[cbzdel]

Long story short I have a 2011 Specialized 29er (not the sport edition). I bought it as a entry level bike to see how into MTB I actually get. But I feel the fork on this bike SUCKS. Is there a decent fork I can get around $200 range that would be better than whats on there now.

Also the fork thats on there now is 80mm, can I get a 100mm or does that screw up the geometry of the bike?

If I get really into biking over the next couple year I plan on getting a more high end bike, but for now I feel this bike is doing me great other than the factory fork.

My riding style is everything, including commuting though the city 2 miles to work.

 

[DFYFZX]

Pick one

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=tora+29&_sacat=0&_odkw=tora&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

 

[cbzdel]

I read that was the best fork in my price range on another thread but it was a 26" edition, seem like its a good fit for the 29er as well.

To bad its white, I was really hoping black haha!

Thanks!

 

[DFYFZX]

They make 26" and 29" models. The search I gave you was only for 29" models. The white ones are coil spring, black is air. The air is considered an upgrade but my wife is completely happy with her coil spring model. It's slightly heavier but smooth as butter and easy to set up. MUCH cheaper also

 

[xjbaylor]

The Tora is a great choice, but if you get really lucky and find a Manitou Minute in your price range jump on it. Especially if it has the Absolute damper already installed.

 

[cbzdel]

Thanks guys, I will take a look and see what I can find, my local bike shop has a sign up saying they will match online prices to so cant beat that.

I have no idea how to install one of these, is it simple, or should I have a pro do it? I want to learn how to do it all eventually..

 

[mlk3454]

My ss hardtail has an 80mm (convertible to 100 with shims if wanted) that is now 4 years old and has run without any complaints or hiccups.

 

[cbchess]

I just got a new 29er coil tora for $160 and I love it for the money. I might upgade the spring eventually to a firmer one but it is doing great now. I think a new spring is like $35.

so +1 for tora as a good cheap fork for a 29er.

 

[mtnbiker72]

The Tora TK is about as low as you want to go but certainly better than the stock fork. If you can spend $300 you will get a ENORMOUS improvement with the Manitou Tower
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=FK5353

 

[mwarner57]

I just picked up a $100 Dart3 for my singlespeed, and it works awesome. I have a Reba Race on my Big Mama, and it's hard to tell the difference between the two on the trail. A great fork if you can deal the pound or so weight penalty (steel steerer). I hear you can get the Tora with an alum. steerer, though, so might be the way to go if you're concerned about weight and willing to spend a little extra. For what it's worth, I went from 80 to 100 on the SS and didn't notice a significant change in the handling.

 

[mtnbiker72]

I just picked up a $100 Dart3 for my singlespeed, and it works awesome. I have a Reba Race on my Big Mama, and it's hard to tell the difference between the two on the trail. A great fork if you can deal the pound or so weight penalty (steel steerer). I hear you can get the Tora with an alum. steerer, though, so might be the way to go if you're concerned about weight and willing to spend a little extra. For what it's worth, I went from 80 to 100 on the SS and didn't notice a significant change in the handling.

Compared to the Tora TK...there is of course the minor (unless you weigh more than 140lbs) difference in Stanchion size.

Compared to a Reba...

I can argue that my Tora 318 Solo Air compares favorably to my Reba RLT but the Dart...

 

[cbzdel]

I just got a new 29er coil tora for $160 and I love it for the money. I might upgade the spring eventually to a firmer one but it is doing great now. I think a new spring is like $35.

so +1 for tora as a good cheap fork for a 29er.

where did you get it for $160 that cheaper than every where I have seen.

 

[Bucktown]

I am considering a Tora for my 29er as well. I have an entry level '11 Marlin with a Suntour xct v3 100mm fork. Ive had the bike for 3 weeks, put 180 miles on it half road half trail and the lockout sucks, when locked it still moves about an 1/8" and it is annoying as hell.

Does anyone know if the lockout on the Tora TK truly locks it?

My Suntour is starting to act kinda weird feels kinda jittery and not so smooth.

I am about 175 lbs give or take, is the Tora a good choice around $200?

 

[DFYFZX]

I got my wide's Tora for $165 brand new on Ebay. $160ish a really good deal but it's not impossible to find...

 

[Bucktown]

Does the lockout on the Tora work well, is there any movement when locked??

 

[mtnbiker72]

Does the lockout on the Tora work well, is there any movement when locked??

Turn Key has a threshold just like any good lockout does...this may result in a small amount of movement. A threshold allows for the fork to move when it hits a large obstacle due to rider error, otherwise you would be replacing seals in your damper.

:thumbsup:

 

[DFYFZX]

I've never encountered a fork that truly locks out without giving a bit and I've ridden some $1000+ forks. All the lockout does is it closes a valve inside the fork that stops the oil from flowing but a tiny bit always will make it's way through over time. If the fork truly locked out 100% then you'd probably tear something up internally anyway.

My wife's Tora TK, which I got off Ebay brand new for $165, locks out MUCH better than the crap Dart it replaced. That being said, it does compress after a while and won't rebound until you unlock it. Considering what I paid for it, it's awesome! Compared to my $900 Fox, it's not nearly as nice. You get what you pay for...

I fully endorse what mtnbiker72 said

 

[mudlake]

I have a tora on my 26" and have been planing use one on my Stout but what are the pros and cons on the dart 3 i am in the 150 lb range 52 years old and pokey best describes my top speed

 

[mwarner57]

Pros:
-Cheap!
-Lockout that works, with blowoff threshold
-Turnkey damper works well.
-Cheap!

Cons:
-Heavy
-No floodgate (blowoff threshold is not adjustable)
-At 150lbs, I'm guessing you will need to buy a softer spring. At 175, mine is a tad oversprung.
-Stanchion tubes are smaller diameter than Reba or Tora, so fork will not be as stiff laterally. I haven't been able to feel the flex on my hardtail, though.
-People who haven't ridden one will dis you

 

[DFYFZX]

I've ridden one and I've also ridden a Tora. Get the Tora. In comparison, the Dart is a turd. Definitely worth the upcharge