[SEA_MTBR]

So I tried to use my PIKE 454 on an EG build. I can't believe how unbalanced it feels. I found it very difficult to tackle rooted and rocky climbs because the front fork was so waited. To my surprise, the PIKE performed really well on the down hill sections.

A 160mm fork is definitely required. I may have settled on the TALAS 36 RC2 but was curious about other recommendations out there before I drop the big bills.

 

[Rollin'in'Zona]

Talas? Why not Float

..... I may have settled on the TALAS 36 RC2 but was curious about other recommendations out there before I drop the big bills.

I pondered the TALAS / Float quandry for months. After reading a lot of posts on the Talas, I've decided against it.

Unless you really need the travel adjust, I'd go with the 36 Float. The TALAS mechanism adds weight, and, historically (into 2008 anyway), performance / relability shortcomings.

I've run my El Guapo since June 2007 with a 170mm '06 66SL (5.5lbs). It's been surprisingly fantastic for DH - I've done a lot of resort double-blacks on it - but it still pedals uphill wonderfully. However, after 1 1/2 years on the bike, I feel a shorter, lighter fork is really what the frame needs to achieve it's ultimate balance. So I'm swapping to a 36 Float asap.

 

[dog]

I pondered the TALAS / Float quandry for months. After reading a lot of posts on the Talas, I've decided against it.

Unless you really need the travel adjust, I'd go with the 36 Float. The TALAS mechanism adds weight, and, historically (into 2008 anyway), performance / relability shortcomings.

I've run my El Guapo since June 2007 with a 170mm '06 66SL (5.5lbs). It's been surprisingly fantastic for DH - I've done a lot of resort double-blacks on it - but it still pedals uphill wonderfully. However, after 1 1/2 years on the bike, I feel a shorter, lighter fork is really what the frame needs to achieve it's ultimate balance. So I'm swapping to a 36 Float asap.

ditto