I am awaiting a Zeppelin Elite I got on a deal from Airborne. I am an entry level rider and am a bit concerned about the reviews I am reading regarding the front shocks (RockShox Tora 289) being inadequate. I was looking into the RockShox Recon Gold TK, is this a good upgrade and because it is tapered is that a problem ? Any other fork suggestions would be appreciated.
RockShox Recon Gold TK on Airborne Zeppelin Elite
NorCalTaz
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I am awaiting a Zeppelin Elite I got on a deal from Airborne. I am an entry level rider and am a bit concerned about the reviews I am reading regarding the front shocks (RockShox Tora 289) being inadequate. I was looking into the RockShox Recon Gold TK, is this a good upgrade and because it is tapered is that a problem ? Any other fork suggestions would be appreciated.
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Your frame doesnt have a tapered headtube so youll have to get a headset that will adapt the tapered fork (1.5") to non tapered headtube (1 1/8") Im not 100% sure anyone even makes them but check Cane Creek. They have a headset finder tool that will tell you what you need for the conversion. Or you could just find a fork with 1 1/8" steer tube.
The stock TORA that came with the bike had 130mm travel, so make sure you get a fork with at least 120mm-140mm travel.
Do you have wheels yet? 'cause you'll need to know what front axle to get - 9mm, 15mm, or 20mm. Some hubs are convertible to each.
The stock TORA that came with the bike had 130mm travel, so make sure you get a fork with at least 120mm-140mm travel.
Do you have wheels yet? 'cause you'll need to know what front axle to get - 9mm, 15mm, or 20mm. Some hubs are convertible to each.
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Looking around I am not finding a lot of choices with 1 1/8" head tube and 130 - 140 travel that is available. Been looking at th ie Manitou Minute Pro 140, but cannot locate a dealer with it in stock for the 1 1/8" tube. If I choose to go to 120mm forks, how much am I sacrificing in the bikes geometry/handling. I am pretty much a noob and don't expect doing a lot of big drops or jumps, but will be single tracking quite a bit in the sierras
Conversely, what would be the effects of stepping to 150mm of travel (IE Rockshox Sektor RL) ?
Conversely, what would be the effects of stepping to 150mm of travel (IE Rockshox Sektor RL) ?
130mm Minute Expert: http://www.cswestbikes.com/servlet/the-14357/Manitou-Minute-Expert-QR/Detail
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Thanks, saw that, it is on my shortlist
Here's a better price for the Minute Expert.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/manitou-minute-expert-forks-2013/rp-prod57827
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/manitou-minute-expert-forks-2013/rp-prod57827
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727 Posts
Or, you could drop in a motion control damper into the Tora. The damper would effectively make it much more tune able, and have a lockout. There are a few good discussions on this website about the Tora moco upgrade.
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Looking at both the links, I see that one is a 2011 and the other is 2013. I cannot see any difference by the descriptions that means anything to me. Can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference between the two ?
2013 Manitou Minute Expert Forks 2013 | Chain Reaction Cycles
2011- Manitou Minute Expert QR fork, 130mm - black
2013 Manitou Minute Expert Forks 2013 | Chain Reaction Cycles
2011- Manitou Minute Expert QR fork, 130mm - black
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1,625 Posts
Thanks Cobba, you've been a big help here. Problem solved
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