[AndHesEcuador]

Hello,

My current ride is a 2007 Ibex Alpine 550 that I bought 2 year ago because it was a good all around bike.

However, two things have happened since then. One, my fork has a bad leak that no shop can seem to repair. Two, I've realized that I ride more agressively than XC, actually more towards AM or FR.

So, I'd like to upgrade my front fork but I have a little different criteria than most. I want a fork that is tough and withstands lots of abuse. It should last me many good years.
Does a coil fork last longer than a air fork?
What do I need to know in terms of compatibility?
Can any of you suggest a fork within the $200-400 range?

Mucho Thanks in advance,

EQ

 

[One Pivot]

you have an xc bike.. if you think your riding style is beyond what your bike came with, its really time to be bike shopping!

if you're on a budget you can pickup one of those sette flite completes and just sell off your bike. then you'd actually have a suitable frame and base to build around.

 

[Warp]

It should last me many good years.[/B]

Older coil-oil Marzocchis. If you can get your hands on a Z1, get it.

Does a coil fork last longer than a air fork?

Without any maintenance, yes. With decent maintenance, no difference.

What do I need to know in terms of compatibility?

Honestly, as mentioned before, you need a different bike, but I know that's not the answer you wanted to hear... You need a 100-120mm fork, 1 1/8" steerer, disc compatible... that describes a lot of forks in the market.

Can any of you suggest a fork within the $200-400 range?

Mucho Thanks in advance,

EQ

RS Tora Coil.

However, I'd start looking for a better mechanic as I don't know of a fork leak that can't be fixed unless the casting or uppers are pierced through.

What model is on yours??

 

[AndHesEcuador]

One Pivot: Thanks for the advice. Do you think a novice with the right tools (aka me) could figure out the problem? I've sent it for warrenty and it can back ok, only to go slack after a day or so. Took it into a bike shop and got the same result only $70 poorer.:madman:

Warp: I would like to be able to service everything myself. Is coil a better option then? I have a Manitou Axel at the moment. Thanks a lot too for your help.

 

[AndHesEcuador]

Oh, and in case I buy used, what is the minimum steerer tube length that would work?

 

[Warp]

Oh, and in case I buy used, what is the minimum steerer tube length that would work?

Take off your fork and measure your current steerer. Buy equal or longer.

I figure than in Ecuador as it happens in Mexico, parts availability is rather disappointing. Buy a popular brand in your country or something you could feel confident ordering parts for.

I'd take a coil for simplicity. It doesn't have as many seals that you may have to buy from outside your country.

Get a fork that has instructions for rebuild available. Fox and Rock Shocks are leaders in that regard as they offer Service Instructions and Parts Numbers (particularly Rock Shox) on-line so you can do things yourself.

I've heard amazing things from Manitou as of late, too...

If you can get an older Marzocchi Z1 or Marathon, those would be my first choice. They were bombproof.

Look for service instructions of the Axel on Manitou's site. Yes, you can service it yourself, just be very careful. No special tools that I remember of. You may need spare parts, though.

 

[AndHesEcuador]

Thanks Warp.

I'm actually back in the states now so that won't be much of an issue.

Some of the rock shox forks I'm looking at have 20mm thru-axles. Currently I am using a quick release type. What is involved for making this switch? A new hub, wheel, etc?

 

[Aresab]

The Axel from Manitou is a grease fork, could it be your seeing the grease on the tubes or are you leaking something else? The Tora is an excellent fork, both air and coil. I'm pretty large and the soloair continues to survive. I used to race MX when i was young, so I'm not easy on it.

BTW, wheelworld .com has the Tora Soloair for 189 and there is 20% off until 12/27. It is a great deal and is quick release.