the test as best i could and they came up number one. A truely hgreat fork and grewat value for money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus
a cross-country rider
from US
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fork did not impress me. Yes it is light and I have not noticed any real flexing even on the extreme stuff. I used to have a girvin, infact it was the older elatomer model and it rode better. It climbed better, it turned better and it was better through the rough stuff. Maybe it is just the whole telescopic feel i am not used to but I am going back to girvin. The weight isn't worth it.Marcus | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Not what I expected for the money. Far less responsive than springs. The fork is light weight though. Blew right cartridge in three weeks - I weigh 170 lbs.
Had to wait three more weeks for a replacement. Maybe the new Marzocchi SuperFly is the way to go. Lower air pressures should result in fewer failures. | |
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$ 599.00
